Natural wood is an authentic cabinet choice for a bungalow kitchen.
At the turn of the 20th century the bungalow style grew in popularity. Their small size made bungalows affordable, and their simple but quality craftsmanship made them beautiful. Gather kitchen ideas by touring bungalow era homes, such as Greene and Greene’s Gamble House in Pasadena, California--one of the most important structures showcasing this style. Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio, in Oak Park, Illinois, demonstrate his Prairie Style sharing common elements with bungalows. Tours of many historic buildings are available online. Does this Spark an idea?
Cabinets
Cabinetry is the central feature of any kitchen. Mission style furniture is characteristic of bungalow homes, and mission cabinetry is a popular kitchen cabinet style. Quartersawn oak is the most common type of wood, but other hardwoods can be used, such as cherry or cherry-stained maple. Shaker style cabinet fronts also make use of natural wood and the simple lines that are typical of bungalow homes. Hardware is generally made from dark metal, such as rubbed bronze or hammered copper.
Lighting
Classic lighting pieces can create a focal point for the kitchen. Original pieces can be found at architectural salvage stores or through the Internet but may require rewiring or refurbishing. Many contemporary manufacturers make quality reproduction pieces. Copper and bronze accents can complement the cabinet hardware. Tiffany style lamps were popular in grand Arts & Crafts homes, and lighting is still made in a similar style. Glass shades are characteristic, often in such colors as amber and green, with slag glass or mica shades being very popular.
Flooring
Linoleum came into common use during the same era as bungalow homes, and it is considered an authentic flooring type. It is available in a wide range of colors and is durable and easy to clean. Most contemporary bungalow kitchens now show a preference for hardwood floors. If original hardwood floors are found underneath the existing floor, there is a reasonable chance that they can be sanded and refinished. Otherwise new wood floors can be installed.
Colors
Earth tones and historic colors are appropriate for a bungalow home.
Bungalow and Arts and Crafts homes make use of harmonious color schemes. Pastels and primary colors are not authentic. Earth tones and other colors from nature are the norm. The color "hunter green" is named after the Arts & Crafts designer Dard Hunter, who often used the shade in his work. Many commercial paint makers make historic color lines, a number of which are suitable for a bungalow home.
Accessories and Accents
A copper backsplash can add an authentic accent.
Accessories and accent pieces can put the finishing touches on a bungalow kitchen. Hammered copper was popular during the Arts & Crafts era, with craftsmen such as the Roycroft artisans popularizing copper works. Copper sinks and hardware pieces are widely available today, and a copper-look backsplash is another possibility.
Ceramic tile was not used for bungalow flooring but was widely used for backsplashes and architectural accents. Some historic tile makers, like Motawi Tiles, are still in operation and make accent and field tiles that can be used in a bungalow kitchen. Bungalow era pottery is highly collectible but easily found in antique shops and online. While some pieces by Rookwood or Roseville are expensive, there are also affordable items made by such companies as McCoy or Weller. Some historic potters, like Pewabic Pottery, still make pieces in the traditional style to decorate a bungalow home.
Tags: Arts Crafts, bungalow homes, bungalow home, bungalow kitchen, Arts Crafts homes, bungalow home Bungalow