Bungalow Style Architecture

Every person has a different definition of a dream home. For some it may be a lavish apartment on topmost floor of a skyscraper, while for some it will be of a romantic cottage at a secluded countryside. For those of you who dream of the latter type of house, must have come across charming bungalow style houses. Bungalow is an interesting type of architecture with an interesting story behind the origin of its name itself. The term bungalow originated in India, from the word Bangla which means belonging to Bengal region of India. A bungalow style home decor means, a dwelling which is designed in the Bengal style! These houses are detached and they mostly include verandas. These are low rise and one or one-and-half story dwellings with small yards in the front or back of the house. Bungalow style architecture shares similarity between cottage style houses and Cape Cod style houses too.

History

Although the term bungalow was found in English, as early as during 1696, when it was used to refer small lodgings; it became common for referring spacious houses and official lodgings in India, Britain and America. All in all, bungalow style homes and architecture was the stylemark of sophistication, high status and exotic connotations. The first even bungalow style home appeared in America in the year 1879, when William Gibbons Preston designed a lavish and larger version of traditional bungalows. When they were introduced in America, with subtle modifications, they were predominantly known as Californian bungalows; especially in Australia.

However, in America as well as Britain today, a bungalow is nothing but a secluded residential place with sloping roof and dormer windows for the second story (if any). As the years passed by, the traditional (western vernacular style) bungalows were modified in different architectural styles and were known by various names like, Cape Code Bungalow, Mission Style, Tudor Style, Prairie Style, Colonial Style, Log Cabin Style, Chicago Style, Foursquare Style, Swiss Chalet Style, Pueblo Style, Moderne Style, California Bungalow, Spanish Colonial Revival Bungalow and Craftsman Bungalow architecture. All these are revived and modified styles of bungalows that are highly influenced by the region and architectural style of the area that they are introduced to.

Characteristics

When it comes to traditional characteristics of bungalow style homes and architecture, there are a few things that one cannot overlook. Any bungalow would have the general characteristics like, typically one or one-and-half storied and exceptionally, two storied houses with low pitched roof, hipped roof or gabled roof, decorative knee braces, deep eaves that have exposed rafters, open floor plan, hipped and gabled sheds and dormers, large and covered front porches, large columns under extended main roof, double hung upper windows and single paned windows for the lower floor. As far as the interior decor is concerned, architectural style of bungalows has beamed ceiling, stylish built-in cabinetry, simple wainscot in dining room and living room décor.

Most of these houses also had large fireplaces with shelves, bookshelves, window seats or benches on either of their sides. As far as flooring is concerned, wood flooring is often chosen, along with chain rails, geometric ceiling patterns and stained glass window treatment. Houses also contain artisan light fixtures. Exterior design is often done with horizontal exterior, stucco siding, partial width front porch and stone or brick chimneys. As far as the color scheme of the bungalow houses is concerned, natural inspired tones, earthy colors and interior painting schemes containing green, brown, white, light brown, cream, light orange and others are popular. Trims and accents of interiors are painted in contrasting shades.

If you consider the cost and space of these houses, you will come to know that building a bungalow style home is expensive than building even a two storied house. It is because of the foundation and roof area, which costs as much as a special living area. Because of this, an individual may be forced to cut down cost of bungalow by modifying size and other luxuries inside the house, however it is worth it.