A Cape Cod would not have a porch and the dormers (if any) would be small with close cornices and rakes and no cornice returns. This style is closer to the Tivewater South traditon shown below and in the link to Russell Versaci's site Making the center dormer larger disrupts the formality and simplicity of the traditional precedents. It begins to introduce a Colonial Revival element. The challenge is to design the center dormer so it justifies this disruption and establishes a strong design without it overpowering the house. The wndows appear to be casements which place a large vertical mullion in the center of the openings. I find this unattractive for many reasons and the triple panel in the center dormer is even more unatractive IMHO. I would use single double-hungs in the smaller dormers and a pair in the center dormer (or a very wide double-hung). In any event I would delete the "mutton chop" cornice returns and either use a more traditional type return or no return. Here is a link that might be useful: click on

ok. thanks! i figured he was, but just wanted to be sure. it still looks off to me, but oh well. these aren't the kind of dormers that are sunken into the roof, right?

How much overall width do you have there now (without changing the framing/header?) You likely want to stick to the same proportions - not size, but proportions - of the single windows you have in the lower storey if you are going to go for 2 windows instead of one, and you need to consider the space between them. Best thing is to draw it out... Same as if you think you want one taller single window - draw it on paper to see what it looks like proportionally. (Got a scanner? Put a small white piece of paper over the window on the drawing, scan the drawing and then you have a blank slate to try things out)

Shed dormers allow you to have rooms on the second floor that have far less complicated ceilings. They are typically brighter, which is always an issue with the second floor of Cape Cod homes. Shed dormers have fewer roof valleys, require less flashing and perhaps a more solid roof long term. I would not do a fake window. The upstair vestibule can use the natural light.