Are you dreaming of a Cape Cod home that stops people in their tracks? Want a place that feels fresh and full of charm every time you come home? Whether you’re hoping for a quick refresh or planning a full makeover, these exterior remodel ideas will help you create the prettiest house on the block. Let’s take a journey through classic details, modern touches, and simple upgrades that can turn your Cape Cod from ordinary to extraordinary!
1. Add Window Shutters
Ever wonder why Cape Cod houses look so inviting? It’s all about those charming window shutters! Shutters are more than just a pretty face—they help frame your windows and create that signature Cape Cod vibe. Pick crisp white shutters for a fresh, clean look. Want something bold? Deep navy or classic black never goes out of style. If you love a little color, try cheerful blue or even soft green. The best part? Shutters are easy to add and instantly boost your home’s character. They’re like the perfect finishing touch that makes every window stand out.
2. Update the Siding
Does your house look tired or faded? It might be time for new siding! Cape Cod homes are famous for their classic cedar shakes, but you don’t have to stick with wood. Modern fiber cement or vinyl shingles can look just as authentic and are much easier to maintain. Choose soft gray, misty blue, or weathered brown for that lived-in, beachy feel. New siding not only makes your home look fresh but also protects it from the elements. It’s a smart upgrade that keeps your house looking good year after year.
3. Paint the Front Door
Here’s a quick fix with a huge impact—paint your front door! The front door is the first thing people notice, so why not make it pop? Classic red says “Welcome!” and never goes out of style. Prefer something different? A bright teal, sunny yellow, or even a bold black door can turn heads and add instant curb appeal. Painting the front door is easy, affordable, and fun. You’ll be surprised how much it changes the whole vibe of your home. Don’t forget a shiny new door knocker or modern house numbers for that extra flair!
4. Install Flower Boxes
Who can resist a house with blooming window boxes? Flower boxes are the secret to a cozy, cottage-style Cape Cod home. Fill them with colorful petunias, trailing ivy, or bright red geraniums. Flower boxes soften the edges of your house and make every window look like a magazine cover. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, hardy plants and simple designs work wonders. Plus, flower boxes are easy to install under almost any window. Add a little water and sunshine, and watch your curb appeal blossom.
5. Add a White Picket Fence
Nothing says “Cape Cod” like a classic white picket fence! This simple addition can make your whole yard feel neat and welcoming. A low fence frames your front lawn, keeps pets and kids safe, and adds tons of old-school charm. For a touch of personality, add a gate with a rounded top or an arched arbor. You can even plant climbing roses or morning glories along the fence for extra color. It’s an easy way to boost your home’s charm and make your entrance unforgettable.
6. Replace or Upgrade the Roof
Is your roof looking a little worse for wear? Don’t worry—you can give your Cape Cod home a big boost just by updating this key feature! The right roof sets the whole tone for your house. For that timeless Cape Cod style, wooden shakes are always a favorite. They add natural texture and give your home a cozy, weathered look. If you want something that lasts longer, architectural shingles are a smart pick. Go for soft gray or a weathered finish. These shades blend right in with the beachy landscape and look great with classic white trim. A new roof not only protects your home but also ties together your entire curb appeal. It’s a big update that makes a huge difference!
7. Install a Cupola or Weathervane
Want to give your home a true New England touch? Add a cupola or a weathervane to the roof! These little details might seem small, but they add tons of charm. A cupola sits right at the roof’s peak, usually with little windows or vents. It helps your house stand out and adds that cozy, cottage feel. Want something whimsical? Top your cupola with a weathervane—maybe a sailboat, whale, or classic rooster. Every time the wind changes, your house gets a little bit of motion and character. These accents are classic, fun, and always turn heads.
8. Expand the Porch
Think of your porch as your home’s welcome mat. Cape Cod homes look extra inviting with a small covered stoop or a full-width front porch. Adding even a little extra space makes a big impact! White railings and chunky columns complete the look. Imagine sipping lemonade while you watch the world go by, or greeting neighbors from your new porch swing. A porch is also super practical—it keeps your entry dry and gives you room for plants or seating. Whether you go big or small, this update makes your house feel open and friendly.
9. Swap Out Old Lighting
Old, faded light fixtures can make even a fresh home look tired. Good news—it’s easy to give your exterior a glow-up! Lantern-style sconces by the front door are a Cape Cod classic. Black iron fixtures bring a touch of tradition, while shiny brass adds a hint of nautical style. Choose lighting that feels sturdy and welcoming. Soft, warm bulbs make your entry glow at night and show off your home’s best features. Swapping out old lights is quick, and easy, and makes your house feel brand new.
10. Landscape with Hydrangeas and Boxwoods
Want your yard to look lush and full of life? Plant hydrangeas, roses, and tidy boxwood hedges for a true Cape Cod garden. Hydrangeas explode with color in summer and look great against gray or blue siding. Boxwoods are easy to trim and keep neat, framing your walkways and porch with year-round greenery. For an extra local touch, use shells or cedar chips as mulch in your flower beds. This adds coastal flair and helps keep weeds at bay. Thoughtful landscaping turns your home into a retreat you’ll never want to leave.
11. Add Stone or Brick Pathways
Ever noticed how a beautiful walkway draws you in? A curving path made of brick, stone, or even shell gravel creates a storybook entrance to your Cape Cod home. These materials are not only strong—they also fit right in with the cozy, coastal look. Picture guests strolling up a winding stone path, lined with flowers or tidy shrubs. Brick gives a warm, traditional feel, while stone looks natural and timeless. If you’re close to the coast, shell gravel is a fun, beachy twist. A pathway like this feels welcoming from the first step and leads everyone straight to your front door.
12. Upgrade House Numbers and Mailbox
It’s easy to overlook the small stuff, but details like house numbers and your mailbox make a big impact. Swapping out old, faded numbers for classic brass or hand-painted ceramic tiles adds instant style. For a playful touch, try numbers in a nautical font or even ones shaped like shells. The mailbox is another spot to show off your personality. Go for a traditional white box, a blue one with an anchor, or a modern design in sleek black. These small updates are quick, affordable, and add lots of character to your home’s curb appeal.
13. Install New Windows or Add Dormers
Windows can make or break your home’s style. For a Cape Cod, double-hung or divided-light windows are always in style. These traditional windows add lots of charm and let in tons of sunlight. Want to really make an impact? Add dormers! Dormers not only bring in more natural light, but they also add height and character to your roofline. They create cozy nooks inside and boost curb appeal outside. New windows and dormers make your home feel bigger, brighter, and more welcoming.
14. Refresh the Chimney
Don’t forget the chimney! On a Cape Cod house, the chimney is a standout feature—so give it the attention it deserves. If the brick is looking rough, it might be time to repoint the mortar or even reface the chimney with fresh stone or brick. This quick fix makes your home look sturdy, solid, and authentic. A handsome chimney is the perfect finishing touch, tying together the whole exterior and giving your house that classic, lived-in feel.
15. Upgrade the Garage Door
Don’t let a plain garage door drag down your home’s style! Carriage-style garage doors are the perfect match for Cape Cod homes. Look for doors with crossbuck details and little windows along the top—they feel classic, sturdy, and inviting. If you want a cottage look, go for white or soft gray paint. Add handles or hinges for that old-fashioned barn-door look. Even if your garage faces the street, a new door will help your home look polished and cared for. This update works wonders for curb appeal and is a smart investment for any exterior remodel.
16. Modernize with Dark Trim
Craving something a little more bold? Swap out the traditional white trim for dark gray or even black on your windows, doors, and gutters. This change instantly modernizes your Cape Cod exterior. Dark trim creates crisp lines and adds drama, making your house stand out in all the right ways. Pair it with light siding or classic shingles for a look that’s both timeless and on-trend. This is a great way to update your home without losing that cozy, cottage spirit.
17. Accent with Stone Skirting
Want your house to feel solid and rooted to the land? Add a stone skirt around your foundation. This simple update gives your Cape Cod home a grounded, finished look. Natural stone adds texture and color, breaking up the plain lines of siding. It also helps protect the lower part of your house from the elements. Choose smooth river stones for a coastal look or rough-cut stones for more cottage charm. Stone skirting pairs beautifully with any color siding and instantly boosts curb appeal.
