Bungalow Decorating

Bungalow Basics

During the early years of the twentieth century, a stylish yet accessible home concept hit the scene with great success. These affordable bungalow style dwellings had large welcoming front porches with shared backyards and open-concept floor plans. Plus these informal houses had sweeping horizontal lines which were pleasing to the eye. Even retailers like Sears, Roebuck and Company offered construction kits for bungalow homes. Magazines like American Bungalow are geared towards those with an interest in preserving, restoring, and living inside the bungalow style home.

Natural, local building materials such as fieldstone are important in bungalow decorating. Craftsman décor along with Mission style had an enormous influence on the artisan design of the bungalow. Exterior features which distinguish the bungalow home include decorative wooden shingle patterns, sloping rooflines with gables, spacious front porches, and tapered four-sided support columns. They are typically built with only one to one-and-half stories for a more horizontal profile.

Bungalows have been built in the following styles over the decades:

• California Style
• Cape Cod
• Chicago Style
• Craftsman Style
• Foursquare
• Mission
• Moderne
• Prairie
• Queen Anne
• Tudor

Life Inside a Bungalow

A refined, rustic quality dominates bungalow decorating schemes. This can be seen in the fieldstone and brick which are often incorporated into fireplace mantles or other architectural features. Open floor plans create a casual feeling while beams and exposed logs decorate the ceilings. The formal dining room is usually omitted and swapped for a family friendly breakfast nook. Foyers are usually not included so that the front door leads right into the main living room where the fireplace is the key focal point.

Abundant double-hung windows let in the sunlight shine in, and floors are kept simple by use of wood, stone, or tile. Stained glass accent pieces are commonly seen and tend to feature a Craftsman style motif. Built-in pieces like shelves, bookcases, benches, and hutches make for a very efficient space. Wainscoting and stenciling are classic bungalow wall elements. Also, copper accents are essential to an authentic bungalow decorating style, so look for hammered copper hardware and fixtures.

The color palette of bungalow decorating leans toward the muted side of the spectrum. Colors taken from natural elements like stone, wood, or terracotta make for a relaxing atmosphere. Try wall colors and fabrics in sage greens, soft yellows, creams, or mustard hues for a vintage feeling. Prairie or Craftsman style light fixtures and wall sconces will complement the clean, rustic contemporary look.