Cape Cod houses are a style of house originating in the 17th century in New England and were designed for the extreme winters experienced in the northeast. Characteristics of a typical Cape Cod house include the following: a symmetrical, rectangular shape; a centered front door; light-colored clapboard or shingle siding; small, symmetrically placed windows; end-gable roofs; and a central chimney.
Many also had a dormer, which is a window on a sloping roof, though this was less common. The style was designed for simplicity and utility, with few frills and decorations. The central chimney was the main source of heat and the simple shape of the houses made them most efficient to heat.
While the original style is based on simplicity, modern versions often have more intricate detailing, more windows and other variations.
What design style is Cape Cod?
Cape Cod is a classic traditional architectural style that originated in New England in the 17th and 18th centuries. Characteristics of Cape Cod style homes include small, boxy shapes with steep roofs, central chimneys, and shingled exteriors.
Inside, Cape Cod style homes feature cozy, inviting floor plans with low ceilings, exposed beams, and small fireplaces. There is often an asymmetrical layout for the living areas, with cozy bedrooms tucked away in the narrow corners of the home.
The Cape Cod style is meant to evoke a sense of warmth, simplicity and comfort. Outside, the homes often feature wide wrap around porches, dormer windows, shutters, picket fences, and a vibrantly colored front door.
Cape Cod homes are often sided with cedar shingles, clapboard, or vertical siding and most traditionally they are painted in a single, muted color—usually white. Overall, the Cape Cod style is classic and timeless, and is still very popular in the United States today.
What is the difference between Cape Cod and Colonial?
Cape Cod and Colonial are both architectural styles, but they differ in a few ways. Cape Cod style houses originated in New England in the 17th century and are known for their simple, symmetrical design and steep roofs.
The windows are usually small and symmetrically placed, with shutters decorating them. Additionally, these homes often feature a large central chimney and dormer windows on the exterior. The interior is often paneled with wood walls, mainly for heating in the wintertime.
Colonial style homes began appearing in America during the 18th century, with a design heavily inspired by British architecture. These homes feature more ornate design elements than their Cape Cod counterparts, such as formal entrance areas with larger, often double, front doors.
Colonial style homes are generally two stories, with a square shape and symmetrical window placement. The windows may have shutters, but don’t necessarily have to. The interior is often divided into formal rooms, with fireplaces, wood paneling and ornamental moldings further adding to the effect.
Should a Cape Cod house have shutters?
Yes, a Cape Cod house should have shutters. Shutters are a classic and timeless style choice that compliment the Cape Cod style of architecture very well. Shutters bring an element of charm and beauty to any home, no matter your style.
Exterior shutters add character to your home’s design and allow you to express your style to create an inviting atmosphere. They also provide additional protection from the elements, such as high winds and excessive sunlight.
Additionally, exterior shutters can add a layer of insulation to your home and help to keep energy costs down. Overall, shutters are an excellent choice for a Cape Cod home that can have both practical and aesthetic benefits.
What is a Mediterranean style house?
A Mediterranean style house is one that draws from the architecture of Southern Europe, featuring warm colors and stucco exteriors, often with terracotta rooftops. These homes also typically feature large, open interiors with high ceilings and arched doorways, as well as symmetrical geometrical floor and window styles.
Exposed beams and carved patterns are common details of Mediterranean homes, as well as outdoor terraces, patios, and large interior courtyards, which are perfect for entertaining or taking in scenic views.
While Mediterranean style homes generally originate from the architecture of Italy, they can also be found in the Mediterranean regions of France, Spain, and the coastal states of the United States.
What is Cape Cod known for?
Cape Cod is a popular vacation spot on the east coast of Massachusetts, boasting miles of picturesque beaches and quaint towns along the shore. It is known for its charming seaside villages, marine activities such as sailing and whale watching, lighthouses, seafood and art galleries.
The beaches are a major attraction of Cape Cod, and a part of old American history. Many of the quaint, seaside towns have wooden boardwalks lined with restaurants, boutiques and shops. sun-drenched beach towns, is great for swimming, boating, fishing and other water activities.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or something a bit more adventurous, like kayaking or sailing, there’s something to do for everyone. In addition, Cape Cod also has some of the best seafood available anywhere and is renowned for its fresh seafood selection.
Restaurants and seafood markets throughout the region serve local favorites like lobster, clams, and oysters. The region’s art scene is growing as well. Art gallery tours, music and theater are found in many of the towns in the area.
There is plenty of entertainment and activities to enjoy, making Cape Cod an ideal vacation spot.
Is it cheaper to build a ranch or Cape Cod?
The cost of building a ranch or Cape Cod style home largely depends on the scope of the project, the size and quality of materials used, and the contractor or builder you use. With a ranch, the foundation and main structure are typically one level, making it cheaper to build than a two-story Cape Cod.
A ranch also has a simple roof, which is less costly to construct than a Cape Cod house with its steeply-pitched roof and second story. However, if you opt to add features such as a garage, porch, or deck, the cost of building a ranch may rise significantly.
On the other hand, a Cape Cod typically has a smaller building footprint,which means more cost-effective use of materials. While the cost savings on the foundation, exterior walls and roof may off-set the cost of the second story, more complex features like a bumpout such as a bay window can substantially add to the final cost of building a Cape Cod.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to build a ranch or a Cape Cod largely depends on the size of your budget.
Do Cape Cod style homes have basements?
Yes, Cape Cod style homes can have basements. Basements are not a traditional feature in this style of home, but modern-day Cape Cod house plans often include a basement. The advantage of including a basement in a Cape Cod style home is that it can give the homeowner additional living space.
A basement can add storage, area for entertaining, a dedicated home office, or additional bedrooms. Building a basement in a Cape Cod style home does require additional costs. The design of the home must incorporate the basement and the foundation must be designed for the basement.
If a homeowner is considering adding a basement to a Cape Cod home, it is important to review the building codes to ensure the basement meets those standards.
What makes a house a Cape Cod style?
The Cape Cod style of house is a traditional New England design that has become popular throughout the United States and dates back to the 17th century. The distinctive style is easily identifiable with its symmetry, steep roof, and central front door.
Characteristics of a typical Cape Cod house include wooden or vinyl siding, windows with multiple panes, and a single-story layout. Additionally, traditional Cape Cod houses usually have a central chimney and dormers, which are small projections on the roof that add both character and space.
The style offers a cozy, homey feel and is popular with beachside homes and cottage-style retreats. The symmetrical design and muted colors of the exterior make for a timeless look, which is why its been a staple in the architecture world for centuries.
What is the most popular color of the house?
The most popular color for houses is either white or light gray. White and light gray are the most popular because they provide a neutral backdrop that can be easily accessorized with a variety of other colors.
Additionally, they are often considered sleek and modern, while still being able to blend into almost any home’s overall style. Using whites and light grays throughout a home gives a sense of openness and lightness that helps to create a bright, airy atmosphere.
These colors are also able to create a calming effect, which is great for eliciting relaxation. Finally, they also reflect light to help accent other colors.
What are the exterior colors for a small house?
The exterior colors for a small house can vary greatly, depending on the preferences of the homeowner. Generally, lighter colors are preferred for smaller homes, as they make the house look larger. Pale shades of yellow, beige, and gray are popular choices.
If you prefer more dramatic hues, muted shades of blue and green can provide a nice balance of color and style. For a vintage look, you can also consider warm browns, tans, and reds. When selecting an exterior color for a small house, consider current trends, the local climate, landscaping, the overall style of the home, and the colors of neighboring houses.
What color is Seapearl by Benjamin Moore?
Seapearl by Benjamin Moore is a soft and subtle neutral color. It has a light gray undertone and is a mix of soft gray and taupe shades. It has a classic warmth that gives off a calming and peaceful feeling to any room.
With its light hue it is perfect for any space that looking for a subtle, but welcoming atmosphere. Seapearl also pairs well with most other colors and is extremely versatile.