Whether you own a second home on the Cape or live here year-round, you’re probably always on the prowl for home remodeling ideas that celebrate our seaside locale and allow you and your family to enjoy “the season.” With this in mind, we’ve pulled together some Cape Cod home remodeling ideas that will allow to you savor our far-too-short summers and imbue your home with a beachy vibe all year long.
A Soft Seaside Palette
When it comes to creating a cohesive feel within your home, color speaks volumes. If you find what are often considered to be “beach” colors a little too, well, beachy, think about trying a palette that’s less South Beach and more southern New England beach. Instead of bold shades of teal and turquoise, go with tones you might find on a Cape beach on a cloudy day. Creamy sand tones, gray pebbles, silvery sage greens, and rich driftwood-brown hues are all great options that whisper, rather than scream, “beach.”
Not quite colorful enough? Try adding a pop of more vibrant color to a room: an accent wall in the living room, a saturated blue on the center island in your kitchen or the vanity in your bath.
Texture can also play a role in infusing your home with a classic coastal feel. Beadboard continues to reign as a go-to choice for wall treatments, with shiplap – which has a more updated look – close behind. A sisal area rug can be the perfect finishing touch.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
With miles of beaches and trails to explore, an endless selection of exceptional restaurants to try out, and nonstop parties and events, summer on the Cape is just about perfect. The only problem? It’s just too short!
Make the most of the season by incorporating ways to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living in your Cape Cod home remodeling projects.
If you’re thinking of replacing a couple of windows with French doors, take things a step further with a wall of retractable windows, removing, rather than merely blurring, the line between inside and out. Today’s steel-beam construction makes this surprisingly doable.
If you frequently host dinner parties in the summer, consider upgrading your outdoor living spaces. A grill is just a grill. Add refrigeration, storage, and counter space, and you have an outdoor kitchen. Incorporate seating and perhaps a fire pit and a sound system, and you’ve moved the entire party outside.
Adding a spacious screened-in porch is another great option.
Make Room for Guests
Summer visitors are part of the fun on Cape Cod… for the most part.
Should the above statement resonate with you and your family, it’s time to think about reclaiming some of your privacy with well-thought-out renovations.
If the too-much-togetherness conundrum is merely a matter of tiptoeing around in the morning because the sleeper sofa in your living room sees constant use, consider creating a bunkroom out of an existing bedroom. Young children will love the concept, and grown-up guests will appreciate getting out of the living room. Bunk beds are an easy option, but a more “Cape-ish” choice would be built-in bunks with a yacht-like vibe.
Larger projects will not only add to your sense of privacy, but also to your guests’ enjoyment and, if you’ve added livable square footage, quite possibly your home’s resale value.
Whether it’s because of zoning or conservation restrictions, or budgetary concerns, working within your home’s existing footprint is often the most practical choice.
With a thoughtful design, your attic may yield more space than you think (more built-in bunks!). The same is true of your basement or garage.
This charming over-the-garage studio apartment has everything your guests could possibly need. Should zoning regulations prohibit a full kitchen for your project, a kitchenette with a microwave and countertop oven, rather than a range, would still allow guests to enjoy coffee and snacks on their own.
A freestanding guest house is the ultimate way to welcome guests and reclaim your privacy.
If you have a pool, or a waterfront property with a dock, a small adjacent guest house can do double duty. Guests will enjoy the extra privacy of their own little cottage, and your family will appreciate not having to trek into the house to grab a cold drink or use the bathroom.
Ready to get started on your Cape Cod home renovation project? Please contact us for more information or to arrange a consultation.