Whole-Home Window and Door Design for a Cape Cod–Style Home in Jamestown

When homeowners build from the ground up, window and door decisions become architectural choices rather than simple product selections. For this new construction home in Jamestown, Rhode Island, every opening was designed to reinforce the home’s Cape Cod character while supporting the practicalities of modern coastal living. The goal was to create a structure that felt established—as if it had weathered decades of New England seasons—while maintaining a bright, open interior.

To support this vision, the homeowners selected Pella® Reserve™ — Traditional wood windows. This line was chosen specifically for its historically inspired profiles and refined detailing, which allow the new build to integrate naturally into the classic Jamestown landscape. Rather than a monolithic approach, the design utilizes a thoughtful mix of window types: picture windows are positioned where symmetry and uninterrupted coastal views were the priority, while casement windows are tucked into bedrooms and kitchens to invite in the salt air. 

A defining architectural detail is the use of custom top-row grilles. This choice references the traditional divided-light patterns of historic Cape Cod homes but leaves the lower glass unobstructed. For the homeowner, this achieves a sophisticated look without sacrificing the daylight or the long sightlines toward the Atlantic.

The connection between the interior and the outdoor living spaces is managed through a series of French doors or hinged patio doors that mirror the window profiles. By using both single and double-hinged doors throughout the home, the design creates intentional transitions rather than dramatic visual breaks. The double-hinged French doors in the primary living areas serve as focal points, maintaining the home’s rhythmic exterior while allowing the floor plan to breathe. 

Because coastal environments demand performance as much as style, these doors feature multipoint locking hardware. This ensures a tight, secure seal against high winds and provides a consistent contact point between the door and the frame. Every finish, from the hardware to the Low-E insulated glass, was selected to ensure the home remains thermally efficient and comfortable without altering the clarity of the light or the traditional soul of the architecture.

What distinguishes this Jamestown project is the consistency of the design language. Window styles, grille patterns and door profiles were coordinated as a complete system, ensuring the home reads as a singular vision. The result is a residence that feels both intentional and restrained—a modern interpretation of New England tradition where light moves easily and every view is framed with precision.