With the lack of available real estate on Cape Cod making finding a new home nearly impossible, many people are considering large-scale remodeling projects that will allow them to make the most of their current homes. And with more than 500 miles of shoreline, it isn’t surprising that the region’s gorgeous natural beauty is a driving factor in many home renovation and home décor decisions.
Here are some Cape Cod home remodeling ideas that will help you celebrate the short summer season and infuse your home with a sophisticated seaside vibe.
Indoor-Outdoor Living
Whether you live on the Cape year-round and suffer through our insufferable springs, or are only able to enjoy your second home here for a few weeks a year, you know that summer is far too fleeting. So it’s only natural that you want to relish every possible moment of the season’s fair weather.
If you love the idea of French doors that can be flung open on beautiful summer days, consider taking the concept a step further with a wall of retractable doors. Still not enough? Add an oversized screened-in porch to the equation and you haven’t blurred the line between indoor and outdoor living, you’ve removed it.
Does your backyard go virtually unused because it just isn’t, well, very user friendly? Consider investing in upgrades that will make your yard feel more like a home. With a fully outfitted outdoor kitchen and a terrace with comfortable seating and a fire pit, your backyard will have the focal points it needs to be at the center of family gatherings and entertaining.
Does your pool’s location on the perimeter of your property lead to countless hikes back and forth to the house for snacks or to use the restroom? Solve the problem with a petite pool house with a kitchenette and a powder room.
Add Space for Guests
When you have a home on Cape Cod, overnight guests are a given. Whether it’s because your grown children now have spouses and children of their own, or you’ve recently retired and now have more time to play the gracious host, you may find you are in dire need of more sleeping space.
Options for adding space without increasing the overall size of your home’s footprint include finishing an existing attic or creating a guest suite by finishing your garage. A great option for tighter spaces is to go with a bunkroom look. The built-in beds are incredibly space efficient, and the look is so Cape Cod.
If budget and lot size permit, a home addition that is sited away from other bedrooms can be the perfect way to avoid feeling a little too much togetherness when friends and family spend the weekend, especially if you include an attached en suite bath.
Add Coastal Décor Elements
With a thoughtful design approach, coastal need not be kitschy. As you begin to think about design elements for your Cape Cod home remodeling project, spend time studying the colors and textures you find on your favorite local beaches. While Miami Beach may be all about bold blues and greens, the hues found on our beaches tend to be earthier and more subtle. Think beach pebbles, dune grass and driftwood when choosing a palette.
It isn’t just color that can make a home say Cape Cod. Certain design elements, like the aforementioned bunkroom, can make a space feel decidedly beachy. A beadboard wall or ceiling treatment is a great option, as is its more updated cousin, shiplap, and natural sisal rugs add subtle texture to any space. For finishing touches, think about things such as a “beach glass” backsplash or shower floor crafted with natural beach stones.
Ready to get started on your home renovation project? Please contact us to arrange a consultation.