Cape Cod homes are ideal for those who appreciate simplicity and charm thanks to their quite simple shape and functional layout. Inherently historical, yet ceaselessly adaptable to contemporary life, these homes offer a combination of tradition and flexibility that few other styles can rival. If you’re looking to build your dream home or remodel, there’s no better place to begin than with Cape Cod home floor plans.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This guide covers everything you need to know — providing an introduction to the history, features, and specificities of Cape Cod homes, explaining modern adaptations, and including practical tips for getting the most out of the space. By the end, you’ll understand why homes in Cape Cod still win the heart of the homeowner around the world.
The History and Design Elements of Cape Cod Homes
A Brief History
Cape Cod homes date back to New England in the 17th century. Originally designed by settlers to endure the harsh coastal winters, they are inspired by British cottages. Named for Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where they were especially common, these homes were valued for their practical, no-nonsense design.
Historians credit architect Royal Barry Wills for popularizing the Cape Cod style in the 1920s and 1930s. And Wills succeeded in making the homes even more desirable by blending traditional elements with updated features. This revival rendered the design a quintessential feature of American domestic architecture.
Key Characteristics
Cape Cod homes are characterized by these elements:
Symmetry: The most classic Cape Cod homes are symmetrical, with a front door in the center and evenly spaced windows on both sides.
Steep Roofs: Steeply pitched roofs help shed snow quickly, a practical consideration in snowy, cold climates.
North-South Orientation: Most early homes were built facing north to south to catch the morning sun and maximize light on the north side during winter.
Dormer Windows: Introduced in later styles, dormer windows boost light and space to upper level
Shingle Siding: Cedar shingles that have turned natural gray with age offer strength against coastal forces.
Essential Features of Classic Cape Cod Floor Plans
Traditional Cape Cod floor plans are small, but very functional. Here’s what you’ll generally see:
- Floor plans are focused on a rectangular or square shape to maximize space usage.
- One-and-a-Half Stories: While the principal living space is at ground level, upper stories are often only half.
- Central Fireplace: The central fireplace pot is the centrepiece of the house, as well as an important heat source.
- Basic Rooms: Rooms are basic and functional, living room with kitchen space, and two bedrooms, this is usually the layout for ground floor rooms.
Contemporary Versions of Cape Cod Floor Plans
Cape Cod homes may have been created centuries ago, but they’ve kept evolving to suit contemporary needs. Today’s designs tend to feature:
Open Floor Plans Modern Cape Cod floor plans prioritize open concept kitchens, dining areas and living rooms over the more rigid room divisions of traditional designs.
More Bathrooms: Earlier designs often included just one bathroom, but modern houses commonly contain more than one bathroom.
Expansive Windows: Bigger windows and skylights enable natural light to stream in, ideal for light, open spaces.
Finished Basements and Attics: Previously unused or underutilized areas are now being turned into offices, guest rooms or play rooms.
Garages and Mudrooms: You will find garages and mudrooms incorporated into Modern Cape Cod homes for ease.
Factors to Consider when Selecting a Cape Cod Floor Plan
Things to Remember Before you Decide for a Cape Cod Floor Plan
Size Requirements: Figure out how much space your family needs. Layouts are small yet can easily be expanded.
Budget: Be as thorough as possible with costs of construction, renovations and materials. Remember, while cape cod homes are effective, the modern upgrades can increase the budget.
Style Preferences: Determine what traditional versus modern you would like to keep or update.
Useability: Verify the layout works for your way of life, whether that requires big spaces for entertaining or extra bedrooms for family and friends.
Common Floor Plan Designs for Cape Cod Homes
Some common Cape Cod layouts include:
Classic Two-Bedroom: A classic layout with a living room, kitchen, and two bedrooms on the main floor (often with an unfinished attic option)
Expanded Cape: This variation includes dormer windows and adds a second floor for one or two bedrooms and another bathroom.
L-Shaped Cape: One of the most common modern designs, the L-shaped layout adds a garage or more living space to the main home.
Open-Concept Cape: This design keeps the kitchen, dining and living spaces in one big open area by eliminating walls, creating a spacious, airy, contemporary feel.
Guide: Tips for Maximizing Space in a Cape Cod Home
While Cape Cod homes are space-efficient, they can be more functional by following these tips:
Maximize Attic Space: Transform attics into guestrooms, workplaces, or storage and make the most out of every square foot.
Capabilities Maintenance: Installing built-in bookshelves, cabinets and window seats help to save space while preserving the home’s expression.
Use Light Colors: Apply light, airy colors on the walls to make them seem more expansive.
Mirrors: They help in both reflecting light and making smaller rooms look bigger.
Furniture That Serves More Than One Purpose: Look for multi-functional furniture, such as a sofa bed or nesting tables.
The Advantages of Cape Cod Home Designs
What Makes a Cape Cod Home a Homeowner Favorite?
Timeless Aesthetic: Their simple, symmetrical design is elegant and timeless.
Energy Efficiency: Compact layouts and steep roofs provide excellent heating efficiency, which is great for colder climates.
Cape Cod homes retain a high resale value, especially in areas such as New England.
FlexibilityFreshen: These homes can quickly be updated for current lifestyles, or expanded or modifiedincreasingive somewhat urban life.
Weather Resistant: High-end materials, such as cedar shingles, can withstand a lot of weather abuse and do not require much upkeep.
Home Renovation Examples on Cape Cod
Case Study 1: Old Meets New
A Connecticut family reimagined their traditional Cape Cod with dormer windows and a modern kitchen. They preserved elements such as the central fireplace and the cedar shingles, creating an ideal blend of heritage and innovation.
Case Study 2: How One Small Cape Found Big Space
A Michigan couple transformed their unfinished basement and attic into livable space for a growing family. Built-in shelves and multi-functional furniture gave their home twice its original feel.
Where To Find Cape Cod Home Plans
Cape Cod House Floor Plans: Get the Right One for You Start here:
- Architectural firms: Locally, many architects specialize in the Cape Cod style and can tailor plans to your home.
- HousePlans. com and ePlans have a range of Cape Cod floor plans to choose from.
- Historic Examples : Visit an area with historic Cape Cod homes such as New England for inspiration.
The Timeless Appeal of Cape Cod Homes
From their picturesque history to their sensible, contemporary versions, Cape Cod homes have proven to be more than a passing fad. They are versatile enough to work for any time while maintaining their signature look.
Whether you’re tempted by their uncomplicated appeal or impressed by their contemporary prospects, a Cape Cod home is the perfect investment for someone looking for both traditional elegance and practicality. If you’re eager to see what’s possible, consult with a professional architect or look at trusted resources for floor plans. In the end, the ideal Cape Cod house is the one that embodies your lifestyle and dreams.
