The Timeless Appeal of Cedar Shake Homes
There’s something unmistakably comforting and romantic about a cedar shake home. Maybe it’s the weathered texture, the coastal nostalgia, or the way these houses feel so perfectly settled into their surroundings. Cedar shake—also known as shingle style—isn’t just a material choice; it’s an aesthetic, a mood, and a lifestyle. And right now, it’s having a major moment in both traditional and contemporary architecture.
A Little History
The shingle style home rose to prominence in the late 1800s, primarily along the northeastern coast of the United States. Influenced by both Victorian architecture and the Arts & Crafts movement, early shingle style homes rejected excessive ornamentation in favor of organic materials and flowing, asymmetrical forms. Architects like McKim, Mead & White championed this look, designing sprawling coastal estates that felt grand yet deeply connected to nature.
Why Cedar Shake?
Cedar is more than just a pretty face. It’s naturally resistant to moisture, rot, and insects, making it an ideal material for siding—especially in regions that experience salty air or heavy weather. Over time, untreated cedar gracefully weathers to a silvery gray, creating that signature, lived-in look that only gets better with age.
Whether left raw or stained in deep, moody tones, cedar shake offers a warm, textural quality that other materials just can’t match.
Design Features of Shingle Style Homes
While cedar shakes are the hallmark, shingle style homes often include:
Gambrel or gable roofs
Expansive porches and verandas
Rounded or turreted corners
Asymmetrical layouts
Double-hung windows with divided lights
Stone chimneys or foundations
Natural color palettes (gray, taupe, sage, weathered white)
There’s an intentional softness to these homes. They don’t shout; they settle into the landscape and invite you to slow down.
Modern Cedar Shake Homes
Today’s take on cedar shake homes blends traditional charm with clean, updated lines. You’ll see them in coastal enclaves like the Hamptons or Cape Cod, as well as in wooded mountain settings and even modern suburban neighborhoods. Architects are pairing cedar with sleek black windows, metal roofs, minimalist landscaping, and crisp interiors—proving the style’s versatility and staying power.
They can be rustic or refined, historic or cutting-edge. But no matter the interpretation, cedar shake homes always feel timeless.
A Home That Ages Gracefully
One of the most beautiful aspects of cedar shake is its ability to patina over time. Where other materials fade or crack, cedar evolves. It’s a home that matures with you, responding to its environment and becoming more character-rich every year.
In Closing
Cedar shake homes aren’t just built—they’re crafted. Rooted in tradition yet open to modern twists, they offer a sense of permanence, comfort, and place. Whether you’re dreaming of a coastal retreat or reimagining your primary residence, the shingle style is worth considering—not just for how it looks, but for how it feels.