The Crossover Appeal of the Cape Cod and Maine Looks
The crossover appeal of the Cape Cod and Maine looks
Given its small population, it’s curious that New Zealand hasn’t really advanced a signature interior style or architectural point of view. The country’s design impression is not narrowly defined, perhaps in part related to its multiculturalism, and the ideas of individualism and nonconformity that run deep across the land.
It’s a curiosity, nevertheless. Afterall, there are even some US states, and locations within states, that have a design look particular to it and practically no other in that country. And yet, The Interior Dispatch suggests there are two distinctive American design styles that could also look and feel right at home in New Zealand.
“Cape Cod and Maine each have many natural and attitudinal similarities to New Zealand. ”
The two styles are both found the northeast of the US – in Cape Cod and Maine – and they each have many natural and attitudinal similarities to New Zealand.
Cape Cod is the hooked sandy peninsula that extends into the Atlantic Ocean in the southwestern part of the state (technically the ‘Commonwealth’) of Massachusetts.
Celebrated for its easy coastal lifestyle, the Cape is most known for its two famous islands – Martha's Vineyard (where the movie ‘Jaws’ was filmed) and Nantucket. It is also the location of Hyannis Port, the famous seaside hamlet and spiritual home to the iconic Kennedy political clan.
The relationship of Cape Cod-to-design is sometimes recognised by the so-called ‘Cape Cod’ outdoor chair. In New Zealand, it is also identified as the ‘Adirondack’ chair, which is a modern take on the original Cape Cod chair (just to add to the confusion, the term ‘Adirondack’ comes from a mountain range in upstate New York). The chair characterised by its low-slung, raked back with wide arms. This makes it a perfect accessory for relaxing with a drink, often placed adjacent on one arm.
There is, however, more to the relationship than this. Typically housed within a clapboard structure, the Cape Cod interior design look reflects a number of key elements that draws the best from the natural environment.
“Light - that is capturing light - is an important element off the Cape Cod design idea, which is idealised for its light and well-windowed spaces.”
Light - that is capturing light - is an important element off the Cape Cod design idea, which is idealised for its light and well-windowed spaces.
Another leading interior feature of many Cape Cod homes is the tongue and groove wall. This traditional and proven design winner was originally fashioned to keep the water and weather at bay. It’s a perfect fit for not just the sometimes bracing North Atlantic conditions but equally so – once again – for parts of New Zealand.
“The Cape Cod look is often different things all at once - both contradictory and complimentary.”
The Cape Cod look is often different things all at once - both contradictory and complimentary. It’s casual elegance and informal sophistication. It’s pared back but not at the expense of being absent of real character and detailed interest. In the end, the look is perfected suited to the land, the weather and the ambiance of the place.
Similar attitude, different look
Equally connected to the natural environment, Maine is bathed in thick pine forests (it’s dubbed the ‘Pine Tree state’, with the tree adorning its modest state flag) with a handsome and mostly rocky coastline, and splendid lakes and waterways within.
Though having both a geography and climate less forgiving than Cape Cod, which lies 465 kilometres (290 miles) to the more temperate south, Maine has an essential style that is also contradictory and complimentary – but different still.
It is more appropriately rugged, but still undeniably romantic. There is an endearing practicality at the look, yet it is also not without its beauty. The Maine look has total respect for its surroundings and the utilitarian nature of things that actually work and are highly functional. There’s a lack of fussiness in the state that should appeal to many New Zealanders.
“The Maine look has total respect for its surroundings and the utilitarian nature of things that actually work and are highly functional. There’s a lack of fussiness in the state that should appeal to many New Zealanders. ”
Like the Cape Cod look, the Maine style is truly authentic to its environment and carries a strong sense of place.
Not everyone can move to Cape Cod or Maine. But like much in interior design, one can by inspired by what other styles have to offer. And it’s our view that both styles have a lot to offer New Zealander homeowners.
Words: Craig Greaves