How to Decorate a Cape Cod-Style Home
Cape Cod style has endeared itself to Americans for generations and has even found its way back to Britain from whence it came. Original Cape Cod homes sported a simple style based on local natural resources. The main criteria was functionality and protection from the weather. The exterior was plain with almost no embellishment; extraneous features would be carried off by strong gales. Inside, the occupants had to make the best use of limited space; therefore, all items of furniture were utilitarian and décor was chosen to maximize the light. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Protective mask and gloves
- Paint stripper
- Paint: white, cream, pale blue or pale green
- Paintbrush and roller
- Water-based varnish
- Polyurethane varnish
- Textiles: throws, drapes, cushions, rugs in soft, faded colors
- Accessories: photos, books, mirrors, driftwood, pebbles, seashells
Instructions
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Strip woodwork back to the bare wood. Paint paneling a pale color or seal with a water-based varnish. Paint interior doors, window ledges and baseboards white. Ceilings should also be white to reflect light. Paint walls in a pale color to complement the paneling. Continue colors through to adjoining rooms to visually enlarge the space.
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Cape Cod style doesn't have to be twee; modern furniture and accessories work well. Sand plank floors and seal with polyurethane or wax them to a gentle shine. Alternatively, paint them white. Carry the finish through to the porch.
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Paint or strip furniture. Furniture in a Cape Cod house is made from light or honey-colored wood, or given a distressed painted finish. Wicker furniture is ideal as it is easily moved around and adds to the light feeling of the home. Glass-topped tables also work well.
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Pale walls, floors and a wood burner are typical elements of Cape Cod style. Consider installing a stove. An original Cape Cod home would have relied on its wood-burning stove, but authentic-looking alternatives are available to provide supplementary heating and a focal point to a room.
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Slatted blinds reduce glare and decorative eggs add a natural look. Hang white lace or sheer muslin drapes at the windows. Reduce sun glare with slatted wood blinds. Window treatments are always simple and designed to allow maximum light. If privacy is not an issue, leave windows bare. Soft furnishings are pale-colored and comfortable. It is not necessary, or desirable, to match everything perfectly. Take inspiration from the Shabby Chic style of layering throws and cushions to give the room a cozy feel. Place natural fiber rugs on floors; striped cotton looks cheerful, and wool rugs add warmth.
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Keep accessories simple. Accessorize sparely; make use of natural resources wherever possible. Ideas include using driftwood to frame pictures and mirrors and creating displays of seashells and pebbles. Flowers arranged informally in plain vases or jugs look charming.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
