With their wide, inviting front
porches
and
open living
areas, Bungalow house plans represent a popular home design nationwide.
Whether you're looking for a 1 or 2 bedroom bungalow plan or a more spacious design, the charming style shows off curb appeal. The Bungalow style is typically considered the less formal cousin of the
Craftsman
and
Prairie
styles. In fact, the term "Bungalow" may refer to any modestly sized, one or one-and-a-half story home. Their simple designs and general
affordability
made Bungalows perfect candidates for plan books and kit homes, spreading their popularity throughout the country in the early part of the 20th century. The signature front porch bridged the public yard and private interior of the Bungalow, providing an extra room for the homeowner and a setting for neighbors to interact in the burgeoning suburbs. Bungalow house designs are generally longer than they are wide, with at least one front-facing gable and a covered porch or stoop supported by tapered or paired posts, which lend Craftsman-like character. However, any number of architectural styles may influence a Bungalow home design, from
Victorian
to
Spanish Revival
. The Bungalow house design may feature open concept layout, with kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms arranged for easy accessibility. Though most bungalows appear to be only
one story
from the street, many offer a half-story under the roof, with upstairs rooms lit by shed-roofed dormers.
Architectural Features of Bungalow House Designs:
- Low-slung roof, often with exposed rafter tails and ridge beams
- Large wide porches supported by tapered or paired columns
- Open and informal floor plans
- One or one-and-a-half story
