Excerpt: Cape Cod cottage by Plante

"The Cape Cod cottage, aptly named for the region in which the style originated, is a single story or a story and a half in height. Conducive to being added on to, thus type of home often started out small. As a 'half-size' Cape, and expanded as the family or as some other need for space arose. A great many of the early Cape Cods werebuilt by ship carpenters, who had special cinsiderations in mind. For example, the framing techniques they used allowed for the possibility that they might need to move the house--via a team of horses--to a new site as sabds shifted and the landscape changed. From the exterior, the Cape Cod was a tribute to simplicity, with its gray weathered shingles, gable roof, and intentional lack of ornamentation. Interiors were designed to be highly space-efficient, often following the examples of ship cabins. The fireplace was the focal point as well as a necessity for heating the home and cooking" (Plante, 2000, p. 16).

"There simplicity allows them to serve a subtle, quiet backdrop to the natural landscape" (Plante, 2000, p. 16).

Porches
"Porches boast the added advantage of helping to keep interiors cool, a definite bonus in the South" (Plante, 2000, p. 18).

Window
"Double-hungs go hand in hand with Cape Cods . . . The site naturally influences window design, which will ideally not only make  the most of views but offer the opportunity to savor cooling coastal breezes. Plus, it is optimal to have plenty of access to the outdoors" (Plante, 2000, pp. 19-21).

Doors
"Double or triple sets of French doors can line a living room wall to provide a smooth, eady transition to a full-length deck or porch" (Plante, 2000, p. 21).

Facade
"When it comes to facades, special care is taken in selecting siding. While aesthetixs are an important consideration, so too are more practical concerns. Natural elements can wreak havoc on a cottage's exterior, which needs to hold its own against saltwater sprays, strong winds, damp fogs, and the rays of the sun. There are a handful of products available that wear well and offer a wide range of decorative or simple but elegant looks.
     Cedar clapboards, which can be painted or allowed to weather to a silver-gray, are appropriate for seaside cottages, as they establish a traditional look . . . Cape Cod designs are good candidates for clapboard,  which will last for many, many years. . . The cedar shingles used for exterior siding on seasise homes are typically either white cedar or western red cedar. In most cases, shingles, once applied, are allowed to weather to the belowed silver-gray. Investing in the best grade of shingles helps eliminate such problems as shrinkage or cracking" (Plante, 2000, p. 21).

"This quintessential Cape Cod cottage wears the signature gray that comes from allowing cedar shingles or clapboard to weather naturally" (Plante, 2000, p. 21).

Interior
"The interior of a seaside cottage evokes a feeling of serenity and a sense that, for the moment, time is standing still" (Plsnte, 2000, p. 22).

"Seaside interiors can be as diverse as their locales, often paying homage to a long and distinguished past or celebrating ties to the sea or the unspeakable beauty of the landscape" (Plante, 2000, p. 22).

"The palette for a seaside cottage tends to be light and airy, following the lead of clear skies, tall grasses,  and the subtle tints of beach pebbles and sand. White and other neutral hues create a wuiet backdrop for spellbinding views, while blue contributes a calming quality reminiscent of the sea" (Plante, 2000, p. 22).

"Pastels and other soft tints can form the basis for captivating seaside rooms, while muted shades with an aged look will complement a rustic wood-toned space or a more refined interior inspired by old sailing ships or Colonial architectural designs" (Plante, 2000, p. 22).

"Walls are often composed of wood panelibg, which can appear in many different forms all of which contribute rich texture. Those interiors designed to recall the elegsnce of a luxury yacht or sailboat may have walls of amber-colored pine planks. Other seaside homes feature plank or beadboard walls painted a crisp white, which keeps the interior looking bright and cheery" (Plante, 2000, p. 22).

"Light blue and soft green paint also achieve successful results, tying the interior to the outdoor scenery. Either of the latter cool hues works especially well in a bedroom where you can enjoy gazing upon the stars and moon and drift into a peaceful sleep, lulled by the rhythmic sound if ocean waves" (Plante, 2000, p. 22).

"Life at a seaside cottage often involves pairing down interiors to achieve simplicity" (Plante, 2000, p. 24).

"With sandy feet trekking in and out, flooring needs to be hardworkubg and easy to care for. Wood flooring has long been favored for its hsndsome good looks and natural texture. Aged pine boards wear a mellow patina that warms a casual room, but pickled or painted wood floors can also contribute relaxed airs" (Plante, 2000, p. 26).