Wedgwood Cape Cod
View of completed house from the street. New shingle roofs have barn ridge with end finials. Brick chimney was painted white. Picket fence is gorgeous clear red cedar with semi-transparent stain.This was our poor confused 1940 spec house; it could not decide whether to go Cape Cod or streamline moderne. We gave it a gentle nudge toward Cape. Once that was settled, every detail fell into place. Hipped roofs were extended into gable roofs, and the heirarchy of spaces became clear. We added vertical corner and rake boards for crisp well defined edges. Sash were replaced, and the wrap-around corner window removed became 3 double hung windows.View from backyard before renovation. Hipped roofs met at a dinky 4' long ridge. Recessed back door made kitchen dark and limited the view. Small-scale details were missing, and the house looked stripped.Backyard view after renovation with ridge extending across the main body of the house. Smaller gables are subordinate, and appear to be later additions. Window muntins, shutters and railings provide small-scale details that were missing.Recessed porch was absorbed into renovated kitchen, allowing enough room for a breakfast table. Flat ceiling was removed. New French doors open to a deck, and skylight helps balance the light. Woodwork is Douglas fir with a natural finish.Kitchen remains in its original location, but doors to dining room and basement stair were moved. By separating them we had room to build a third wall of cabinets, and provide work triangle between sink, range and fridge.
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Wedgwood Cape Cod
To enhance the "Cape Cod" character of this 1940 house in Wedgwood neighborhood of Seattle, hipped roofs were extended to full gables and corner boards were added to frame each wall and emphasize vertical proportions.  Sash and doors were replaced in mostly  existing locations, and portico entry and picket fence were added.  Fiberglass roofing was replaced with cedar shingle and barn ridge to vent attic.