California Bungalow Builder

A California bungalow is a distinctive style of building found primarily in the United States and quickly gained popularity in certain areas of Melbourne in the early 20th century.

. These homes are distinguished by their peaked roofs, overhanging eaves, low-slung profile, and broad porches that lend them a rustic and cosy charm. They typically feature light-coloured stucco exteriors, lattice windows, and exposed rafters under the eaves. Inside, they often make use of a central hall leading from the entryway that connects all of the adjacent rooms with the kitchen and living areas that are usually situated at the back of the house.

Though the name references the sunny American state of California, the California bungalow has been a very popular style of home in Australia for many years. In Melbourne, especially in the 1920s, California bungalows were by far the most commonly constructed housing style. Many of these Melbourne bungalows feature the use of red brick in large verandah pylons to support the sloped roof that hangs over the front porch.

The California bungalow era dates back to the late 19th century, when their distinctive style first appeared in the western United States. The design of these homes was heavily influenced by earlier forms from Europe, particularly the English arts-and-crafts movement. In this particular period in history, craftsmen and artisans were eager to return to more traditional building styles that featured heavy use of woodwork, as well as a strong emphasis on handcrafted details.

But the heyday for California bungalows is really thought to be the ‘inter-war’ period of 1920-1945. This was due largely to the economic conditions of the era – when only the wealthiest people could afford large multi-storey dwellings. But for the expanding middle class looking to get out of the city, the California bungalow was the style of the day.

California bungalows are known for being efficient and attractive homes with simple designs that make them relatively easy to build and maintain. They have deep eaves which provide shade during hot summer months and many of these homes also feature fireplaces that provide a charming, cosy atmosphere in the winter months.

The simple, classic look of California bungalows makes them incredibly popular with many Melbourne homebuyers. They provide an aesthetic that is both timeless and welcoming, making it easy to create a space that feels like home.

Though California bungalows are popular for their classic style, they can start to look a bit dated after several decades. If you’re wondering if it’s worth renovating your own bungalow to make it more modern and comfortable, the answer is: absolutely!

Renovations can help update the interior of your home with modern amenities like new appliances and fixtures, as well as upgrade the exterior with updated siding and landscaping. Plus, investing in a renovation will also add value to your property, making it easier to sell when the time comes. 

At Sherbrooke Constructions, we specialise in helping homeowners bring their California bungalows back to life. We understand that every project is unique, and our designers are adept at adding to the property and refining what is needed – while still being careful to protect the classic charm of the original home.

There are plenty of great places to start when renovating a California bungalow. The kitchen is a great place to begin, and as with most renovations, it’s the area where you’re likely to see the highest return on investment.

Next is to deck out the heating system with modern appliances. Though it isn’t an obvious one, if you’re planning to live in the home through Melbourne winters, you’ll want to seriously consider this one.

Lastly, the rear/garden area is a great way to modernise one of these homes. Most California bungalows were made with a lot of emphasis on the front verandah, so many unrenovated ones tend to lack a top-quality outdoor living space out the back of the house.