The Bungalow

Bungalows are making a comeback in America. After nearly 50 years in the shadows, they have once again become popular. This resurgence is probably the result of a yearning for simpler times along with a deeper commitment to family values. Bungalows reflect that type of philosophy and stability often lacking our fast-paced technological society.

The Bungalow is a universal housing concept that lends itself to varying styles and characteristics unique to its particular region and location.

Most modern homes with huge lawns, vinyl siding and metal doors lack the warmth and frieudliness of the traditional Bungalow. Centered and low to the ground, these homes stand the test of time. Much of this resurgence is in the area of refurbish and remodeling older bungalows. However, new bungalows are also on the rise in many areas in the country.

What exactly constitutes a bungalow?

The style came about based on the desire for function and a need for affordable and appealing homes. Each bungalow is unique because it may include every element of the style or only just a few.

These elements include:

A front porch that connects the interior with the outdoors.
A dominating roof with large dormers, giving a 1 1/2 or 2 story home the appearance of a 1 story.
Attention to detail with a large overhang supported by bracing and porch columns, lending a sturdy grounded effect.
Interior floor plans allow for an efficient use of space with lots of open spaces for multiple function.

Certain other features are common such as:

Sturdy wood front doors.
Lots of windows with stained or beveled glass accents.
Moldings, wood trim & wainscoding.

Victorian style homes are more formal, whereas the bungalow layout tends to encourage more family connectedness and a more relaxing atmosphere. Lighting you will find to be dimmer, more remenicent of lantern light.

Many manufacturers and suppliers have responded to the increasing demand for this style of building. Many paint brands now carry Bungalow colors that were used in the original craftsman homes. Cabinet makers have also responded with shaker styles and accessories. Products ranging from flooring to hardware can be found to enhance the Bungalow experience.

Taking into consideration that history often repeats itself, the bungalow could once again become America's most beloved housing style. There are thousands of neighborhoods in cities across America filled with bungalows that offer a 'would be' rennovator excellent opportunity and value.
Upon deciding to make your next home a bungalow, I would suggest keeping in mind the following quotation by Christian Gladu (The New Bungalow) "The site, the craftsmanship, the materials and the design executed correctly will equal a sum much greater than its ports - we call it the Bungalow."

Products

Lighting

The bungalow restoration movement coinsiding with a renewed interest in arts and crafts has resulted in an increased demand for products and furnishings with an authentic look and feel. As a result artisans and craftsman have honed their skills to meet this demand with quality reproductions.

An example of this is the Old California Lantern Co. in Orange, CA which designs and manufactures historic bungalow lighting fixtures. Arts and crafts conferences have sprung up around the country and provide a good resource for companies trying to reproduce these products. By studying antiques at these shows, these craftsman then create authentic reproductions. Antique catalogs, books and bungalow house plans are another inspiration when creating lighting designs.

Todays modern codes require some changes in design, but the scale and feel of the old lanterns can still be retained. The Old Lantern Co. will take a design and make it marketable for today's bungalows by creating a set of lights with the same design in different sizes along with matching posts and hanging lights and chandeliers.

One of their more popular designs comes from a lantern used by miners in the CA gold rush over 150 years ago. They have over 200 designs in about a dozen different hand applied finishes available for those caught up in the arts & crafts movement.