This contemporary take on a Cape Cod house pulls in classic design elements, such as the cedar shake shingles, a high-pitched roof with little space between the window and roofline and no overhang on the gables. Located in the coastal town of Sagaponack, N.Y., the home pairs its shingle exterior with blue-gray window trim, and native wildflowers add softness to the landscaping.

New Englanders have turned to cedar shake siding for generations because cedar has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that make the wood less likely to warp or crack from water damage. Not only is that an important trait for the wet, coastal climate, but cedar is also an effective insulator, keeping heat from escaping the home during cold winters.

Most architectural design choices find their origins in helping the home withstand the region's weather and elements. When coastal New England rains set in, you don't want your guests to get wet. A covered portico keeps everyone dry as they come and go. Instead of a more modern paved driveway, the HGTV Dream Home 2015 features a traditional New England pea gravel driveway, which also improves drainages and prevents erosion.

Combining two New England faves — vertical board-and-batten and white plank siding — this farmhouse feels right at home on the Rhode Island coast. Lantern-inspired outdoor sconces flank the Robin's egg-blue front door, and traditional columns define the narrow porch area.