Cape Cod-style homes are timeless for a reason. Their symmetrical façade, steep roofs, and neutral color palette have made them a perennial favorite beyond the coastal region. But what defines this ...

In its purest form, the word that best describes the Cape Cod is compact. The traditional versions of this home stand at a mere one-and-a-half stories, with the half snugly situated under the roof.

“Think warm whites, light putty tones and sandy beiges instead of stark white and bright navy or cobalt,” Brien describes of ideal color schemes. “This gives you a calm backdrop that already feels ...