Cape Cod: Colonial style
The first Cape Cod-style homes were built in the late 1600s in the American colonies, which is why the terms Cape Cod and Colonial are often linked. Today's Cape Cods mostly date from the mid-20th century, when the style flourished in North American suburbs. Despite little exterior ornamentation, the Cape Cod's shuttered windows, clapboard siding and shingles give it a cozy, cottage-like appearance. Add curb appeal by updating siding and freshening paint.
Easy tips: Making an entrance
If you're selling your house, improvements to the front entryway are an essential investment that's sure to pay off. A Cape Cod-style house, with a door that's front and centre, can especially benefit from a facelift.
• Invest in a new door. Cape Cods often sport a Colonial-style raised panel door (the number of panels varies depending on how elaborate the house is). Paint it a colour that contrasts the shutters to make it a focal point.
• Spruce up your door hardware. Hand-hammered iron hardware suits Cape Cods. Choose a style with a handle on the outside and knob inside.
• Shop for a new address plate in a finish that coordinates with your door hardware, or choose an attractive traditional style, such as today's popular white enamel plate with black numbers and decorative edging.
• Install lighting that enhances the style of your home. A ship's-lantern style is ideal for a nautical East Coast feel.
Focus on siding
picWhile purists may insist on wooden clapboards, a smart alternative to getting the Cape Cod look is to take advantage of today's technological advances in siding products. Fibre cement siding is a great alternative to vinyl siding, which does little to enhance the architectural integrity of an older house. James Hardie Siding Products makes a siding from Portland cement, ground sand, cellulose fibre and other materials. Not only does it look very similar to wood, but it also comes in planks and shingles, and is installed just like wood. Yet unlike wood, it's noncombustible, doesn't rot or crack, and resists damage from insects, moisture and hail. It won't delaminate, as vinyl siding can, and it can be painted any colour, holding the paint up to three to four times longer than wood. It's also available in colour finishes that are guaranteed not to crack, chip or peel for 15 years.
Focus on garages
A garage that complements the architectural style of your house can add immense curb appeal and resale value to your home, yet it's often forgotten when renovating. Cape Cod-style houses often feature attractive attached or detached garages. Enhance their charm with these tips.
• A new garage door quickly and easily updates your garage. Not only will a new door be easier to use (no more back-breaking lifting of stubborn, heavy doors), but today's wide range of sophisticated designs, like Garaga's sturdy, lightweight-steel Standard 138 door make it easy to find an architecturally appropriate style. When shopping for a new garage door, choose one made from rust-proof lightweight aluminum or steel with a high R-factor for insulation (a must-have if you use your garage as a workshop or it's attached to the house).
• Add a cupola topped with an attractive weathervane for a traditional country look.
• New siding or cedar shakes can dramatically improve the appearance of a garage; choose finishes that coordinate with your home's exterior finishes.
• Flank the garage door with porch lights—a Colonial lantern style is best for an East Coast feel. Post lights and lampposts near the street add a welcoming touch.
0 Comment