Introduction
Kitchen renovations can completely transform a home, bringing new life and personality to what is often the heart of a house. For a Cape Cod style home, a kitchen addition presents a wonderful opportunity to expand the space while embracing the classic coastal aesthetic these houses are known for. With the right design choices and attention to detail, a kitchen addition can harmonize beautifully with the existing architecture while also providing much needed extra room and functionality. From flooded with natural light to stylish shiplap walls, there are many exciting ways to craft an addition that truly complements a Cape Cod home.
Selecting a Design That Complements the Existing Home
The most important decision when adding on to a Cape Cod is choosing a design that seamlessly blends with the main house. A simple rectangular addition with a gabled roofline links cohesively to the typical Cape aesthetic. Maintaining a similar roof pitch, siding type, window style, and exterior details as the original structure creates cohesion. Incorporating cedar shake shingles and white trim boards are excellent ways to match the traditional coastal look. An addition that is too elaborate or overly ornate tends to look out of place. Focusing on simplicity and modest traditional detailing ensures the new space looks like it belonged there all along.
Achieving an Open, Airy Layout
Cape Cod style homes emphasize open living areas bathed in natural light, and a kitchen addition should maintain that trademark ambiance. Large windows along multiple walls introduce sunshine and views of the outdoors. Skylights or cupolas can also help achieve a well-lit interior. Eliminating upper cabinets creates a feeling of openness, while lower Shaker style cabinets keep things crisp and streamlined. If space allows, incorporating an inviting breakfast nook provides additional visual space. Hardwood flooring also enhances the laidback, beachy vibe. By keeping the layout open and avoiding cramped corners whenever possible, the kitchen addition can mirror the breezy essence of a classic Cape Cod.
Incorporating Characteristic Coastal Details
It’s the little details that introduce coastal New England charm into a Cape Cod kitchen addition. The quintessential white beadboard wainscoting adds a distinct nautical flair. Mini ship lap siding brings texture along with echoes of beach house chic. Cape Cod blue walls lean into the aesthetic, when paired with bright white trim and ceiling boards. Round porthole style windows, bronze fixtures, and antique brass hardware also signal seaside whimsy. Incorporating reclaimed wood, whether in flooring, built-ins, or ceiling beams, inserts rustic warmth. Maritime accents like weathered oars, lobster traps, nets, and hardwood barrels make charming design statements. Ultimately, it’s the carefully chosen accents and finishes that allow a kitchen addition to capture the essence of the iconic Cape aesthetic.
Embracing Natural Materials and Textures
The Cape Cod style celebrates natural materials, weathered patinas, and organic textures. Following suit in an addition means incorporating reclaimed wood beams, unfinished shelving planks, and stone or butcher block countertops. Distressed oak floorboards and smooth planed pine walls also keep things traditional. Wavy glass in cabinet doors provides an aged, timeworn appearance. Forged iron light fixtures and rough hewn beams offer additional opportunities to implement imperfect, natural touches throughout the new kitchen space. Avoiding contemporary slickness in favor of these tactile, earthy elements allows the addition to blend seamlessly with the established cozy cottage vibe.
Achieving Flow Between Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
Since the Cape Cod style emphasizes a casual indoor-outdoor connection, an addition can provide new opportunities to blur the lines between the two. Large French doors leading to a backyard deck seamlessly open the kitchen to the outdoors. An eat-in breakfast area could even feature sets of windows on each wall to provide views of the yard from every angle. If the addition has dining space, making it accessible from both inside and outside enhances flexibility. Outdoor living features like stone patios, fire pits, and fenced gardens lend a sense of the outdoors flowing into the home’s architecture. With creative entry points and sightlines, a kitchen addition can expand and enhance the cherished indoor-outdoor lifestyle synonymous with Cape Cod homes.
Incorporating Layouts Conducive to Entertaining
Cape Cod homes are made for laid back entertaining and bringing people together. The kitchen is the natural gathering spot for guests and family, so an addition should maximize space and features to accommodate casual get togethers. Abundant counter space, bar seating, and room for multiple cooks make prep and mingling easy. Butcher block islands serve double duty as food prep stations and casual dining bars. Built-in bench seating nooks create cozy spots for morning coffee or evening cocktails. Custom storage niches let serveware and bar accessories blend right into the design. With smart layouts suited for mingling and dining, the new addition can become the Cape home’s ultimate party-perfect kitchen.
Conclusion
Adding a kitchen onto a Cape Cod home provides wonderful chances to respect the quaint style while also expanding livable space. Maintaining the signature aesthetic comes down to sticking with modest shapes, natural materials, and charming nautical influences. Opening up the layout and bringing in abundant natural light keep the breezy cape vibe flowing through the new addition. Thoughtful detailing that embraces coastal flair allows the space to feel connected to the overall home. With mindful design choices, the kitchen addition can reflect all the charm that makes Cape Cod architecture such an American classic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adding a Kitchen to a Cape Cod House
How much space should I add?
This depends on your needs, but typically 150-400 square feet is ideal for most Cape kitchen additions. Focus on what you want to gain functionally when determining size.
Should I match the roofline to the original house?
Yes, maintaining the existing roof pitch and style creates cohesion. Gabled roofs that mirror the pitch of the main house help the addition blend seamlessly.
What size windows work best?
Large windows, at least 3 feet wide, introduce light and a seamless indoor/outdoor feeling. Avoid small, disjointed windows in favor of big picture windows.
Should I remove walls between the addition and main house?
If possible, removing walls improves flow and makes the addition feel like part of the original home. Consult structural engineers before removing any load-bearing walls.
What flooring works for a Cape Cod kitchen addition?
Hardwood floors in oak or pine, slate, and wide-plank engineered wood are ideal options that suit the coastal vibe. Tile floors can work but may feel too slick.
How do I decorate the new space?
Incorporate nautical elements like weathered signs, model ships, antique fishing gear, and accent colors like navy blue and creamy whites. Maintain a beachy, relaxed look.
Should I match all new cabinets to my existing cabinets?
Consistency in cabinetry ensures your addition blends in seamlessly. Reuse existing cabinets if possible or get new fronts to match.
How do I make the most of my budget?
Focus on visible elements like windows, cabinetry, and finishes. Save on behind-the-scenes things like insulation and basic appliances when needed.
Can I increase resale value with a kitchen addition?
Absolutely. Kitchens are one of the top selling points in homes. Done right, a kitchen addition can significantly boost your home’s value.
