Additions to Historic Cape Cod

The newest project was all about planning for the future and aging in place. Two women combined resources to create an environment where they can share a home, yet each enjoy their own privacy. We added a primary bedroom suite with a walk-in shower and soaking tub, walk-in closet, and sitting area. We also expanded the kitchen to accommodate two cooks. Each project tied in with the cape-cod style of the home and retained the look with careful attention to detail. The results are charming!

The roofs of the additions were stick framed allowing for the architectural placement of the windows. The windows are proportioned and placed to true Cape Cod standards. Authentic hand applied Alaskan sidewall shingles complement the lap siding of the original house. Note how the color of the cedar siding changed to grey with time. Exterior finishes such as denture molding, wide corner boards and detailed window trim set this addition off from the rest.

This kitchen went under an enormous transformation through a 75 square foot addition and the relocation of all three legs of the work triangle; sink, refrigerator and range. Previously, the work triangle used three of the four walls of the kitchen and consumed basically the entire floor area. To accommodate the need for traffic flow through the space the upper corner of the kitchen was made into a pantry/ baking center and the remaining space was used to create the work triangle.

To increase storage and ease of access to storage, several unique products were used. In each corner cabinet a blind corner optimizer was installed. These cabinet accessories pull-out, then pivot and allow you to pull-out the “blind” part of the cabinet. Also, all of the lower cabinets have roll out shelves. The cabinet above the fridge is equipped with flipper doors that fold back into the cabinet and a cable jack, so that the TV can be seen from the dining room, when desired.

The painted cabinets and pull styles match the Cape Cod charm of the rest of the home. To add visual interest, some of the cabinets include glass doors with grids that match the windows. Notice the beautiful pine countertops that were installed in the kitchen. This unique feature adds a New England appeal to the space. The look of the cabinets was kept simple, for example quarter panel doors with a center mullion and a plain 4×4 white tile backsplash. However, small flourishes such as crown molding throughout the room and staggered cabinet heights highlight the design as a whole.

The entry to the primary suite opens into a large bedroom with a vaulted ceiling and ample natural lighting. The change in ceiling height from the entry to bedroom adds some extra drama to the space. The addition includes a sitting area, gas fireplace, walk-in closet and bathroom with separate bathtub and walk-in shower. The closet is over 100 square feet and provides plenty of space for storage.

In the bathroom, complimentary tile designs cover the floor and shower. A walk-in shower with a level floor makes accessibility a breeze. The extra deep soaking tub definitely adds a touch of luxury to the room. The shuttered window provides charm and privacy.

This sitting room is part of the first addition that we built in 2001. It’s now a shared space that joins the two master suites. The entrance to the first master suite is on the left and the second is on the right.

On the back of the house the porch now matches the aesthetics of the rest of the house. The 1950s concrete pad and metal roof were replaced with this cedar deck and integral roof. The deck will provide great space to entertain and has plenty of room for chairs and tables.

Overall, the project enhanced the functionality and beauty of the original home. The considerate design, careful material selection and quick construction process brought about spectacular results. The homeowners are thrilled with their “new” home and are excited to turn their dream of combining their households, into a reality!