The Cape Cod house style was hugely popular in the 1950s, epitomizing the postwar suburban dream for many American families. With its iconic dormer windows, steep roof, and symmetrical shape, the Cape Cod evoked old-fashioned charm while delivering on modern desires for open-concept living.

As we explore 1950s Cape Cod house plans, we’ll cover what defines this quintessential style, its origins and evolution, popular layouts and features, how to decorate and renovate them today, and where to find plans to build your own 1950s-inspired home. Discover why these enduring classics still capture the imagination over half a century later.

Defining Features of the 1950s Cape Cod House

The Cape Cod house style is rooted in simplicity and practicality. Its defining features include:

Compact, rectangular shape: 1 or 1 1/2 stories high with a steep, side-gabled roof. The narrow rectangle shape allowed for affordable construction.
Dormer windows: 1-3 dormer windows piercing the steep roof allow light and headroom in upstairs rooms.
Symmetry: A symmetrical shape and facade with a centered front door. This gave it an appealing balance.
Wood clapboard or shingle siding: Often white or light colors, contrasted by dark shutters and doors.
Minimal ornamentation: Simple, minimal decorative details for a humble, unpretentious look.
Efficient use of space: Open flowing interior layout to maximize usable living areas.
Cozy and nostalgic feel: Evokes images of idyllic suburban living and traditional Americana.

The Cape Cod house oozes curb appeal and quaint charm while delivering practical, affordable, and relatively easy-to-build homes that could be constructed en masse during the postwar boom years.

Origins and Evolution

To understand the Cape Cod house style, it helps to trace its origins and evolution over time.

Early Origins

Emerged in New England during the 17th-18th centuries
Adapted from English cottages with steep roofs for heavy snow
Used local materials like cedar shingles and clapboard siding
Modest homes for fishermen, farmers, tradespeople
Multi-pane windows, large central chimneys

Pre-WWII Cape Cods

Popularized in 1920s/30s as affordable suburban homes
Simplified details: less decorative trim, chimneys, and windows
Influenced by Colonial Revival and Craftsman styles
Mass produced on narrow lots for densley populated neighborhoods

Postwar Building Boom

Attained widespread popularity in the late 1940s-1950s
Fast, inexpensive construction on modest budgets
Standardized home plans manufactured en masse
Embodied suburban ideals of homeownership and family
Signature style of Levittown and other major suburbs

Contemporary Cape Cods

Remain a classic, enduring style today
Centerpiece of “retro” or Midcentury modern decor
Often expanded and renovated for modern lifestyles
Coveted for charm, nostalgia, and family-friendly layout

From humble cottages to the stereotypical 50s suburban home, Cape Cods have long resonated with affordable, mass-appeal living.

Popular Layouts and Features

There are a few typical layouts and features found in most 1950s Cape Cod homes:

Common Floor Plans

Compact, rectangular footprint: Usually around 1200-1500 sq ft with 3 beds and 1 bath.
Asymmetrical facades: Front door opens to a small entry hall or staircase.
Combined living/dining room: Open concept space flows towards the back.
Galley kitchen: Modest kitchens outfitted with 1950s appliances.
1-2 bedrooms downstairs: Often with only one small bathroom.
1-2 bedrooms upstairs: Under the slope of the roof with dormers. Smaller rooms.
Basement: Mostly unfinished for storage/laundry.
Attached garage or carport: Accessed from a side driveway.

While cozy, these efficient plans maximized living areas while maintaining a compact footprint.

Key Interior Features

Hardwood floors: Oak or maple floors throughout first floor living areas.
Plaster walls: Smooth plaster with simple trim in main rooms. Paneling in dens.
Picture windows: Large front windows flanking front door to bring in light.
Fireplace: Masonry fireplace focal point of living room.
Single-wall kitchen: Cabinets, fridge, oven/stove along one wall. Formica counters.
Original bathrooms: Standing showers, single vanity, black/white tile.
Bedrooms: Wall-to-wall carpeting, synthetic in kids rooms. Mirrored closets.
Heating: Radiators, forced air, or floor vents. No central A/C.
Wood sash windows: Double hung with exterior storms. Copper screens.
Exposed rafters: Visible rafter tails under roof eaves.

Postwar Cape Cods emphasized affordable finishes for cost-conscious buyers valuing function over form.

Distinctive Exterior Details

Wood clapboard siding: Typically white or light tones like robin’s egg blue.
Cedar roof shingles: Gradual transition from thicker edges to thinner ridge.
Columned porch: Centered front door under decorative columns and overhang.
Shutters: Louvered shutters flanking windows, often dark green.
Dormer windows: Extended upstairs rooms, often sheathed in vertical wood.
Chimney: Brick chimney on one end of house or central ridge.
Tidy landscaping: Manicured yard and gardens common in postwar subdivisions.
Attached garage: Under same roofline as house. Carports also popular.

The facade details helped the Cape Cod style strike the balance between quaint and efficient.

Decorating and Renovating Cape Cods Today

For homeowners lucky enough to own an original 1950s Cape Cod, or those wishing to recreate the vintage look in a new build, there are some key considerations for decorating and renovating them today:

Decorating Tips

Lean into vintage: Showcase 50s vintage wallpaper, fabrics, furniture.
Display kitschy accessories: Vintage clocks, teak wood pieces, atomic prints.
Soft color palette: Robin’s egg blue, sunny yellow, pale greens.
Polished touches: White accents, brushed metals, marble counters.
Rustic warmth: Wood paneling, brick fireplace, woven textures.
Nautical themes: Anchors, shells, sailboats nod to coastal roots.
Vibrant accent walls: A bright wall to offset neutral palette in an entry, kitchen, or bedroom.
Gallery walls: Black and white family photos for nostalgic charm.

There are many ways to have fun with the midcentury roots while adapting it for how we live today.

Renovation Ideas

Open up kitchen: Knock down walls for an airy, connected space. Add island.
Expand master suite: Bump out the back for a larger bedroom and bath.
Refresh bathrooms: Replace fixtures, tile, cabinets. Add double vanities.
Finished basement: Add rec room, spare bed and bath.
Rear addition: Creates more living space with large family room and mudroom.
Update facade: New front door, siding, landscaping for curb appeal.
Energy efficiency: Insulate walls, upgrade to double pane windows, modern heating/cooling system.

Renovations should balance updated systems and layouts with respect for original architectural details.

Finding Cape Cod House Plans

For those looking to build a new Cape Cod today, there are many stock designs and floor plans available online or through residential architects:

House plan websites: Several sites like FamilyHomePlans.com, DreamHomeSource.com, and HousePlans.com offer dozens of customizable 1950s Cape Cod style plans.
Stock plan catalogs: Books like The Classic Postwar House and Historical New England House Plans offer ready-made blueprints.
Residential architects: Many firms like New Old House and Historia Design specialize in period reproduction home plans. They can modify and customize stock plans.
Kit home companies: Some kit home manufacturers like Sears and Gordon Van Tine offered Cape Cods in the 1950s, and can be referenced.
Local builders: Builders may have their own blueprint collections or can draft plans from your vision.
Municipal archives: Historical societies or town/city archives may have vintage plans on file for reference.

With the right home plans, you can build a 1950s Cape Cod from scratch or modify it to suit your needs.

Why 1950s Cape Cod Houses Endure

Looking back, it’s easy to see why 1950s Cape Cods maintain such widespread appeal:

Nostalgic charm: Evokes feelings of 1950s Americana, family life, and wholesome values.
Classic elegance: Timeless, traditional New England architectural style never goes out of fashion.
Preppy vibe: Crisp, nautical color schemes and details maintain fresh, youthful energy.
Simple practicality: Modest, frugal, easy to maintain home valuable in any era.
Easy to replicate: Readily available plans and blueprint kits make building one attainable.
Cozy proportions: Intimate, human-scaled homes still in demand, versus “McMansions.”
Family friendly: Flowing layouts, backyard access, and upstairs kids rooms ideal for families.

For those seeking an affordable, enduring, and humble abode, the 1950s Cape Cod will always represent the American dream.

Design Details to Include in Your 1950s Cape Cod House

If you’re planning to build or renovate a 1950s Cape Cod home, there are several authentic midcentury design details worth incorporating. From the exterior facade to interior finishes, these signature touches will help capture the essence of the era.

Exterior Details

Dormer windows: Extended dormer windows piercing the steep roof are a must. Opt for shed dormers or gabled dormers with vertical wood sheathing.

Cedar shingle roof: Use thicker, irregular cedar shingles. For a vintage look, install wood shakes instead of smooth asphalt shingles.

Clapboard siding: White or light gray clapboard siding contrasts nicely with black shutters and doors.

Columned entryway: A small covered entryway supported by columns frames the front door.

Louvered shutters: Green or black shutters flanking the windows are an iconic Cape Cod accent.

Brick chimney: Situated on one end or up the center ridge. Opt for traditional red brick.

Attached garage: Match the roof pitch and materials to blend seamlessly.

Stone accents: Natural stone retaining walls along the front yard or dividing properties.

Picket fence: A white picket fence adds quintessential suburban charm.

Mature trees: Oak trees typical of Northeast landscapes rooted throughout the yard.

Interior Details

Hardwood floors: Choose oak or maple floors over carpet in main living areas.

Plaster walls: Smooth plaster walls with simple trim nod to historic roots.

Picture window: A large front window next to the front door floods the interior with natural light.

Wood paneling: Faux wood paneling as feature walls or wainscoting.

Masonry fireplace: A classic brick fireplace as the anchor of the living room.

Galley kitchen: Retro wall-mounted cabinets, counters along one side.

Formica counters: Primary-color laminate counters are period appropriate.

Metal cabinets: Steel cabinets with chrome hardware fit the era.

Retro tile: Checkerboard tile backsplash or flooring.

Pink bathroom: Pastel tiles and fixtures were popular in the 1950s.

Copper screens: Correct copper insect screening on windows.

Textured glass: Wavy, obscured, or patterned glass in entryways or bathrooms.

Wallpaper: Floral prints and atomic midcentury patterns.

Incorporating several of these nostalgic details will help capture the essence of 1950s design in your Cape Cod home.

Common Layouts and Floor Plans

When evaluating 1950s Cape Cod house plans, you’ll notice several common layouts and floor plans. Here are some of the most typical designs:

One-Story Layout

The one-story Cape Cod features:

3 bedrooms and 1-2 bathrooms
Open concept kitchen, dining and living room
Galley kitchen on one side
Fireplace in living room
Bedrooms share a central hall bathroom
Attached one-car garage off kitchen

This compact 1-story design maximizes livability on a modest square footage.

1.5 Story Layout

The 1.5 story Cape Cod includes:

2-3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom downstairs
Open staircase from entry hall to upstairs
Combined kitchen, dining, and living room
Fireplace flanked by two windows
1-2 bedrooms and bath upstairs under the eaves
Attached garage off side entrance

With a half story upstairs, this style adds extra bedrooms without significantly enlarging the home’s footprint.

Expanded Layout

Expanded Cape Cods offer:

4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and powder room
Large open kitchen with island, flowing into dining and living room
Master suite with vaulted ceiling, bathroom, and walk-in closet
Additional bedrooms down hall, plus upstairs kids rooms
Finished basement rec room and accessory rooms
Attached 2-car garage

Expanded plans widen the length or depth for a larger interior space while maintaining the home’s classic proportions.

Decorating Your 1950s Cape Cod House

When decorating a vintage 1950s Cape Cod or new home in the iconic style, there are several design approaches you can take:

Midcentury Modern Style

To decorate an authentic midcentury modern Cape Cod:

Use 50s-era furniture: Teak pieces, retro upholstered chairs, sculptural lighting
Incorporate atomic-style patterns: Geometric prints, starbursts
Add bright pops of color: Sunny yellow, turquoise, cherry red
Feature Eames-era artwork: Framed posters, wall hangings
Display kitschy accessories: Vintage clocks, telephones, typewriters
Use textured neutrals: Jute rugs, woven lampshades, stone accents
Include polished finishes: Marble, brass, chrome accents

This approach celebrates the heyday of forward-thinking 1950s design.

Modern Farmhouse Style

To decorate a Cape Cod with modern farmhouse appeal:

Incorporate natural woods: Barn doors, wooden beams, oak floors
Use furniture with distressed finishes: Painted wood seating, reclaimed tables
Add cozy textiles: Checkered, plaid, burlap fabrics
Include antique-inspired lighting: Galvanized pendants, Edison bulbs
Feather in rustic decor: Wire baskets, canvas hammocks, ginger jars
Soft color scheme: White, light gray, sage green
Mix modern and farmhouse: Midcentury sectional, farm tables

This look blends vintage charm with trendy modern farmhouse style.

Traditional Coastal Style

To decorate a Cape Cod with coastal New England appeal:

Soothing color palette: White, sky blue, sand, sea glass
Incorporate nautical themes: Whale prints, oars, model ships
Use weathered finishes: Driftwood tables, wicker chairs
Add cozy textures: Cable knit blankets, wool rugs
Include cottagecore details: Floral prints, pastel colors, bird motifs
Feature found objects: Floating buoys, coral, starfish
Vintage wood furniture: Painted finishes, chippy layers

This approach embraces the Cape Cod’s seaside origins and summertime charm.

There are many directions you can take to stylishly decorate your 50s Cape Cod home. Choose an approach that enhances the era and architecture.

Ideas for Renovating and Upgrading a 1950s Cape Cod House

As a 1950s Cape Cod home ages, renovations and upgrades may be necessary to modernize the layout, systems, and decor. Here are some popular renovation ideas:

Open Floor Plan

Knock down walls between the kitchen and dining room for a more open-concept floor plan.
Add a kitchen island with pendant lighting for prep space and gathering area.
Replace outdated kitchen cabinetry and appliances for more streamlined, built-in look.
Remove any upper cabinets to elongate the room’s sightlines.
Refinish hardwood floors for a seamless look between rooms.

Expanded Master Suite

Bump out the back of house to add space to master bedroom.
Build out a spa-like bathroom with double vanity, walk-in shower, soaking tub.
Create sizable walk-in closet/dressing room.
Add french doors from bedroom to backyard patio or deck.

Remodeled Bathrooms

Replace outdated tubs, tiles, vanities, and lighting fixtures.
Opt for clean lines, like a frameless glass shower enclosure.
Add double sink vanities for shared family baths.
Install new ventilation fans and recessed lighting.
Swap out old

1950s Cape Cod House Plans