Nantucket houses bring coastal comfort and classic appeal to any neighborhood.
I’ve always loved how these New England gems, with their weathered shingles, white trim, and clean lines, quietly tell stories of seaside living.
People continue to love Nantucket homes because they blend comfort with classic design. The simple shapes and natural materials create spaces that feel relaxed yet pulled together.
In this blog, I’ll share:
- The main elements that define true Nantucket style
- Color schemes that suit this coastal look
- Easy ways to bring Nantucket charm into your home
If you’re aiming for a design that stays beautiful year after year, Nantucket style is a perfect choice.
With just a few thoughtful touches, you can bring this classic coastal look into your space and make it feel fresh, breezy, and inviting
Key Characteristics of Nantucket Style Home Designs
When you think of a Nantucket home, a few special features come to mind right away. These houses have a look that’s both simple and special. Let me walk you through what makes these homes stand out.
1. Cedar Shingle Siding
The first thing you’ll notice on a true Nantucket house is the cedar shingle siding. These wooden pieces start out reddish-brown but weather to a soft gray over time.
This worn, silvery look is what gives these homes their beach-like feel even when they’re miles from the ocean.
2. White Trim Work
Clean white trim stands out against the gray shingles. You’ll see it around windows, doors, and along the edges of the roof.
This stark contrast is a hallmark of the style and keeps the homes looking crisp and tidy all year round.
3. Classic Symmetry
These homes follow a balanced plan. The windows on both sides of the front door match, and the rooms often mirror each other.
This balance isn’t just pretty; it makes the homes feel stable and lasting.
4. Pitched Roofs
Look up and you’ll see steep, angled roofs. These weren’t just for show; they helped shed snow and rain in harsh New England winters.
Today, they give these homes their classic shape that most people know right away.
5. Dormer Windows
Popping out from those pitched roofs are small dormer windows. These let light into upstairs rooms and add beauty to the roof line.
Count them, they’re often in odd numbers (3 or 5) for the best look.
6. Wraparound Porches
Many Nantucket homes have wide porches that wrap around at least one corner. These offer the perfect spot to sit and watch the world go by.
In the old days, they gave sailors’ wives places to look out for ships.
7. Widow’s Walks
On some larger Nantucket homes, you might spot a railed platform on the very top of the roof.
Sailors’ wives would stand here to watch for ships coming home. Now they’re mostly for show, but they add a touch of history.
Popular Elements in Nantucket Style Home Designs
Once you step inside a Nantucket-style home, the calm feeling continues. The interior spaces match what you see outside – simple, clean, and tied to the coast.
1. Soft Color Schemes
Walk into a Nantucket home and you’ll be wrapped in gentle colors. Walls in white, cream, or soft gray create a blank canvas.
Ocean blues and sandy beiges add just enough color without being too bold. These quiet tones help you feel relaxed as soon as you enter.
2. Natural Fabrics
Touch is important in these homes. You’ll find cotton slipcovers on comfy chairs. Linen curtains that move with the breeze.
Wool rugs underfoot. These real materials bring nature inside and hold up well to daily life.
3. Rattan And Wicker
Look for chairs, baskets, and light fixtures made from woven plants like rattan. These pieces bring texture and a beach-house feel without trying too hard.
They’ve been used in coastal homes for hundreds of years.
4. Open Floor Plans
Walls? Not so many in modern Nantucket homes. Kitchens flow into dining areas. Living rooms connect to porches.
This openness lets family and friends stay connected while moving around the home.
5. Plenty Of Windows
You can’t miss the windows, they’re everywhere! Tall ones, wide ones, small circles near the roof. All let in tons of natural light.
They also frame views of gardens, trees, or water outside.
6. Beadboard Details
Run your hand along walls and you might feel ridged panels called beadboard. This wooden detail often covers lower walls or ceilings.
It started as a practical choice, but now adds beauty that people love.
7. Subtle Sea Touches
No plastic fish here! Instead, you’ll spot subtle nods to the ocean. Maybe a bowl of shells collected on walks.
A piece of smooth driftwood on a shelf. A painting of calm water. These small touches remind you of the beach without going overboard.
How Do Weather Conditions Affect Nantucket Home Designs?
The weather shaped how Nantucket homes were built from the very start. These houses weren’t just pretty, they were made to last through harsh coastal conditions.
Strong winds batter the coast year-round, so builders created low, solid homes with few fancy bits that could blow away.
The steep roofs you see weren’t just for looks; they helped rain and snow slide off quickly instead of building up weight.
Cedar shingles weren’t a random choice either. This wood stands up to salt air that would rust or rot other materials.
I’ve seen old cedar homes that still look good after 100 years! The silvery gray color happens naturally as the sun and salt work on the wood.
Homes sit a bit higher off the ground to deal with wet weather. This keeps water from seeping into the foundation when it rains hard.
Have you noticed the deep window sills? Those come from the thick walls built to keep heat in during cold winters.
The classic white trim isn’t just pretty; it uses paint that fights against moisture damage.
Today’s Nantucket-style homes still use these weather-smart features, even when built far from the ocean.
The practical choices of yesterday have become the design elements we love today.
Best Materials for a Nantucket Home
When building or updating a Nantucket-style home, picking the right materials makes all the difference. These choices not only create the classic look but also help your home withstand time and weather.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cedar Shingles | Start reddish-brown, fade to silver-gray; give homes a naturally weathered, coastal look. |
| White Trim | Classic for window frames and corners; composite or wood; crisp contrast against gray shingles. |
| Wide Plank Flooring | 5–12 inch boards; white oak for clean grain, pine for warmth and historic character. |
| Natural Stone | Bluestone for paths, fieldstone for walls, granite for steps; durable and beautiful with age. |
| Copper Accents | Used on gutters, lights, and fixtures; ages from shiny to soft green-blue for timeless charm. |
| Linen and Cotton | Natural, breathable fabrics for window coverings and bedding; ideal for salt air and sandy feet. |
| Wool and Sisal Rugs | Wool adds softness; sisal or jute brings texture and handles beach sand well. |
I love how each of these elements brings out the relaxed, timeless charm of a true Nantucket home. They’re simple, natural choices that make the space feel both lived-in and loved.
Is a Nantucket Style House Right for You?
Not every home style fits every person. Before jumping into Nantucket design, let’s see if it matches your life and likes.
- Do you feel calm near the water? Nantucket homes bring that peaceful, breezy beach feeling into everyday life—even if you’re miles from the coast.
- Do you crave a steady, quiet atmosphere? The soft colors and natural textures create a home that feels calm, grounded, and timeless.
- Where do you live? This style was born on the coast, but it can be adapted inland with a simplified approach.
- Do you love the look of clean lines and cozy spaces? You don’t need ocean views to enjoy the style’s welcoming and classic layout.
- Are you okay with a little upkeep? Cedar shingles need care every few years, and white trim shows dirt, but the lasting beauty makes it worthwhile.
- Do you prefer timeless design over trends? If you love looks that age well and avoid fads, Nantucket style is a strong, lasting choice.
Conclusion
Nantucket style brings together clean lines, natural materials, and seaside comfort.
I love how these homes stand the test of time by focusing on what really matters: solid building, simple beauty, and spaces that feel good to live in.
You don’t need to copy every detail to get the feeling right. Take what speaks to you, maybe it’s the cedar shingles, the crisp white trim, or the soft, calming color scheme inside.
Mixing these elements with your style is what makes a home feel both lasting and personal.
Want to start small? I suggest adding beadboard to one wall, painting a room in a soft blue, or swapping out bold patterns for simple cotton or linen.
The best homes tell your story while building on strong design ideas. Nantucket style gives you that kind of base.
If you go all-in or pull a few touches, this relaxed, classic look can help make your house feel more like home.