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Architecture/Is this a bungalow?

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Expert: Rikki Nyman - 11/9/2010


Question

Bungalow?
I have always wanted to own a bungalow, so maybe I'm just
trying to talk myself into thinking the house I bought is
one. Inside, it has a brick fireplace in the living room
with tile on the floor in front of it. There are square
windows on either side of the chimney and built-in shelves
on either side of the fireplace. The house has the original
wood floors and a relatively open floor plan, although it
looks like the floor plan has been altered quite a bit.
There is a monstrosity of an addition in the back that you
can't see from the street.

The house is listed in tax records as being built in 1930,
but apparently the records all burned in 1930, so many
houses built in the 1920s are listed as being built in 1930.
Another house two doors down looks quite similar except that
it has wooden pillars on the porch.

Does this house look like a bungalow to you? If not, what
would you call it? A cottage?

Answer
Anna --

Yes, you have a bungalow. It could have been built anytime after 1915, but the "modern" version you have is typical of the 1920s when it would have been labeled a bungalow or cottage ... the terms were often used interchangeably.  

When you get a chance, consider replacing the wood columns using your neighbor's house as a guide. People often replaced the wood columns during the 1940s and 50s with the wrought iron ... usually because the wood rotted.

Ditch the shutters and repaint. Warm yellows, tans, browns, and greens were often favored with contrasting trim.  It's a simple house, so keep the paint scheme simple. Use the garden to give it seasonal color. Flower boxes and trellises were common and very pretty. It looks like a stone foundation (which makes me wonder if your house isn't on the earlier side) so I would capitalize on that ... it's an asset.

Hope that helps!

Best regards,
Rikki Nyman
www.antiquehomestyle.com
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentWow--thanks for the lightening fast response! I really appreciate your help, and your suggestions about renovations confirm that I am on the right track. Thanks so much!


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Rikki Nyman

Expertise

Residential architectural questions concerning houses designed between 1900 and 1950, where the question pertains specifically to styles, designs, plans, building materials, color schemes, paint colors, interior finishes and so on. I am NOT qualified to answer engineering questions or issues involving construction methods, plumbing, electrical and the like. For example, I can describe what an appropriate color scheme would be for a vintage 1920s kitchen, or sources for plans for Storybook Style houses. I can not tell someone how to replace the electrical wiring in their old home.

Experience

I have been researching old houses and writing about them for more than five years. (See www.antiquehomestyle.com, which is my site.)

Organizations
Oregon Historical Society Architectural History Center, Portland Oregon

Publications
www.antiquehomestyle.com

Education/Credentials
B.S. History, Minor in Architectural Design

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