Hi Paul,
I hope this note finds you well as we welcome another beautiful Cape Cod Spring. It’s also Masters week -just saying…
For this second edition of my real estate email blast, I wanted to do something a little different—and a little special.
I recently sat down with Paul McCarthy, principal at Paul McCarthy Design LLP (formerly Zibrat & McCarthy Residential Designs) in Chatham. If you don’t already know Paul and his work, you should. His firm ( click to access website - Link ) has been the go-to design company on the Lower Cape for over 20 years, shaping thousands of its most prominent properties. From timeless new builds to thoughtfully executed renovations, Paul and his team are the secret sauce behind some of the Outer Cape’s most stunning homes.
Over coffee (and occasionally a beer), Paul and I talked about what’s trending in home design for 2025, how to balance space and functionality, and why the little details matter more than ever.
What’s In? What’s Timeless?
Modern farmhouses are still having a moment—especially when they feature open kitchens that flow seamlessly into the rest of the home. But before you start tearing down every wall…
“Open concepts are great,” Paul told me, “but flow is imperative. Cozy areas can still exist within open designs. Half-walls are a perfect way to guide traffic while keeping things visually open.” It's a subtle but smart design move—defining space without fully enclosing it. These half-walls add just enough separation to create intimacy without losing light or openness. See below image -
White cabinets continue to dominate, but Paul notes a growing appetite for earth tones—especially deep greens and rich blues as accent colors. And if your current cabinets are solid but uninspiring? A simple paint job can work wonders.
We also discussed cerused oak—a centuries-old finishing technique that enhances wood grain while giving it a soft, chalky look. “It’s been around since the 15th century,” Paul said, “it’s having a huge revival right now.” Who knows, maybe pleated pants will return as well?!!
Wallpaper Is Back
Yes, good ole fashioned wallpaper! Just like Grandmas house, bold, graphic, even whimsical prints are making a major comeback. Whether it’s a standout feature wall or a powder room full of personality, wallpaper is an easy and impactful way to bring charm and character into any space.
Exterior Charm: Let’s Not Forget Curb Appeal
Paul didn’t mince words: “The front porch is your home’s first impression.”
He’s a big fan of clean, timeless entries—welcoming, well-proportioned porches that say come on in. Unless, of course, you’re trying to keep people away, he joked. See below image -
Final Tips from a Master Designer
Whether you're building new or just refreshing a room, Paul emphasizes one thing: form must follow function. “If a kitchen looks amazing but doesn’t work, what’s the point? Something as simple as the dishwasher being too far from the sink can drive you crazy.”
We also talked flooring: oak is still the gold standard, but watch out for overly dark stains—they’ll show every scratch. As someone who has (2) WILD Jack Russell Terriers (Lilly & Stanley), I added that my wide-plank pine floors wear every imperfection proudly—and I love it. It’s real. It’s lived-in. It’s home.
The Future Is 3D
One of the most exciting innovations Paul’s team is embracing? 3D visualization technology. Let’s face it: not everyone can read a blueprint. These tools make it easy to see your future space before it’s built—allowing for thoughtful tweaks and confident decisions.
While visiting his office last week, I got a firsthand tour—and it really is remarkable. As they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”
If you’d like an introduction, just let me know—or reach out directly to Paul McCarthy Residential Designs at 63 Crowell Road in Chatham or online at ( click to access website - Link ).
And as always, if you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply dreaming up your next chapter here on the Cape, I’d be honored to help.
Paul C. Borde’ | Wilkinson & Associates Real Estate
Realtor®