The exterior of a bungalow in Florida
The bungalow style is a type of architecture that usually consists of overhangs in the exterior of the house and a low rise, usually of 1 or 1 1/2 stories. Bungalows are designed to be built in close proximity to each other and require a small area, thus allowing for many units to be built in a community. Bungalow styles are prevalent worldwide, including the United States, Australia, Great Britain and Canada. Does this Spark an idea?
California Bungalow
A typical California bungalow
The typical bungalow style in the United States was designed, refined and popularized in California. The design became known as the California bungalow. California bungalows are known for their use of local materials and their Spanish colonial motif. Prominent features of a California bungalow include a low, sloping roof with wide overhangs, a front porch, a frontal garden, exposed beam and rafters in the roof, interior wood detailing, and an open informal floor plan. The exterior paint coloring of the California bungalow is nature-inspired, such as white, off-white or light brown. Trim is painted with a contrasting color, such as dark green or dark brown, to accent the architecture. Wood is typically used as flooring, and artisan light fixtures are common.
Chicago Bungalow
The Chicago bungalow design originated from India, but has major Midwestern influences in its present day design. The Chicago bungalow consists of a large front porch, and sometimes a sunroom. The Chicago design greatly resembles a standard two-story flat. Chicago bungalows are typically framed with brick veneer and appear most commonly in a band four to eight miles around the Loop downtown area. One prominent feature of a Chicago bungalow are roof gables that are aligned parallel to the street, which offer a distinct roof texture and style.
Ranch Bungalow
A ranch bungalow features large open spaces that come with the property. The spaces often have a nature setting to entice retirees and others in search of quiet. Various ranch bungalows range from 500 to 3,000 square feet of living space and open areas. One sample bungalow by Donald A. Gardner Architects, a South Carolina-based house design company, has three bedrooms, two baths, a formal dining room and a patio. For people looking to downsize, ranch bungalows come in one-floor house plans with one or two bedrooms and a simple kitchen and living room. Ranch bungalows are typically furnished with a rustic interior paint color such as dark or light brown, and usually feature wood floors.
Interior Design of a Bungalow
The interior colors of the bungalow are generally neutral, such as white, beige and light blue. The living room is generally the most prominent room in a bungalow, and should be enhanced with comfortable couches and a ceiling chandelier or other light fixture. The bedroom is an ideal viewing spot for the outdoor garden typical of most bungalows, lending a peaceful, natural setting to the room.
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