What Is a Cape Cod-Style House? Here's What to Know About This Timeless Aesthetic

Cape Cod-style homes are timeless for a reason. Their symmetrical façade, steep roofs, and neutral color palette have made them a perennial favorite beyond the coastal region. But what defines this architectural style, and why does it remain a beloved mainstay?

Here, we spoke to architecture and design experts about what makes a Cape Cod-style house tick and why they recommend it to even the most discerning aesthetes.

History

The Cape Cod-style home can be traced back to New England in the 17th century. Aesthetically, it took inspiration from traditional English cottages, but practically, adjustments had to be made to accommodate the colder climates in Massachusetts.

"The aesthetic was born out of necessity, as the limited amount of wall exposure and the compact design helped to keep the house warmer during the colder months," says Cathy Cherry, founding principal of Purple Cherry Architecture.

These original iterations embraced a "rustic, lived-in character," according to Bess Clarke, president of Nantucket Looms. "Furnishings were modest, [and included] country-style chairs, worn wood tables, and handwoven textiles in muted tones."

Centuries later, these practical homes would explode in popularity thanks to proponents like architect Royal Barry Willis. Willis founded his firm in the 1920s and, over the following decades, designed over 2,500 homes, helping to popularize the Cape Cod style home once again—this time in a new era.

Architectural Features

From an architectural standpoints, there are many elements that make a Cape Cod-style home stand out. "It's defined by a symmetrical façade that appears to be one story," says Cherry. "The second floor is built under the roof with dormer windows."

Another feature that makes a Cape Cod-style home instantly recognizable is its steep, gabled roof. These were originally designed to help snow and ice slide off of the home. In addition, most of these residences will have a large, central chimney—another thing that helped keep them warm during those cold, coastal winters.

Typically, Cape Cod homes have weathered, cedar shingle siding. Now iconic, these natural materials give the exterior an even more organic, nautical appearance.

Interior Elements

Given the home's exterior, a Cape Cod-style residence will have a symmetrical interior layout, with low ceilings that give the rooms a cozy feel. The interior décor elements themselves often reflect their coastal surroundings, including muted tones of sea and sky, like blues, grays, and sandy neutrals, says Clarke.

"Additionally, these homes often showcase collections of traditional maritime craftsmanship, including lightship baskets, carvings of marine life, and other nautical artifacts," she adds.

A common interior feature of Cape Cod homes is a captain's stairway. This narrow, steep stair leads up to the second floor and is designed to take up as little space as possible.

How to Decorate

One of the few drawbacks of a Cape Cod home is that these structures often don't have ample square footage, so it's important to decorate the available space as beautifully as possible. Since these residences have such a long history and have so much character, they look their best when paired with objects and artifacts that reflect the owner's personality.

"[These homes] are best when they feel layered over time with pieces that reflect the homeowner's personality and passions," says Clarke. "There's an effortless charm to these spaces, where nothing feels too precious, and everything tells a story."

Clarke also recommends leaning into the coziness of the space with natural fiber rugs, quilted bed covers, and other textiles. And, of course, you can always incorporate a seafaring look.

"Common decorative touches include carved bird decoys and boat models paired with fine art, crafts, and shelves of dog-eared books," she says. "Think of it as a dialogue between utility and beauty, where even the humblest objects—an old basket, a ceramic jug, a stack of beach towels—have a role to play."