Picture this: you wake up to sunshine streaming through white shutters, hear the soft sound of the breeze outside, and step into a home that feels like a relaxing day by the beach. That’s the magic of Cape Cod style! With its bright spaces, coastal charm, and timeless look, this decorating style makes any house feel cozy and fresh all year long. Whether you live by the sea or just love that breezy vibe, you can bring Cape Cod style to every corner of your home. Let’s dive in and see how easy it is to make your space feel like a year-round retreat!
What Makes a Home “Cape Cod” Style?
Before you grab your paintbrush, it helps to know what Cape Cod style is all about. Originating in New England, this look is famous for being light, simple, and welcoming. Think natural textures, classic details, and a color palette inspired by the coast. Here’s what you’ll find in most Cape Cod homes:
- Light, airy rooms
- Soft, neutral colors
- Plenty of white trim
- Nautical touches
- Classic furniture
- Natural textures (wood, wicker, linen)
The best part? This style never feels fussy or overdone. Everything is easygoing, casual, and comfortable—just like a day at the beach.
Step 1: Start With a Coastal Color Palette
Cape Cod homes are known for their soft, inviting colors. The right palette will make your whole home feel bigger, brighter, and more relaxing.
Classic Cape Cod Colors:
- Whites and creams: For walls, trim, and ceilings
- Soft blues and seafoam greens: Inspired by sky and water
- Warm sandy beiges: Like a walk on the beach
- Gray and driftwood: For a touch of weathered charm
- Pops of navy, coral, or yellow: For doors, pillows, or accents
How to Use Them:
Start with white or a warm cream on your walls. Add blue or green in bedrooms or bathrooms for a soothing feel. Use navy or red on front doors or shutters for a classic Cape touch. Don’t forget to layer in natural colors, like tan rugs or weathered wood.
Pro Tip: Keep your color scheme simple and repeat it in every room for a sense of flow.
Step 2: Add Lots of White
If you want your home to look and feel like a real Cape Cod cottage, white is your best friend. Paint your trim, doors, and even some furniture bright white. It keeps things crisp and fresh, and makes colors and textures pop.
Where to Use White:
- Window frames and baseboards
- Kitchen cabinets and shelves
- Coffee tables or side tables
- Wood paneling or shiplap walls
Bonus: White bounces natural light around the room and instantly makes any space feel bigger.
Step 3: Choose Simple, Classic Furniture
Cape Cod style is never about heavy or formal furniture. Think comfy sofas, classic slipcovered chairs, or spindle-back dining sets. Furniture should feel inviting and relaxed.
Cape Cod Furniture Must-Haves:
- Light wood or white painted pieces
- Upholstered sofas and armchairs in neutral colors
- Wicker or rattan accent chairs
- Shaker or farmhouse-style tables
- Open bookcases or painted cabinets
How to Style It:
Mix and match old and new pieces for a collected-over-time look. Vintage finds work beautifully. Keep fabrics soft—cotton, linen, and light canvas always fit the vibe.
Step 4: Layer in Natural Textures
The Cape Cod look is rooted in nature. So, fill your home with materials that remind you of the beach.
Bring Nature Indoors:
- Woven baskets for storage
- Sisal or jute rugs
- Linen curtains or slipcovers
- Rope or rattan lampshades
- Driftwood picture frames or mirrors
Use plenty of texture in every room. Layer a chunky knit throw on your couch, place a sea-grass basket by the fireplace, or stack wooden trays on your coffee table. These simple touches add warmth and interest.
Step 5: Go Nautical—But Keep It Subtle
You don’t have to cover your home in anchors and ship wheels. The Cape Cod approach is all about quiet hints of the seaside. Choose a few nautical accents that feel classic and fun.
Ideas for Nautical Decor:
- Striped throw pillows or rugs
- Antique glass floats or bottles
- Framed sea maps or vintage boat prints
- Shells and coral in bowls or jars
- Navy blue blankets or accent walls
Pro Tip: Less is more. Stick to two or three nautical pieces per room so the look stays timeless.
Step 6: Let the Light Shine In
One of the best parts about Cape Cod style? Every room feels open and bright. Here’s how you can get that sunny feeling:
How to Add Light:
- Use sheer or white curtains instead of heavy drapes
- Add mirrors to bounce light around the room
- Choose glass or white lamps for tabletops
- Install white pendant lights over kitchen islands
If you have beautiful views outside, frame them with simple window treatments. Even in rooms with less natural light, white walls and light furniture will help everything feel airy.
Step 7: Bring in Greenery
No Cape Cod home is complete without fresh plants. Greenery adds life, color, and a little bit of the outdoors.
Best Plants for Cape Cod Style:
- Potted ferns or ivy on shelves
- Fresh hydrangeas or wildflowers in vases
- Small herbs on the kitchen windowsill
- A bowl of lemons or limes on the dining table
If you don’t have a green thumb, use high-quality faux plants. Just remember, a little goes a long way—one or two plants per room is enough.
Step 8: Add Cozy Cape Cod Touches
Now, it’s time to add those little details that make a house feel like home. Cape Cod style is about comfort and welcome, so focus on pieces that invite you to relax.
Finishing Touches:
- Soft throw blankets on the sofa
- Stacks of books about the coast
- Handmade pottery or vintage glassware
- Scented candles with ocean or linen scents
- Framed family photos in white or weathered wood frames
In bedrooms, layer beds with crisp white sheets, a quilt or coverlet, and a couple of blue or striped accent pillows. In bathrooms, roll up white towels in a basket for a spa-like feel.
Step 9: Don’t Forget the Entryway
First impressions matter. Your entryway is the perfect place to set the tone for your whole home.
Cape Cod Entryway Ideas:
- Painted front door (navy or classic red)
- A simple bench with storage baskets
- Wall hooks for hats and beach bags
- A striped runner rug
- Framed seaside art or a round mirror
Keep the space clutter-free and cheerful. Add a touch of greenery or a small lamp for warmth.
Step 10: Make Outdoor Spaces Inviting
Cape Cod homes blur the line between indoors and outdoors. Whether you have a big yard or a tiny porch, you can create a relaxing outdoor retreat.
Easy Outdoor Upgrades:
- White Adirondack chairs on the lawn
- A porch swing with blue and white pillows
- Planters filled with hydrangeas, lavender, or boxwoods
- A small dining table for al fresco meals
- String lights or lanterns for evening glow
Paint fences, trim, and railings bright white. Add a doormat with a coastal motif. Even a simple basket of shells or stones by the door can welcome guests with Cape Cod charm.
