Cape Cod Kitchen Design: What Homeowners Want from Their Coastal Kitchens

On Cape Cod, the kitchen serves as a lens through which homeowners experience the rhythm and beauty of coastal life, as well as a place to prepare meals and entertain. Whether you’re sipping morning coffee as the sun rises over Chappy or hosting family dinners in Truro after a beach day, the kitchen is a centerpiece and synonymous with coastal and Cape Cod-style homes. The kitchen is the space in the home where layout, light, and landscape must work together seamlessly.

Cape Cod home design is about maximizing those connections to the beautiful landscapes and coastal views. Homeowners want kitchens that feel open, bright, and calm. Spaces that support entertaining and everyday use while still showcasing the coast just beyond their bay windows. 

Cape Cod Kitchen Design – Oriented for the View

With Cape homes, kitchen orientation is everything. Unlike a farmhouse-style cottage kitchen or something similar, where the kitchen may be placed in the back of the house or corner interior spaces, desirable Cape Cod kitchens are designed to face the water and make the most of the tremendous views.

Homeowners on the water or with water view don’t want to be oriented toward the backyard or driveway, and that makes complete sense to us! Why have a tremendous view and not get the most out of it? In fact, we’ve had clients buy coastal properties with a gut renovation in mind so that the kitchen would be less constrained and have a clear view of the sea.

At our Mashpee project, the homeowner loved to bake, but we didn’t want to sacrifice the kitchen layout’s coastal views to accommodate appliances. We designed a well-balanced kitchen that was both accommodating for baking without jeopardizing the near-priceless views. The main work surface faced the water, ensuring that views and natural light remained the focal point. 

With our Orleans project, we emphasized large vertical window proportions and open shelving to frame the garden and stunning lake views beyond, bringing the outdoors into the daily cooking experience. The entire kitchen was designed to glow with ambient daylight, shifting from crisp brightness in the morning to a golden glow at sunset.

Materials That Reflect Light and Last

Cape kitchens should incorporate light-friendly, natural materials that mirror the softness of the coast. Picture white oak cabinetry, honed marble, brushed brass hardware, and soft blue-gray tile palettes. But, there’s also the need to resist salt, humidity, and wear over time, which have to be considered when choosing materials and color palettes. 

Ultimately, Cape Cod home and kitchen design is about a balance between indoor and outdoor living, simplicity and luxury. Our craft is to create spaces where a spontaneous breakfast, sunset cocktail, or holiday gathering feels effortless but intentional. If you’re thinking about a kitchen renovation or new build on the Cape, connect with us here.

As trusted and experienced Boston & Cape Cod architects, we will design spaces that suit your needs and curate the best of modern coastal architecture.