Bungalow style homes are some of the most popular residential designs in the United States. Characterized by the use of natural materials and earthy colors, bungalow style homes feature a low profile look, with their typically one-and-a-half-stories, wide porches, and large, square windows.
Though these houses derive their name from the British colonial style that originated in Bengal, they are typically found across North America, more specifically popularized in California and in the Prairie styles of the Midwest.
When looking to build or purchase a bungalow home, what makes them unique is their simple, traditional, and cozy charm that has brought the architectural style some of its widespread appeal with home buyers in the past.
The bungalow style has been recognized since the 1920s and is usually defined by its main characteristics, including gabled roofs, exposed rafters, overhanging eaves, shutters, and painted wooden siding.
The interior of a bungalow house will usually include an open floor plan to create a more spacious and inviting atmosphere, complete with high ceilings, cozy fireplaces, and wide porches for outdoor living.
Additional attributes of a bungalow may include built-in cabinetry, box beam ceilings, and divided lite windows.
What’s the difference between a bungalow and a house?
The main difference between a bungalow and a house is in their structure and design. Bungalows typically have an open and inviting layout and are generally one-story buildings with a low-slung roof, wide overhanging eaves, and a front porch.
Houses, on the other hand, can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are typically two-stories with a steep roof and narrow windows. Bungalows are usually smaller than houses and are usually associated with a traditional or cottage style.
Houses often have multiple levels, a larger floor plan, and a more modern design. While bungalows generally have one or two bedrooms, houses can have three or more. Houses generally have more space, allowing for larger rooms, such as a den, home office, or bonus room.
Additionally, houses are more expensive than bungalows and require more upkeep, such as regular maintenance, painting, and roof repairs.
What architectural style is a bungalow?
A bungalow is a type of architecture characterized by a low, usually one-story house or cottage with a sloping roofline, usually overhanging eaves, and solidly constructed. Bungalow style originated in early 20th century Britain, and is still popular in many parts of the world.
The term comes from the Indian word “bung” which means ‘home in the Bengal style’. Bungalows typically have symmetrical facade, an entry porch, and typically one and a half stories of living space. The individual rooms are often of generous size and feature large windows, often with porches, terraces and balconies.
Interior rooms may include formal boxes, sometimes built off the main house, and covered with a separate roofline. The exterior walls of gum and stucco are often punctured by small dormers with double-hung windows.
Generally, the exterior surfaces are typically natural in color, softened by details such as wood trim and features which may include pattern and texture.
What state has the most craftsman style homes?
The state with the most Craftsman style homes is California. This is due to the state’s mild climate and its natural beauty, which helped attract many craftsmen following the Craftsman Movement at the turn of the 20th century.
Within California, the regions around San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego contain a majority of Craftsman style homes, which can also be found in suburbs, historic districts, and rural areas. Craftsman style homes are highly valued due to their distinctive architecture that is characterized by low-pitched roofs, thick square columns, overhanging eaves, and large porches.
In addition, the use of natural materials, such as stone, stucco, and wood, provide a unique charm and beauty to Craftsman style homes that has endured the test of time.
Is Craftsman a bungalow?
No, Craftsman is not a bungalow. Instead, Craftsman is a style of architecture, originating from the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain, which emphasizes the use of natural materials, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Craftsman-style homes typically feature a covered and gabled porch, low-pitched roof, deep overhangs, open floor plans, exposed beams, and built-in details. Many Craftsman homes also include pieces of furniture, decorative arts, and cabinetry that blend with the architectural style.
While bungalows are sometimes made in the Craftsman style, they are a distinct architectural style of their own. Bungalows typically feature a single story, steep gable roof, deep eaves, limited wall and roof ornamentation, and a low, wide porch spanning the front of the house.
What makes a house a Craftsman bungalow?
A Craftsman bungalow is a style of home that originated in the United States in the early 20th century. This style is characterized by its unique architectural features, including a low-pitched, gabled roof with wide overhanging eaves and exposed rafter tails.
It also typically uses square columns to support the porch, with stone or brick pedestals, and often has a front porch that is partially or completely enclosed. The exterior of Craftsman bungalows typically feature vertical siding, as well as stone and/or wooden exterior details.
Windows are typically large and often include divided light windows.
Interior features often include built-in cabinetry and open floor plans. Craftsman bungalows also often have wood floors, fireplaces and wood trim. Additional features may include beamed ceilings, exposed brick and stained-glass windows.
Craftsman bungalows can range in size from small one-story designs to much larger models of up to two stories. They may also be combined with other architectural styles, such as Prairie, Tudor and English Cottage.
Why is it called a Craftsman house?
A Craftsman house typically refers to a style of residential architecture that originated in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th century. Characteristics of this style include low-pitched roofs with wide eaves, large porches supported by tapered or flared columns, and an overall cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
This style of house is often characterized by its craftsmanship, evidenced through the use of natural materials, a focus on function and comfort, and the inclusion of decorative details such as built-in furniture, stained glass windows, and intricately designed woodwork.
The name ‘Craftsman’ was derived from the Arts and Crafts movement, a social and artistic reform movement that valued traditional craftsmanship, innovation, and honesty in design. As such, the Craftsman style of house was intended to celebrate the creativity and quality of handmade products as an alternative to the more generic styles seen in commercial mass-production.
What extra features can we see in a bungalow than a normal house?
Bungalows typically have extra features than a regular house due to their unique design. Depending on the size of the bungalow, they may be larger than a regular house and have extra amenities such as multiple bathrooms, large bedrooms, and spacious common areas.
Bungalows often have an elegant front porch that allows for outdoor living and extra recreational space. Many bungalows also have oversized yards with plenty of room for outdoor activities such as gardening and barbecuing.
Some may even have outdoor kitchens or fireplaces for outdoor entertaining. Bungalows have the added advantage of having a large, comfortable living space and can easily accommodate more people than a regular house.
Additionally, due to their single-story design, they often allow for easier navigation and less difficulty maintaining the house itself. All of these features make bungalows attractive to people who want more space and want to feel comfortable living in their home.
What is a bungalow with stairs called?
A bungalow with stairs is often referred to as an attic bungalow. This type of bungalow design typically sits on a full foundation, with either a full concrete basement or crawlspace, and features living space on both the main floor and the upper level accessed via an internal staircase.
The staircase often takes up a sizable portion of the upper floor space, making it difficult to maximize the upper floor’s potential. Still, this type of layout allows for the increased flexibility of having two levels, with the upper level providing an opportunity to turn an extra bedroom into a master suite or craft/hobby room.
Some attic bungalows even incorporate interesting terrace designs and balcony spaces, enhancing their overall visual appeal.
What are bungalows called in America?
In America, bungalows are typically known as “single-family homes” or “single-level homes”. These types of homes usually have one floor and intentional, cozy design elements that make them distinctive and comfortable.
Bungalows usually have low-pitched, gabled roofs, wide eaves, and large front porches. Some have built-in features like breakfast nooks, built-in mirrors, and window seats. Bungalows originated in India and quickly became popular in the United States and other English-speaking countries during the early 1900s.
This style of housing could be attributed to the rapid development of the suburbs, which allowed homeowners to spread out and find the space they needed. Bungalows are generally associated with a classic, cozy feeling and a simpler lifestyle.
They are frequently found in rural areas, near lakes, or in traditional communities and carry with them a sense of nostalgia and a slower pace of life.
Why are bungalows so popular?
Bungalows are popular because they offer several advantages that other home styles do not. Bungalows are typically smaller, single-story homes which makes them ideal for first-time home buyers, growing families, or retirees looking for an affordable and easy-to-maintain property.
They also provide an airy atmosphere with large windows and fewer interior walls, making them appear more spacious compared to other, similar-sized homes. Bungalows can feature a variety of construction styles and materials, making them a popular choice for home owners in different neighborhoods.
Since these homes often sit on large, level lots, many people can take advantage of green space, as well as expand it with landscaping and decks, making them even more appealing. Bungalows are also continually being renovated and restored, making them a great investment for many people, who can purchase a lower-cost home and use their renovating skills to turn it into the desired style.