Defining Characteristics of the Cape Cod Style Homes Exterior
At its heart, the Cape Cod style homes exterior is defined by a few key elements that work together to create a cohesive and timeless look. These characteristics were functional responses to the climate and available materials of early New England but have become the standard for the style. Recognizing these features is the first step in identifying and appreciating a genuine Cape Cod home.
The overall shape is typically rectangular. This simple footprint was easy and efficient to build with the technology of the time. This straightforward form contributes to the style’s sense of unpretentiousness and practicality.
The Iconic Roofline and Shape
Perhaps the most defining feature of the Cape Cod style homes exterior is its steep, pitched roof. This design served a crucial purpose: shedding heavy snow loads common in New England winters. The roof angle is typically 45 degrees or steeper, creating a prominent triangle on the gable ends.
The roof often features a side gable design, meaning the slopes are on the longer sides of the house. This steep roof creates a significant attic space, which was often left unfinished or used for storage in early homes but later became the primary location for bedrooms, illuminated by characteristic dormer windows.
Classic Siding Materials
Historically, the siding on a Cape Cod style home exterior was made from wood. Clapboard siding, with its overlapping horizontal boards, is perhaps the most classic choice, offering a smooth, durable finish. Wood shingles or shakes, particularly cedar, were also common, naturally weathering to a soft gray or brown hue, adding texture and a rustic feel.
Today, while real wood is still used, many homeowners opt for low-maintenance alternatives like fiber cement or vinyl siding designed to mimic the look and texture of traditional wood. The choice of siding significantly impacts the final aesthetic of the exterior.
Windows: Simple and Symmetrical
Windows on a typical Cape Cod style homes exterior are simple, double-hung windows. Historically, they featured many small panes of glass, often six-over-six (six panes in the upper sash, six in the lower). This was due to the limitations of glass manufacturing at the time.
Symmetry is key to the traditional Cape Cod facade. Windows are typically placed neatly and evenly on either side of the central front door. On larger homes, pairs of windows might flank the entry. The simplicity and symmetrical placement lend a sense of order and balance to the exterior.
The Central Entryway
The front door on a classic Cape Cod style home exterior is almost always located in the center of the front facade. This central placement reinforces the overall symmetry of the design. The entryway is typically understated, often consisting of a single door with minimal adornment.
A simple stoop or a small, unadorned porch might be present. Elaborate porticos or large covered porches are generally not characteristic of the true historical Cape Cod style, prioritizing function and simplicity over grandeur at the main entry point.
Prominent Chimneys
A large, central chimney is another hallmark of the early Cape Cod style homes exterior. In the 17th century, the chimney housed fireplaces that were the primary source of heat and cooking inside the home. Its central placement allowed fireplaces in multiple rooms downstairs to share the same chimney stack, maximizing efficiency.
While modern Cape Cods may have smaller or off-center chimneys depending on the heating system, a prominent chimney remains a visually important element of the exterior, hinting at the cozy hearth within and connecting the home to its historical roots.
Integrating Dormer Windows
While not always present in the earliest examples, dormer windows became a defining feature of the practical Cape Cod style homes exterior, particularly in later iterations and the Colonial Revival period. These windows project vertically from the sloping roof, adding light and headroom to the usable space on the second floor (often converted attic space).
Dormers break up the large expanse of the roof and add visual interest to the upper part of the house. Their design and placement are crucial to maintaining the style’s balance and charm. They transform the dark, sloping attic into habitable bedrooms or living areas.
Types of Dormers
Two main types of dormers are commonly seen on a Cape Cod style home exterior. The most traditional is the gable dormer, which has a miniature gable roof itself and often contains a single window. Gable dormers are typically spaced evenly along the roofline.
Another type is the shed dormer, which has a single, gently sloping roof that runs parallel to the eave line of the main roof. Shed dormers can be quite long, housing multiple windows and providing more continuous interior space than gable dormers. While less traditional than gable dormers for the classic look, they are found on many larger or later-period Cape Cods.
Placement and Proportion
The placement of dormers on a Cape Cod style home exterior usually mirrors the window placement on the first floor, maintaining the overall symmetry. They are typically aligned above the first-floor windows. Proportion is also key; the dormers should look like they belong to the house, not too large or too small compared to the main house structure and roof.
Symmetrically placed gable dormers are characteristic of the quintessential image of a Cape Cod. A single, long shed dormer can sometimes be used, particularly on the rear of the house, offering maximum light and space without altering the traditional symmetrical look of the front facade as dramatically.
Evolution and Variations of Cape Cod Exteriors
The Cape Cod style homes exterior didn’t remain static over the centuries. It evolved from a purely functional dwelling into a much-loved architectural style that was revived and adapted. Understanding these variations helps explain the differences seen in Cape Cod homes built in different eras.
These variations often involve additions or modifications to the basic form and features, driven by changing needs, lifestyles, and aesthetic preferences throughout history. However, they usually retain recognizable elements of the original style on the exterior.
The First Period Cape Cod
The original Cape Cod homes, built roughly between 1690 and 1760 (the “First Period”), had a very simple Cape Cod style home exterior. They were typically small (often just one or two rooms deep), had a steep roof, a massive central chimney, and minimal decoration. They were often asymmetrical if additions were made over time.
These early homes were built for function and survival in a harsh environment. The Cape Cod style homes exterior of this era was unpainted wood (often oak or cedar shingles), which weathered naturally. Windows were small, and dormers were rare, as the attic was often left unfinished.
The Colonial Revival Influence
The Cape Cod style home exterior that most people picture today largely derives from the Colonial Revival movement of the early 20th century (roughly 1880s to 1940s). Architects and builders rediscovered the charm of early American architecture and began building new homes inspired by these historical styles.
Colonial Revival Cape Cods often retained the steep roof pitch, central chimney (though sometimes smaller), symmetrical facade, and double-hung windows. However, they were typically larger than the originals, often two full stories or one-and-a-half with prominent dormers to make the upstairs fully functional. They were also commonly painted, often white, adding to their bright, cheerful Cape Cod style homes exterior appearance.
Adding Modern Amenities
Modern interpretations of the Cape Cod style home exterior sometimes incorporate elements not found in historical examples, such as attached garages, larger porches, or wings extending from the main structure. These additions are often designed to blend seamlessly with the core style, using similar roof pitches, siding materials, and window styles.
While a purist might argue these detract from the original simplicity, they reflect contemporary living needs. A well-designed addition maintains the spirit of the Cape Cod style homes exterior by respecting its proportions, materials, and overall aesthetic, ensuring the home still feels like a Cape Cod from the street.
Materials and Color Palettes for the Cape Cod Exterior
The choice of materials and colors significantly impacts the final look and feel of a Cape Cod style home exterior. Traditional materials contribute to the authentic charm, while classic color palettes enhance the architectural features and create a welcoming appearance.
Selecting the right combination of siding, roofing, trim, and accent colors is essential for achieving the classic Cape Cod style home exterior aesthetic. These choices can make the home feel traditional, slightly coastal, or even subtly modern while staying true to the style’s roots.
Exterior Siding Choices
As mentioned, wood clapboard and wood shingles (shakes) are the most traditional siding choices for a Cape Cod style home exterior. Clapboard offers clean horizontal lines, while shingles provide a more textured, often rustic look. Cedar is a popular choice due to its durability and natural resistance to insects and decay.
For lower maintenance, fiber cement siding (like Hardie Plank) and vinyl siding are popular alternatives. These materials can be manufactured to closely resemble the texture and profile of wood clapboard or shingles and come in a wide range of colors, allowing homeowners to achieve the desired look with less upkeep.
Roofing Materials
The steep roof on a Cape Cod style home exterior is typically covered with materials that are durable and weather-resistant. Asphalt shingles are the most common and economical choice today, available in various colors, often charcoal gray or black to provide contrast with lighter siding.
Historically, wood shakes or shingles were used for roofing as well as siding, adding to the rustic charm. While more expensive and requiring more maintenance, they offer an authentic look. Slate is another durable, high-end option that can be used on steeper roofs, providing a long-lasting and elegant finish to the Cape Cod style homes exterior.
Exterior Paint Colors and Combinations
The quintessential color scheme for a Cape Cod style home exterior is white siding with black or dark green shutters and trim. This classic combination is bright, clean, and highlights the architectural details like windows and the front door.
Other traditional colors include muted historical tones like soft grays, blues, or yellows for the siding. Sometimes, natural wood shingles are left unstained to weather to a silvery-gray. The trim is often painted a contrasting color, such as white or cream, to make the windows and corners pop. The front door might be painted a bold color like red or blue to serve as a focal point. The goal is often a clean, crisp look that emphasizes the home’s simple, elegant form.
Landscaping and the Cape Cod Exterior
The relationship between the house and its surroundings is important for the overall aesthetic of the Cape Cod style home exterior. Landscaping should complement the home’s simple charm without overpowering it. The goal is to create a welcoming and classic garden that enhances the facade.
Traditional landscaping for a Cape Cod home often reflects the practicality and understated beauty of the architectural style itself. It focuses on classic plantings and simple, neat arrangements that frame the house beautifully.
Foundation Plantings
Foundation plantings around a Cape Cod style home exterior are typically simple and traditional. Low shrubs, such as boxwoods or hydrangeas, are popular choices. These plants add greenery and soften the transition between the house and the ground without hiding the architectural features, particularly the windows and siding.
Flower beds often feature classic cottage garden favorites like hostas, petunias, impatiens, or roses. These plantings add color and charm close to the house, enhancing the welcoming nature of the Cape Cod style homes exterior.
Walkways and Patios
Walkways leading to the central front door on a Cape Cod style home exterior are usually made from traditional materials like brick, bluestone pavers, or gravel. These materials match the historical feel of the home. Walkways are typically straight or gently curving and are often bordered by simple, low plantings or edging.
Patios or terraces, if present, are usually located in the rear or side yard to maintain the clean lines of the front facade. Like walkways, they often use traditional materials that blend seamlessly with the Cape Cod style homes exterior and surrounding landscape.
Fences and Walls
Fences and low walls can also complement the Cape Cod style home exterior. A classic white picket fence is a charming addition, particularly in the front yard, defining the property line without blocking views. Low stone walls, built from fieldstone, can also be used, especially in areas where stone is readily available, adding a rustic, historical touch.
These landscape elements help define the space and enhance the curb appeal, contributing to the overall picturesque quality associated with the Cape Cod style homes exterior.
The Enduring Appeal of Cape Cod Exterior Design
The Cape Cod style homes exterior has remained popular for centuries for many reasons. Its origins in practical, sturdy construction mean it’s inherently well-suited to various climates. The simple, symmetrical design is aesthetically pleasing and feels balanced and harmonious.
There’s a sense of history and nostalgia associated with the Cape Cod style homes exterior. It evokes images of seaside villages, cozy interiors, and a connection to early American life. This timeless appeal transcends fleeting design trends.
Furthermore, the inherent simplicity of the style allows for adaptation. While the core Cape Cod style homes exterior features are classic, variations in materials, colors, and the addition of features like dormers or wings mean that each home can have its own unique character while still being recognizable as a Cape Cod. It offers a balance of tradition and flexibility.
Conclusion
The Cape Cod style homes exterior is an iconic example of American architecture, characterized by its steep gabled roof, simple rectangular shape, symmetrical facade, double-hung windows, central entry, and often, charming dormer windows. Born out of necessity in the harsh New England climate, its features were functional responses that have become enduring aesthetic hallmarks.
From the classic clapboard siding and multi-pane windows to the prominent chimney and traditional color palettes, every element contributes to the distinctive look of a Cape Cod style home exterior. Whether a simple First Period dwelling, a grander Colonial Revival interpretation, or a modern home with contemporary additions, the core principles of simplicity, symmetry, and solid construction remain evident on the exterior. The timeless charm and practical design of the Cape Cod style homes exterior ensure its continued popularity and status as a beloved American architectural style.