When it comes to choosing the perfect home, two popular styles you might come across are Craftsman and Bungalow. Both have their own unique charm, but they look quite different and offer different vibes for homeowners.
Craftsman homes are known for their detailed woodwork, large porches, and sturdy, earthy feel. They’re perfect if you love handcrafted details and a house that stands out.
On the other hand, Bungalows are smaller, simpler, and usually one-story, making them feel cozy and easy to manage. They’re great for those who prefer a laid-back, functional space.
In this blog, I’ll explain the key differences between these two styles so you can decide which one best fits your needs and lifestyle. Let’s compare Craftsman vs. Bungalow and help you find your dream home!
What is a Craftsman Style House?
A Craftsman-style house is all about handmade details and natural materials. These homes often have large front porches, exposed beams, and wood accents.
You’ll see a lot of stone, wood, and tile used throughout. Inside, Craftsman homes have built-in features like bookshelves and cabinets.
The focus is on creating a warm, cozy space with a lot of character. These homes are usually two stories and can have steep roofs or wide eaves.
Craftsman houses are perfect for people who like unique, detailed designs that feel connected to nature.
What is a Bungalow Style House?
A Bungalow style house is smaller, often one-story, and built for easy living. These homes are known for their low-pitched roofs, open floor plans, and wide porches.
Inside, you’ll find simple, practical spaces that feel cozy and comfortable. Bungalows are great for people who want a smaller home that’s easy to maintain but still has a lot of character.
They’re perfect for families or anyone who loves a laid-back, functional home.
Features of Craftsman and Bungalow Homes
Both Craftsman and Bungalow homes have distinct features that make them stand out.
Craftsman Home
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Handcrafted Details: Craftsman homes are known for their beautiful craftsmanship and attention to detail. They often have exposed wooden beams, intricate woodwork, and built-in furniture like bookshelves or benches.
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Large Front Porches: One of the standout features is the spacious porch, often with wide overhanging eaves supported by large wooden columns. The porch acts as a welcoming space for family gatherings.
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Natural Materials: Craftsman homes focus on the use of natural materials like wood, stone, and tile. These homes often have a rustic, earthy feel, bringing the outdoors inside.
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Open and Flowing Layout: Inside, Craftsman homes typically have an open floor plan with large rooms that flow into one another. High ceilings, large windows, and natural light are key elements.
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Distinct Rooflines: The roof is usually low-pitched and has wide overhangs, often with decorative rafters or exposed beams beneath. This adds to the home’s architectural style.
Bungalow Home
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One-Story Design: Bungalows are typically single-story homes, which makes them perfect for easy accessibility and cozy living spaces.
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Simple Rooflines: The roof on a Bungalow is usually low-pitched and simple in design, adding to the home’s overall modest and functional look.
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Open Floor Plans: Like Craftsman homes, Bungalows often have an open floor plan. The rooms inside are typically smaller, but the flow between spaces makes the home feel more spacious.
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Wide Front Porch: Bungalows often feature a wide porch that serves as a comfortable gathering space. The porch is typically integrated into the house’s design and can be used as an extension of the living area.
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Use of Natural Materials: Wood and stone are also commonly used in Bungalow homes, creating a natural, cozy feel. Exposed woodwork can be found inside.
Craftsman homes are known for large spaces, intricate woodwork, and handcrafted details, creating a luxurious and detailed living experience. Bungalow homes, on the other hand, are simpler and cozier, with a focus on functionality and ease of maintenance.
Both home styles offer something unique, so choosing between them depends on your preference for space, design complexity, and lifestyle.
Differences Between Craftsman and Bungalow Homes
Though Craftsman and Bungalow homes might seem similar at first, they have several important differences.
Size and Layout
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Craftsman homes are usually larger, often with two stories. They have spacious rooms and emphasize detailed craftsmanship.
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Bungalow Homes: Bungalows are typically smaller and are often single-story. They focus on simplicity and function, making them perfect for smaller families or people who want a cozy home.
Architectural Details
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Craftsman Homes: You’ll see exposed beams, large columns, and stonework. The exterior often features wide overhanging eaves and decorative supports. Inside, they have built-in furniture like bookshelves and benches.
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Bungalow Homes: Bungalows have a simpler design, with low-pitched roofs and a focus on open spaces. The details are more functional than decorative, giving them a cozy, straightforward feel.
Porches and Exterior Features
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Craftsman Homes: They typically have large front porches with wooden beams and stone accents. The porch is a big feature and is meant to be a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
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Bungalow Homes: Bungalows also have porches, but they’re usually smaller and more functional. The design is simpler, focusing on providing a welcoming, comfortable entrance.
Materials Used
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Craftsman Homes: These homes often use natural materials like wood, stone, and tile, giving them a more earthy, handcrafted feel.
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Bungalow Homes: Bungalows are often built with wood as the main material, but the focus is more on practicality than on intricate designs or stonework.
Interior Layout and Features
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Craftsman Homes: Inside, you’ll find large rooms, lots of built-in storage, and a focus on creating a space that’s both functional and good-looking. The rooms might feel more formal and spacious.
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Bungalow Homes: Bungalows are more open and connected. The rooms tend to be smaller but still feel roomy because of the open floor plan. It’s all about making the most of a small space.
Cost and Maintenance
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Craftsman Homes: Due to their larger size and elaborate details, Craftsman homes are often more expensive and require more maintenance.
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Bungalow Homes: Since they are smaller and simpler, Bungalows tend to be less expensive and easier to maintain.
Choosing between a Craftsman or Bungalow home depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a larger home with detailed craftsmanship, a Craftsman might be the better choice. But if you’re after a cozy, easy-to-maintain space, a Bungalow could be perfect for you.
Both styles have their own benefits, so it really comes down to your personal taste and needs!
Craftsman vs Bungalow: How to Choose
Choosing between a Craftsman and a Bungalow depends on your personal style, needs, and desired lifestyle. Both styles have their charm, but they are very different in terms of size, design, and feel.
Consider the Size You Need
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Craftsman Homes: If you want more square footage and don’t mind maintaining a bigger house, a Craftsman might be the best choice.
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Bungalow Homes: Bungalows are usually smaller and are often one-story. If you prefer a cozier, more manageable home, a Bungalow will likely fit your needs better.
Think About the Amount of Maintenance
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Craftsman Homes: These homes are perfectly detailed but can require more upkeep due to their larger size and intricate design elements like exposed beams, woodwork, and stone features.
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Bungalow Homes: Bungalows are simpler and usually need less maintenance. If you prefer a low-maintenance home, a Bungalow could save you time and money.
Evaluate Your Lifestyle
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Craftsman Homes: If you love a home with lots of character and a strong connection to nature, Craftsman homes are perfect. They have large porches, built-in furniture, and an overall warm and inviting feel.
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Bungalow Homes: Bungalows are perfect if you value simplicity and functionality. With their open floor plans and cozy layout, Bungalows work well for those who want a comfortable and easy-to-manage space.
Consider Your Budget
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Craftsman Homes: Due to their larger size and detailed craftsmanship, Craftsman homes tend to be more expensive. They also require more energy to heat and cool, which could add to the long-term cost.
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Bungalow Homes: If you’re on a budget or just want a more cost-effective home, a Bungalow is likely the better option. They are usually more affordable both in terms of upfront cost and maintenance.
Think About the Vibe You Prefer
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Craftsman Homes: These homes have a classic, timeless look with intricate details, making them a great choice for anyone who loves traditional, hand-crafted designs.
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Bungalow Homes: Bungalows have a more relaxed and simple vibe. Their design focuses on functionality rather than elaborate features, making them a great choice for those who prefer a modern, minimalist feel.
It’s all about finding a home that fits your lifestyle and makes you feel comfortable and happy. Both styles are beautiful, so it really comes down to what’s best for you and your family!
Customization and Remodeling of Craftsman vs Bungalow Homes
When it comes to customizing or remodeling a Craftsman or Bungalow home, each style offers unique opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re looking to update the interior, expand your space, or make modern improvements, here’s what you need to know about customizing each style:
Craftsman Home
1. Preserving the Original Look
One key thing to keep in mind when remodeling a Craftsman home is preserving its original craftsmanship. The intricate woodwork, built-in furniture, and detailed trim are part of what makes Craftsman homes unique. If you’re renovating, try to maintain the classic look while adding modern features.
2. Open Layouts and Space Expansion
Craftsman homes are known for their spacious interiors. If you need more room, the open floor plan makes it easier to knock down walls or expand the living areas. Adding larger windows, skylights, or a sunroom is also a great way to bring in more light and create an even more open feel.
3. Adding Modern Features
While Craftsman homes are traditional in design, you can still integrate modern amenities like updated kitchens, smart home technology, or eco-friendly features (like energy-efficient windows). These updates can add comfort without sacrificing the home’s original character.
4. Exterior Updates
If you want to remodel the exterior, you can restore or replace wooden beams, columns, or stone details to keep that natural, handcrafted look. If your home has a large porch, consider updating the porch with modern materials like composite decking while keeping the original style.
Bungalow Home
1. Maximizing Space
Bungalows are typically smaller and have limited space compared to Craftsman homes. However, since they are single-story, remodeling them can be easier. If you need more space, you could consider building an addition to the back or side of the home or even adding a second story, though this requires careful planning to keep the bungalow’s style intact.
2. Simpler Design Updates
Bungalows typically have simpler interiors than Craftsman homes, which means updates can be done quickly and with a cleaner design. You might update the kitchen with modern appliances or add sleek finishes to countertops, but you’ll likely have less decorative woodwork to restore or maintain.
3. Landscaping and Exterior Enhancements
For Bungalow homes, enhancing the landscaping is a big part of remodeling. You can create an inviting outdoor space with a larger porch, a garden, or even a patio area. Since Bungalows often have smaller footprints, you can make the yard feel like an extension of your living space.
4. Budget-Friendly Updates
Bungalows tend to be more affordable to remodel compared to Craftsman homes. Their simpler design and smaller size make it easier to make updates without breaking the bank. You can opt for DIY projects like painting, adding new light fixtures, or installing new flooring to modernize your home.
Ultimately, both styles can be customized and remodeled to fit modern needs, but the level of difficulty and cost will depend on the scope of the changes you want to make. Whether you choose a Craftsman or a Bungalow, the key is to make sure your updates respect the unique characteristics of the home while giving you the space and features you need.
Conclusion
Choosing between a Craftsman and a Bungalow home depends on your personal style, space needs, and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on.
Craftsman homes are larger, with more intricate details and a focus on craftsmanship, making them perfect for those who appreciate traditional designs and don’t mind a little extra upkeep.
On the other hand, Bungalows are smaller, simpler, and typically easier to maintain. They offer an open, functional layout that’s ideal for those seeking a cozy, low-maintenance space.
Both styles can be customized to fit modern needs, whether you’re remodeling a Craftsman home with detailed craftsmanship or expanding a Bungalow to create more space. Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your lifestyle and preferences.
Whether you choose a Craftsman or a Bungalow, both are amazing options that offer comfort and character. Choose the one that feels like home to you!