Introduction: Salt Air & Timeless Style
There’s something magical about summer on Cape Cod — the scent of salt in the breeze, weathered shingles that have stood the test of time, and interiors that feel like a warm embrace after a walk on the beach. Cape Cod style captures that feeling and brings it inside, offering homeowners a calm, clean, and coastal-inspired aesthetic that never goes out of style.
Whether you live steps from the shore or miles inland, Cape Cod design brings an easygoing elegance that works beautifully in both kitchens and bathrooms. In this post, we’ll explore what defines this beloved design style and how you can bring its charm into your home with thoughtful selections and expert guidance from the team at SDC Kitchen and Bath.
What is Cape Cod Style? A Brief History
Cape Cod homes first appeared in the 17th century, with simple, symmetrical layouts and steeply pitched roofs to handle New England’s snowy winters. While the architecture has evolved, the interior design retains its connection to the coastal environment — light-filled spaces, natural textures, and a soft, nautical color palette.
Key elements of Cape Cod interiors include:
- Crisp whites and soft blues reminiscent of clouds and ocean waves.
- Shaker cabinetry or inset panel doors with understated elegance.
- Beadboard and wainscoting, often painted white or cream, for texture and charm.
- Weathered woods and driftwood tones that bring warmth without heaviness.
- Functional layouts, where every detail serves both beauty and purpose.
This timeless style feels curated, not cluttered — ideal for those who want their homes to reflect both simplicity and sophistication.
Cape Cod Kitchens: Light, Bright, and Inviting
The heart of the home takes on a breezy new life with Cape Cod inspiration. These kitchens balance utility and warmth with an open, airy feel — the kind of space where you can imagine sipping coffee after a morning beach walk or entertaining family with ease.
Cabinetry
White is the classic choice, but soft greys, sage greens, and pale blues also fit beautifully within the palette. Shaker-style doors dominate the scene, especially from trusted names like Bertch Cabinetry and Brighton Cabinetry often paired with matte black or brushed nickel hardware. Glass-front uppers and open shelving are used to display dishware and décor without overwhelming the space.
Countertops
Go for light quartz with subtle veining, Carrara marble, or even a soft-toned granite. Think finishes that reflect natural light and add a sense of spaciousness, even in smaller kitchens.
Backsplashes
Classic white subway tile is a go-to for Cape Cod kitchens, but for a twist, try beadboard, sea-glass mosaics, or hand-glazed ceramic tile that adds artisanal texture.
Details
- Apron-front (farmhouse) sinks
- Pendant lighting with coastal or industrial flair
- Wide-plank white oak or pine floors
- Accessories in rope, rattan, and glass to evoke the shoreline
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Cape Cod Baths: A Spa-Like Escape
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the bathroom is the retreat — and Cape Cod design ensures it’s both fresh and calming. These baths are often layered with texture and contrast: white walls against pale blue vanities, sleek nickel fixtures paired with natural fiber rugs, and tile that mimics shells or sand.
Color Palette
Coastal whites are joined by seafoam green, driftwood gray, and navy accents for contrast. Even a small powder room can feel expansive with the right tones like these from Sherwin Williams.
Materials & Fixtures
- Freestanding or clawfoot tubs as a central feature
- Marble or porcelain tile in soft, organic shapes
- Beadboard wainscoting for classic detail
- Polished nickel or brushed brass fixtures
- Shaker vanities with undermount sinks
Finishing Touches
Add luxury through plush white towels, glass apothecary jars, candles, and framed nautical maps or botanical prints.
Modern Takes on Cape Cod Design
Cape Cod interiors are anything but static — they’ve evolved to meet modern lifestyles while staying rooted in tradition.
To bring a contemporary spin on the look:
- Use navy cabinetry with brass hardware for a bold, updated kitchen.
- Incorporate matte black fixtures or mixed metals for a touch of drama.
- Choose sleek quartz countertops and pair them with classic elements like tongue-and-groove paneling.
- Use sustainable materials or repurposed wood to give old Cape charm a new twist.
These touches help personalize the design while maintaining the airy, coastal essence that defines Cape Cod living.
How SDC Can Bring Cape Cod Style to Your Home
At SDC Kitchen and Bath, Cape Cod design isn’t just something we admire — it’s something we live and breathe. Located right in the heart of South Yarmouth, we understand the nuances of coastal living and have the products, experience, and passion to bring this style to life.
Why partner with us?
- We offer custom cabinetry and tailored layouts that maximize your space and suit your needs.
- Our designers specialize in coastal-inspired palettes, materials, and details.
- We proudly carry premium brands like Bertch, known for quality craftsmanship and Cape Cod-compatible styling.
- With in-house project management, we make the entire remodeling experience seamless and stress-free.
Whether you’re renovating a seaside cottage or transforming a city home to feel like a beach escape, our team is here to help you design spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional.
Final Thoughts: A Style That Feels Like Home
Cape Cod design is more than just a trend — it’s a way of living that values ease, beauty, and connection to the environment. It’s about walking barefoot on warm wood floors, sipping tea by a sunlit window, and feeling the calm of the coast no matter where you are.
If you’re ready to bring that kind of serenity and style into your kitchen or bath, SDC Kitchen and Bath is ready to help. Visit our showroom in South Yarmouth or contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s design your dream space — one that feels like summer all year long.