How To Get A Cape Cod Exterior?

Cape Cod homes, dating back to the 1600s, are known for their symmetrical design scheme, shingled siding, gabled dormers, large centralized chimney, double-hung windows, and prominent window shutters. These homes retain their historical character by incorporating key elements such as cedar shingle siding, steep gable roofs, and symmetrical facades.

The main design elements of a Cape Cod house include a compact, rectangular footprint with either one story or one-and-a-half stories, symmetrical design with a center front door and large central chimney, steep roofs with side gables, and windows positioned close to the roofline. Dormers were added later for more light.

When renovating a Cape Cod home, consider adding a portico and changing to double-hung windows. These charming facades are more than just brick and mortar; they also offer stunning street views. Consider decorative shutters or flower boxes to enhance the appearance and functionality of your Cape Cod home.

In summary, Cape Cod homes are known for their simple shapes, limited ornamentation, and symmetrical facades. By incorporating modern features like clean color palettes, open floor plans, and minimalistic furniture and decor, you can create a unique and charming Cape Cod home that is easy to spot in your neighborhood.

How do you modernize a Cape Cod exterior?

A modern cape cod house is a blend of tradition and innovation, combining elements like cedar shingle siding, steep gable roofs, and symmetrical facades with contemporary features like expansive glass doors and sleek metal roofing. This creates a home that maintains its historical charm while offering modern comfort and functionality. The allure of a modern cape cod house lies in its ability to harmonize the old with the new, creating a sophisticated retreat that honors its past while embracing the future.

What is the least popular exterior house color?

Unpopular colors on your home’s exterior can significantly reduce its value. Avoid shades of pink, brick red, straw yellow, dark greens, and bold pellets. It’s important to choose your own colors, as everyone’s preferences are unique. Neutrals are a safe bet for those concerned about neighbors’ opinions. For a fun, colorful look, consider large paint samples before committing to a color. If you’re nervous about color selection, consider getting a professional consultation or following Kind Home Solutions on Instagram for a variety of house color combinations.

Avoid bright yellows, fast-fading reds, and bold blues and stick with neutrals like grays for a safer choice. For expert advice, contact Kind Home Solutions. Let’s help your home stand out and make it stand out.

What is a Cape Cod style house exterior?

Cape Cod houses are known for their simple shapes and limited exterior ornamentation, often featuring side-gabled roofs with sloped sides and pitched triangular areas. Historically, Cape Cod houses were modestly-sized with one to one-and-a-half stories, making it easier to heat the buildings during winter. Today, the house style’s sturdy, practical appearance maintains its simple appeal. Many Cape Cod houses are recognizable for their symmetrical front windows, known as a full Cape, half Cape, or three-quarter Cape. Variations include windows on only one side of the door and two windows on one side and one on the other.

What is the best exterior color for a Cape Cod style house?

Cape Cod homes are known for their natural color and tones, with wood shingles and weathered New England seaside shingles being popular choices for homeowners. White and off-whites are the most popular paint color, reflecting the greek-revival look of the mid-1800s. Clapboard is often applied to the front of the home, allowing homeowners to add colors like softer blues, yellows, or light grays. The major trim, eaves, and window trim are painted to contrast with the main body of the home, emphasizing the symmetrical design features. This unique style of Cape Cod home has been a popular choice ever since.

What is the best siding for Cape Cod?

In order to achieve the architectural style known as Cape Cod, it is necessary to select exterior siding that resembles cedar shingles that have been weathered by coastal elements. It is recommended that a neutral palette be selected, comprising soft whites or subdued grays. This should be done in order to create an effect that is reminiscent of sun-bleached driftwood and sandy shores. To achieve a coastal aesthetic, it is recommended to integrate traditional architectural elements such as gables and shutters. It is recommended that design ideas be previewed on a model of the prospective residence.

What are Cape Cods colors?

Cape Cod homes often feature traditional color schemes, such as ochre, brown, reddish-brown, blue, and green, with clapboards on the front. 20th-century Capes also feature siding in white, beige, blue-grey, and red. Tinkertown in Duxbury offers unique Cape Cod homes, including a Turquoise home painted in 2020. Architect Royal Barry Wills, known for his Capes in the South Shore and Plymouth area, considered a conservative color palette “just right” for traditional Cape Cod-style homes.

What type of siding adds the most value to a home?

Fiber cement siding offers a significant return on investment, with an average return of 88. 5 percent on the cost of a siding project. The 2023 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report shows that replacing existing siding with fiber cement adds an average of $17, 129 to a home’s value. Hardie ® fiber cement siding and trim offer lifetime value, lower insurance rates, reduced maintenance due to ColorPlus® Technology finishes, and excellent warranties. These products are non-combustible, hail-damage resistant, and can outlast typical repair, maintenance, and replacement cycles. Contact your agent for more information on these benefits.

What are the disadvantages of a Cape Cod style house?

Cape Cod houses are characterized by their tidy, symmetrical facade, sloped roof, and size, making them ideal for smaller families. However, they have limitations in the second floor, which is often small and cramped, and where heat gets trapped. Expanding a Cape Cod house can be challenging due to the need for planning to maintain the style. Common characteristics of Cape Cod homes include a basic rectangular shape, one story plus a half-story second floor, steeply pitched roof, central chimney, center door, low ceilings, shutter-clad and dormer windows, and cottage-like landscaping. Despite these drawbacks, Cape Cod architecture remains a popular choice for those seeking a unique and stylish home.

What are the cons about Cape Cod house?

Capes often face issues such as a sauna upstairs, freezing knee wall attics in winter, drafty downstairs due to foundation leaks, and a lack of AC access to the second floor. Tudors, inspired by British countryside homes, were popular in the early 20th century and often require modernizing in heating and cooling due to their solid, old-school materials. These homes often require a bit of modernizing to ensure comfort and energy efficiency.

How can I make my house exterior look more modern?

The exterior of a home significantly influences its value, and it should match its architectural style, look good from the street, and protect the home from moisture and elements. It also needs to be sustainable and durable. 27 unique exterior home remodeling ideas are available to inspire your next project, including installing fiber cement siding, adding accent sections, using a fresh coat of paint, using a pop of trim color, updating your roof, adding a porch, adding texture, and replacing shutters. These ideas aim to make your home look its best and ensure its durability and longevity.

How do I add on to a Cape Cod style house?

If your Cape Cod home doesn’t have enough space for a rear addition, consider adding a front porch to break up the roofline and maintain the traditional style. This can be open or enclosed to create additional living spaces like a mudroom or children’s play area. Good landscaping, such as lush gardens, trees, or picket fences, can also enhance the property’s curb appeal and overall appearance.