The Ultimate Guide to Cape Cod Yard Design

If you live on Cape Cod Massachusetts, then you probably understand just how important yard design is.

It's a simple fact of life that landscaping drives up home value. Unfortunately, landscaping isn't an easy task, especially if you want your home to look both trendy and unique.

This is why we, at ShrubHub, took it upon ourselves to put together this guide to help people in the area to get the most out of their outdoor space.

In this guide, we'll explore the design elements that make up a classic Cape Cod yard, as well as how these elements come together to create an authentic Cape Cod design.

Cape Cod Landscape Design

Designing a Cape Cod yard is about more than just what plants to include. With a focus on natural, organic landscape design, there are many different aesthetic elements to consider.

Cape Cod yards are, for lack of a better word, classy. They're not about the latest trends and fads—they're timeless and classic (and sometimes even downright traditional).

Cape Cod landscape design is all about creating a space that feels like home. When you're designing your outdoor space, these are the main aesthetic elements to consider:

• Scale

• Proportionality

• Balance

• Harmony

The Classic Cape Cod Architecture

The Cape Cod style of architecture originated in New England and was designed to be able to stand up to the area's harsh weather conditions.

The aesthetic value of this architectural style lies in its simplicity and functionality, which is why it's a popular choice for homeowners.

The quintessential Cape Cod home usually features white siding or shingles, shutters on every window and door frame, and landscaping that complements the house. You can also expect to see decorative molding around window and door frames.

It features a plain exterior with an asymmetrical floor plan, typically one story high with gable roofs that are slightly pitched at both ends.

Another defining characteristic of the Cape Cod style home is its use of natural materials like wood, as well as cedar shingles or clapboards.

Landscaping Elements for a Cape Cod-style Yard

Since Cape Cod-style yards are defined by their simplicity and functionality, they’re not cluttered with elaborate features or decoration. That is why selecting the right elements for your yard can be tricky.

For example, you might consider a hedge to be an unnecessary luxury in a typical yard—but it serves an important purpose in Cape Cod landscaping.

Hedges can help define a boundary between your property and others nearby or create privacy for you when sitting out on your porch at night.

Common Lighting Fixtures for Cape Cod Homes

Antique lighting fixtures, such as lanterns or wall lamps, are common fixtures in the design of these homes.

These are popular choices for Cape Cod yards because they're both functional and decorative.

They also work well as nightlights in your driveway or garden area, but it's important to make sure you place them in an area where they won't be damaged by rain or snow (if you want them to last).

Cape Cod Porch Designs

You might be wondering: What is a porch? Well, it's basically the front steps of your house. It's where you sit and sip lemonade on Sundays or where you keep your bike from getting stolen.

They add a little extra outdoor space that can be used for relaxation, entertaining, or just hanging out with friends and family.

In more traditional designs, the porch is often screened-in, but in modern designs, open porches connected to a deck are typical.

Open porches are more suited to larger homes because they allow for more natural light. Open porches generally serve as transition spaces between decks/patios outside and living rooms inside houses.

They can also serve additional functions like play areas for children or dining areas during parties when combined with other types of spaces like patios or gardens!

Cape Cod Gardens

Rather than being ornate and heavily styled, the landscaping for Cape Cod gardens is meant to be simple and easy to maintain.

If you don’t have time to care for a traditional lawn, or if you prefer the idea of having a yard that can exist without your constant attention, then a Cape Cod garden may be perfect for you.

This means using native plants and grasses, instead of more ornamental flowers and shrubs. By doing so, you'll be able to create a look that's natural and appealing while remaining low-maintenance and affordable.

Native plants are hardy, meaning they're accustomed to local conditions and don't require much maintenance.

Landscaping Using Hedges

Hedges are a basic element used in Cape Cod homes. They are typically used around the borders of your property. They help you define a space, provide privacy, and block noise from the street.

They can be used as both a decorative element and a natural privacy screen. They also make excellent boundary fences between properties or just to set off one section of your yard from another.

One of the most common types of hedge is a privet hedge. Privet hedges are used in many Cape Cod homes because they are inexpensive and grow quickly.

They have a formal look that works well in many different settings, including both traditional and contemporary landscapes.

Wrapping Up,

With its beautiful coastal surroundings, salty air, ocean winds, and natural beauty, Cape Cod has become a popular spot for many people to retire.

If you are one of these retirees, or maybe just thinking about making Cape Cod your home, then using some of Cape Cod's distinctive architecture can bring the seaside charm into your home.

The Cape Cod style has a variety of elements that can make your landscape stand out from the rest.

And by now, you should have a clear understanding of Cape Cod landscaping and how to renovate your house to reflect this aesthetic. You can use this information to create a beautiful space that will last for years to come.

And if you need help getting started, check out ShrubHub's latest offers and discounts! We can help you create the perfect home without breaking the bank!

ShrubHub.com