what is "Classic Cape Cod" interior style?

8 years ago

Hello All!
Several years ago we purchased a cape cod style house that was built in 1971. We have replaced most of the mechanicals and removed the "vintage 1971" choices, such as dark paneling, Z brick in the kitchen, and colorful sinks and toilets.
This is the year we will replace the upstairs windows and will finally start making other parts of the house "pretty". Along with the windows, we would like to replace the beat up interior doors, various light fixtures and flooring in the main upstairs bath and the half bath downstairs.
The issue is DH thinks we should replace the windows and doors with something that will match the existing woodwork, which is all dark oak. Usually, I agree with him about NOT painting woodwork if it's in good condition, BUT this house is quite dark (it's a cape cod and we can't take down walls without considerable expense). I think we should go with white doors and windows and paint or replace the trim.
So, can you show me what is a "classic cape cod" when it come to trim, interior door style, lighting and bathroom floors?

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Saypoint zone 6 CT

8 years ago

This is a 1930s New England Cape Cod. When the house style originated there were no indoor bathrooms, so anything that is sort of traditional would be appropriate. I have 1930s pink and white mosaic in the upstairs bath with the claw foot tub, wood-look tile and a more contemporary look in the master bath installed by the PO. I would have installed black and white mosaic, I think.

Interior doors are 6 panel. Crown moldings throughout. The fireplace surround is a vintage Adam style installed by the original owner if I’m not mistaken. Living room is due to be repainted a warmer color soon. Still unpacking 18 months after moving in, lol.

Except for two shells in the powder room, I don’t have anything in the house that screams “coastal” even though I have a water view. Colonial style or any simple style is appropriate IMO.

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Comments (7)

functionthenlook
8 years ago
Cape cod style is original to the coast of New England. Traditionally the interior was coastal style. But the style has been built all over. There was tons of cape cods built after WWll in our area and we are no where even close to a ocean. Decorating the interior with sea shells, ship lap, etc would look silly in our area. It was just an economical solid home to build for a family. Just smaller closed off rooms with narrow baseboards, wood doors and sometimes a fireplace in the living room. They are noted for smaller window so the interior lacks light. I would lighten up the interior as much as possible. I also do not like painting woodwork, but cape cods are not noted for exceptional woodworking. Except for the outside style of a cape cod, the inside is anything goes since there is really no interior style. That is why yours had the 70s interior, because it was built in the 70s.
cedarburgcapecod
Original Author
8 years ago
Our lot is wooded, so all the interior wood not only was very 70s, but also reflected what was outside. While we aren't far from Lake Michigan, the "coastal" craze isn't what this house needs.
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Saypoint zone 6 CT
8 years ago
If you wanted to be a purist, these coastal NE homes probably represent what early cape cod houses looked like.

K

I don’t know that these are actually capes, but early homes would have had painted woodwork, low ceilings, wide board floors. It seems to be easier to find photos online of cape exteriors than interiors. Time to check the library.
cedarburgcapecod
Original Author
8 years ago
saypoint- thank you for the images. Your house is lovely! I also noticed that finding interior photos of an "old" or traditional Cape is really hard, which is why I posted here. The interior photos that I have found are "how we achieved an open concept in our Cape Cod house" and styles vary. I love old houses and what I want to achieve is to make this 1970s house feel like it was built 50-100 years earlier.
Saypoint zone 6 CT
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Thanks cedarburg. Here’s a couple more shots of detail. Not sure if all of it is original.
ETA: there definitely was a wall between the LR and kitchen, PO took it out. Probably was one between the LR and entry as well as some point, not sure about that.
Saypoint zone 6 CT
8 years ago
More info, with some recommended reading.

https://www.oldhouseonline.com/articles/original-cape-cod-cottage