Project One of Two for 2020: The This Old House Idea House in Cape Cod

In the midst of all things COVID, This Old House has been busy pumping out content for home enthusiasts, craftsmen and builders across the nation. And, while the 2020 TOH Cape Cod Idea House reveal was quite a bit different than previous years, the home (known as Cottage on the Cape) was nothing short of stunning…and Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods is proud to be a part of it!

While most viewers follow This Old House on PBS, the brand’s newer Idea House Build Series allows fans to join Pro2Pro Editor Chris Ermides as he chronicles two separate 2020 Idea House builds. A virtual grand opening for the Cape Idea House was held on July 16, and full episodes of the project are available online.

The Cottage on the Cape project was designed by Union Studio Architecture & Community Design (yes, that name SHOULD sound familiar—Union Studios was founded by Don Powers, whose home was featured as the 2018 TOH Jamestown Net-Zero Project Home) and built by Eastham, Massachusetts’ well-known Cape Associates.

This project marks Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods’ third year partnering with the This Old House brand on various initiatives. And, while a variety of home sizes and styles have been featured over the past few years, the Cottage on the Cape is geared toward a younger demographic with its classic shingle-style design packed full of character.

Idea House Build: Home Design for a Growing Family

Ask any young family: open spaces, finished basements, en suite baths and entertaining areas are on the list of must-haves, and this house checks all the boxes!

Notable features are everywhere you turn:

Second-floor master bedroom with en suite bathroom
Finished basement with space for an office or second living room
Unique reading/sleeping loft (perfect for a kids’ secret playroom!)
Inviting outdoor spaces for entertaining
Workshop area that doubles as a garage

Attached accessory dwelling unit, known as an ADU (or in-law suite)

The bright, airy home got its looks from the design savvy of Denise Enright Interior Design, who took inspiration from coastal areas and scenic Cape Cod sunsets.

Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods: Products Used in 2020 Idea House
Much like the 2019 Idea House located in New Canaan, Connecticut, the Cottage on the Cape is packed full of Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods products. Throughout this classic shingle-style home, you’ll see flooring, doors and mouldings—all made right here in Canfield, OH!

Like what you see and interested to know exactly which Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods products were used? Take a look:

4” Select Grade White Oak Flooring (Main House)
4” Character Grade White Oak Flooring (ADU)
Poplar Baseboard (Main House and ADU)
Poplar Window and Door Casing (Main House and ADU)
Select Solid White Oak 2-Panel Shaker Doors
Poplar 2-Panel Shaker Doors

As with all of our customers’ projects going on from coast to coast, we love seeing great design come together. In this house, in particular, the flooring transitioned from a light-stained, select grade white oak in the main house to a darker-stained, character grade white oak in the ADU (creating a cohesive yet distinct look between spaces).

The painted poplar casing and baseboard helped to lighten the feel of the interior rooms, along with soft, cheerful paint colors throughout the home.

What’s Up Next with The Idea House Build Series?
As most fans know, This Old House and its many brands (aka This Old House Ventures, LLC) has more projects up its sleeve. Most notable? The second Idea House video series coming down the line, known as the Idea House Build: Farmhouse in Fairfield County. The project, located in the heart of Connecticut, will feature a 3,700-square-foot farmhouse, designed by Jamieson Architects and built by The Greyrock Companies.

Will it feature more great Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods products? You betcha!

The 2020 Idea House projects are just two of many Idea House homes featured on thisoldhouse.com since 2015. For more great inspiration, whether you’re completing a DIY home improvement or a custom home build, check out some of the past projects we’ve partnered on!