As the days pass, you might find yourself dreaming of a home that feels more like a retreat—a place where you can disconnect from the noise of life and reconnect with nature. For one family, that dream became a reality with their own Cape Cod retreat—a charming expansion that blends the peace of nature with timeless architecture.

This is the story of how we expanded a modified Cape Cod home, transforming it into a serene haven where life moves at a slower, more meaningful pace. The home is filled with natural light from expansive windows overlooking lush trees, making it the perfect spot for focused work, creativity, and rest. And now, we’re sharing a few simple Do’s and Don’ts to help you craft your own tranquil Cape Cod retreat—a place where you and your family can create memories for generations.

Because, after all, any day spent in a peaceful home is better than a day just about anywhere else!

1. Do Let Natural Light Flow In ☀️

The power of sunlight pouring into a room is something magical, isn’t it? Just picture yourself in a peaceful, light-filled office, surrounded by trees and nature. That’s exactly what we created in this Cape Cod home’s expanded "tree-house" office space. The big windows? They’re game-changers. They bring the outside in, making you feel like you’re working in the middle of a quiet forest. You deserve that kind of peace in your home, too.

DON’T: Don’t leave your rooms in the dark. Small, dim windows don’t capture the beauty of the outdoors or lift your spirits the way natural light does.

2. Do Combine Traditional Charm with Nature 🌿

One of the greatest joys of this Cape Cod retreat was finding the balance between its original charm and the serenity of the surrounding nature. We brought that feeling to life by adding reclaimed French doors and a style-appropriate dormer that nods to the home’s traditional roots while embracing nature’s simplicity.

We expanded the primary bedroom, giving it a peaceful view of the surrounding trees—an invitation to slow down and savor life’s little moments.

DON’T: Don’t shy away from adding personal touches. Use elements like natural wood, stone, or reclaimed pieces to create a space that feels like an extension of the outdoors.

3. Do Create a Serene Bedroom Sanctuary 🛏️

Your bedroom should be more than a place to sleep—it should be your personal escape. In this Cape Cod retreat, we expanded the primary bedroom to connect it with the peace of the outside world. Waking up here means being surrounded by nature, sunlight filtering in through the windows, and feeling completely rested.

We also designed an en suite bathroom with a sloped dormer, complete with a cozy full bath and a furniture-style vanity. It's a charming space that feels unique, yet fits right into the Cape Cod architecture.

DON’T: Don’t over-complicate the design. For a peaceful haven where you can escape the busy-ness of life, keep it simple, soothing, and clutter-free.

4. Do Let Your Bathroom Be a Hidden Gem 🚿

A Cape Cod retreat wouldn’t be complete without a bathroom that feels like its own little sanctuary. In this home, we nestled the bathroom under a cozy dormer, blending the old with the new that feels both classic and refreshing. Imagine stepping into a bathroom with charming reclaimed details—like our furniture-style vanity and French doors that tell their own story.

DON’T: Don’t make the bathroom fixtures an afterthought. Choose materials and finishes to align with the home’s overall Cape Cod charm.

5. Do Hire an Architect 👩‍💼👨‍💼

One of the most important decisions you can make when creating your Cape Cod retreat is finding the right architect. An architect will help make the most of your space, bring in natural light, and ensure that your additions—like dormers or expanded spaces—blend seamlessly with the original architecture.

DON’T: Don’t try to do it all yourself. There’s a reason why pros exist, and an architect will ensure everything is done right, from structure to style.

In Summary

Creating a Cape Cod retreat is more than just updating a home—it’s about crafting a space where you can truly unwind, surrounded by nature and the charm of timeless architecture. From the natural light flooding into the office, to the expanded bedroom that feels like a peaceful escape, every detail of this retreat was designed to make life more beautiful.