There’s something undeniably charming about a classic Cape Cod—those nostalgic rooflines, the storied neighbourhoods, and the sense that generations of laughter have lived within its walls. This project was no exception. Tucked into a historical pocket of town, away from the bustle of downtown but close enough to make life easier, this quaint cape became the next chapter for a young professional family of four.

They traded lakeside living for shorter commutes, walkable weekends, and being just minutes from close friends. But while the location was perfect, the home itself needed some thoughtful reimagining to support the way this busy family actually lives.

Let’s take a look at the before.

Let’s look at the Design

Small Kitchen, Big Dreams

Like many traditional capes, the home had great bones—character in all the right places—but the kitchen was teeny tiny by today’s standards. Add to that a dining room that functioned more like a hallway than a gathering place, and a family room that felt miles away from the action, and you can imagine the daily challenges.

With two littles underfoot, mom didn’t love the idea of cooking in a space where she couldn’t see or hear them. And for a family who loves to entertain (and in this neighbourhood, drop-ins are practically a sport), the old layout simply wasn’t cutting it.

Designing for Connection

The vision was clear: create a home that feels like an open invitation.
A place where neighbours feel welcome to pop in, where kids can spread out and play, where morning routines don’t resemble airport traffic control, and where celebrating holidays doesn’t require rearranging the entire main floor.

We reconfigured the layout to bring the heart of the home—the kitchen—front and centre. Now, there’s room to gather, to breathe, to move. The new design says:

Come on in.
Sit, lounge, grab a seat at the island.
Stay awhile.

The expanded kitchen offers plenty of room for guests to mingle (because on the East Coast, everyone ends up around the island anyway). The new viewline now stretches straight to the family room, allowing effortless conversation and constant supervision of little ones.

A Morning Routine That Finally Flows

Life feels different when your home works with you—not against you. With the new layout, mornings are smooth and efficient:

One parent can prep school lunches
The other can make breakfast
And the coffee? It’s tucked neatly away in a dedicated coffee cabinet, ready when the day begins

Suddenly, daily life feels spacious.

Entertaining Made Effortless

The new oversized island is perfect for hosting: set out snacks, watch the game, let kids do homework, or gather with neighbours for impromptu get-togethers.

And the dining room? It’s no longer a pass-through. The 12-foot custom bench has turned it into a place where memories happen. It now seats everyone—yes, even the whole extended family—comfortably over the holidays.

A Cape Reimagined, A Lifestyle Elevated

What started as a charming but outdated Cape Cod has grown into a warm, functional, connected family home—one that honours its history while embracing the way this family lives today.

It’s a space that finally matches their lifestyle:
Inviting. Practical. Full of heart.
And ready for whatever (or whoever) comes through the door next.

Thinking About Updating Your Own Home?

Whether you’re planning a renovation, a cozy refresh, or a full decorating project, I’m here to help you bring clarity, calm, and beautiful functionality to your space.

Book a complimentary discovery call to chat about your project and explore how we can work together.
Let’s create a home that feels like you—and supports the way you actually live.

Photography by Jan Wan Photography. Design by Marsha Sefcik Home and beautifully executed by our contractor partner, Dramatic Change Renovations.