Coastal chic

The iconic Cape Cod style evokes images of quaint seaside cottages, light-drenched living spaces and muted blue hues.

The aesthetic is rooted in New England charm and has transcended its origins to become a timeless inspiration for design. Its allure isn’t limited to indoor spaces. Embracing elements of Cape Cod style in outdoor spaces like decks, patios and gardens can bring a touch of coastal elegance to your alfresco retreat. Hues like Resene Triple Black White and Resene Half Innocence set the scene for relaxed sophistication.

At its core, Cape Cod interior design takes inspiration from the natural beauty of its coastal surroundings. Crisp whites, soft greys, and classic navy blues dominate the colour palette, reminiscent of sandy shores and azure waters. Think Resene Black White, Resene Sea Fog, Resene Longitude and Resene Gull Grey. Designers are gravitating towards these hues for their ability to evoke a sense of calm, ideal for crafting an outdoor oasis.

One of the strengths of Cape Cod style is its versatility. While it can be anchored in traditional elements like antique pieces and wicker furniture, the aesthetic allows for personal interpretation and modern touches. Pops of soft blue-grey, like Resene Half Innocence, add a refreshing coastal vibe, while natural materials like wood and the greenery of plants enhance a connection to nature. It’s a look that works particularly well in New Zealand and Australian homes.

Cape Cod inspired spaces feature clean lines, comfortable furnishings and focus on light and space. Whether your deck is small or sprawling, the Cape Cod aesthetic adapts, equally suitable for intimate gatherings and grand entertaining. Refreshing an outdoor space doesn't have to be daunting or overly dramatic. A simple stain on the deck and a new coat of paint on existing furniture can take an outdoor zone from drab to incredibly luxurious.

To recreate this outdoor look, start with a base of Resene Woodsman Natural stain on the deck. This honey-toned colour provides the ideal foundation for a Cape Cod inspired space, adding warmth while allowing the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. The stain also offers long-lasting protection against the elements, ensuring your deck retains its warm sandy hue for years to come.

For a classic Cape Cod look, paint walls in Resene Triple Black White. This crisp shade serves as a backdrop for outdoor living, enhancing the sense of light and space. Add or refresh any seating in Resene Half Innocence, a serene hue that echoes the tranquil tones of the coast. This subtle shade adds a touch of elegance to the deck area, creating a welcoming space for relaxation.

When selecting outdoor furniture, keep in mind the key principles of Cape Cod style: simplicity, comfort and natural materials. Opt for timeless pieces in classic colours such as navy blue, crisp white or weathered grey. Shades like Resene Half Black White or Resene Grey Friars complement the aesthetic beautifully.

We have four tips on choosing outdoor furniture that aligns with the Cape Cod aesthetic:

• Classic silhouettes: Look for furniture pieces with clean lines and classic silhouettes. Opt for timeless designs that evoke a sense of coastal elegance, like Cape Cod style deck chairs, wicker sofas or teak dining sets. These traditional styles seamlessly integrate with the Cape Cod aesthetic. Stick to subtle shades like Resene Half Innocence, Resene Cloudy, Resene Merino and Resene Black White.

• Natural materials: Embrace the use of natural materials like wood, wicker and rattan in your outdoor furniture selection. These materials add warmth and texture to your deck. Choose pieces crafted from weather-resistant materials to ensure durability in deck settings.

• Comfortable seating: Prioritise comfort when selecting outdoor seating for your Cape Cod inspired deck. Look for plush cushions and generous proportions that encourage relaxation and conversation. We styled our Resene Half Innocence deck chair with a tan linen cushion and a cosy grey throw.

Enhance the coastal vibe with plant pots in Resene Half Innocence, Resene Emerge and Resene Half Inside Back. Incorporating greenery into an outdoor environment softens architectural lines and hard surfaces, creating a balance between man-made elements and the surrounding landscape. Vibrant green foliage here complements the soft, neutral tones of Resene Half Innocence and adds refreshing contrast against the simplicity of Resene Triple Black White walls.

For extra coastal flair, consider adding signs to break up the weatherboard on the side of the house. Painted in Resene Emerge with Resene Triple Black White lettering, these DIY signs capture the charm of seaside signage, adding a whimsical touch to your outdoor space. To create these signs, we took a piece of treated pine (30cm long, 13cm wide and 1cm thick). We gave it a coat of Resene Emerge, then, using a pencil, wrote the words onto the board. We used a fine paintbrush to paint the words in Resene Triple Black White, then gave the edges and a little of the front a light sand to give a more weathered look. The rope was stapled to the back of the sign ready for hanging.

How to create and paint your own Relax sign

1. To create the Relax sign take a piece of treated pine which was 30cm long, 13cm wide and 1cm thick.

2. Apply two coats of Resene Emerge using a Resene testpot or another colour of your choice. Using a pencil, write the word/s you’d like onto the board. Using a fine paintbrush paint over the words in Resene Triple Black White.

3. Give the edges and some of the sign a light sand to give a more weathered look.

4. Staple some rope to the back of the sign ready for hanging.

Colours and products mentioned in this article

Styling by Vanessa Nouwens. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2024