 The Bungalow LifestyleThe Arts and Crafts Movement of the 19th Century was a dramatic rebellion against the formalized style of the Victorian period. The Bungalow is more about philosophy than a particular single style. Bungalows are cozy, attractive, functional buildings free of wasted space. Bungalow living is about a simpler pursuit of life. The informal bungalow home grew out of the Arts & Crafts movement. Craftsmen bungalows were so called because they were detailed and embellished on the job site by those craftsmen actually doing the construction. |
 The bold use of building materials, such as exposed beams and river rock foundations and chimneys, was in stark contrast to what we see in the Victorian era. These elements were dramatic reminders of both the home's physical structure and its natural environment.
A key aspect of the Arts & Crafts design philosophy was its adaptability, incorporating local materials and sensibilities wherever it took hold. It wasn't long before a distinctive Craftsman style evolved, utilizing redwood shingles, river rock, clinker brick and clay tiling, and borrowing elements from Spanish and Mexican architectural heritage and from Japanese architecture. Arts & Crafts style furniture was also known as "Mission" furniture because it was said to evoke the simple, rustic furniture of the old Spanish missions. |
