Reimagining the Bungalow

from TOPS in Lexington: April 2022

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Reimagining

One of our city’s cutest architectural styles is a charming asset to our lush neighborhoods. Bungalows pack a lot of flair into a small space. From quaint cottages to funky beach-inspired verandas, these homes bring lots of character to their surroundings. As people seek to get the most out of every square foot of their homes, it’s worth considering the benefits of bungalow living. by Amanda Harper

the Bungalow

What is a bungalow? The first “bungalow” was built in 1869 in England. When it came to the United States in the early 1900s, this style was initially used for vacation homes, eventually showing up as homes built in the Arts & Crafts style. Many of Kentucky's bungalows date back to the 1920s.

These small homes are generally designed as “one and a half” stories with a small loft in a sloping roof, often under a dormer. The main living areas are all on the first level, making these homes ideal for smaller families or people with mobility concerns. People who are downsizing often look at bungalows as the perfect compromise for low-worry living. What sets them apart from a ranch is that half story. A new construction bungalow will often cost more than a traditional ranch. The foundation must be built to support the extra weight and the roof pitch tends to be higher. Bungalows are often built with large verandas, which make these homes so much fun in the summertime.

Roomy Cool

PLAN 23-2737 houseplans.com

It’s easy to think of a bungalow as a simple rectangle with a dormer on top. But the possibilities for bungalow configurations are just about limitless, as this floorplan illustrates. The addition of wings, garages, porches and more offer you countless ways to personalize your bungalow layout. The commitment to getting the most out of the space is really evident. From the mudroom to the open liivng/ kitchen/dining room, it's easy to see how the architects worked as much utility as possible into the square footage available. We love the master suite, which has you walk through the his and hers closet to get to the master bath. The options to customize this floorplan are just as impressive. You could easily extend the covered porch or give the living room some extra space. If you wanted a more spacious entryway, the office/den could be removed to create an informal sitting area instead of the smaller foyer and hallway.

PLAN 120-187 houseplans.com

Family Friendly

This floorplan definitely prioritizes outdoor living. A porch, side porch (with a swing) and lanai offer lots of space for sitting on nice days. That said, the inside layout is configured for a family. The foyer opens into a family room that serves as the heart of the house. The kitchen and dining nook are perfectly placed for carrying groceries in from the garage. The bedrooms are all on one side, which is common for "ranch-style" bungalows.

Something Special

PLAN 928-304 houseplans.com

The most interesting bungalows make use of their surroundings. This unique floorplan offers its occupants a view in just about every direction. That also means that it catches natural light at every time of day. Curb appeal is always worth creating. The angled front porch invites guests in while providing the residents with a comfortable place to sit and relax. It also affords lots of interesting opportunities for landscaping! This home was clearly designed with enjoyment in mind. The sun room adjoins both the living room and master bedroom, allowing everyone the chance to take in the view. If we could change one thing, we'd move the laundry room into the garage to make the entry a little more grand.