The bungalow exterior has a timeless appeal that blends history with personal style. These houses have a human scale appeal, whether they are redesigning a 1920s craftsman house or putting a modern luxury spin on a traditional design. Homeowners can design an exterior that is as traditional as it is innovative by using considering thoughtful paint colors, unique color schemes, and materials such as brick, stone or cladded wood. Here are ideas inspired by real-world renovations and expert advice from top design voices.
1. Brick Charm With Modern Touches
A brick bungalow exterior feels warm and enduring, but adding modern accents like black-framed windows and sleek awnings can update it without losing character. Designer Emily Henderson notes that mixing vintage materials with new elements keeps the style approachable and fresh, fitting well in both suburban America and stylish UK neighborhoods.
2. Craftsman Heritage Makeover
The 1920s craftsman bungalow is defined by low-pitched roofs, wide eaves, and tapered columns. A remodel jobs with hues of the earth such as deep olives or rich brown would underline the hand made detailing. In California, pairing native plants with wood trim creates a harmonious, sustainable exterior.
3. Raised Foundation Coastal Style
A raised bungalow offers added ventilation and a commanding view, making it perfect for coastal regions. White siding with stone skirting give a breezy and elegant feel coupled with Nautical color schemes. Sarah Sherman Samuel recommends soft blues for shutters to add seaside charm.
4. Contemporary Cladded Elegance
For a contemporary front house design modern look, go with cladded exteriors in a mix of horizontal and vertical panels. Muted color schemes like charcoal and beige work beautifully in Japandi-inspired homes where minimalism meets warmth.
5. 1920s Meets Modern Dormer Addition
Adding a modern dormer to a 1920s bungalow can increase living space while preserving charm. Paint ideas like creamy white with navy trim connect old and new, a favorite in California remodels that blend heritage with modern comfort.
6. Mid Century Modern Facelift
A 1950s or mid century modern bungalow benefits from bold geometric shapes, large glass panes, and a low-sloped roof. Adding green or teal paint colors with stone details gives a retro yet polished look that thrives in sunny California settings.
7. Japandi Minimalist Bungalow
Japandi style merges Japanese simplicity with Scandinavian coziness, ideal for a serene bungalow exterior. Soft paint colors like warm taupe, cladded wood panels, and restrained color schemes create a calming, timeless effect.
8. Roman-Inspired Portico Design
A Roman-inspired bungalow uses columns and arches to add elegance. Pair white walls with terracotta tiles for a Mediterranean feel, perfect for California or sun-rich regions.
9. Modern Luxury in Monochrome
A modern luxury bungalow exterior with a monochrome palette—either crisp white or deep charcoal—creates drama. Paint ideas in matte finishes pair well with glass railings and minimalist landscaping.
10. Green Garden-Focused Design
A green-themed bungalow blends architecture with lush surroundings. Painting in sage or forest tones and adding a stone pathway surrounded by pollinator gardens enhances natural harmony, as designer Piet Oudolf recommends.
11. White Coastal Retreat
A white bungalow exterior paired with driftwood-toned decking and sea grass landscaping creates a breezy, relaxed atmosphere. This look works beautifully for coastal California or UK holiday homes, blending light paint colors with natural textures for year-round freshness.
12. Brick and Stone Fusion
Combining brick and stone on a bungalow exterior adds both texture and visual weight. Using warm color schemes such as sandy beige stone with red brick makes the home feel grounded and timeless, especially in historic neighborhoods.
13. Green Roof Garden Design
A green roof on a modern bungalow adds sustainability and beauty, helping regulate indoor temperatures while blending the structure into its surroundings. Perfect for eco-focused homeowners in both urban and rural areas.
14. Japandi Black and Wood Contrast
A Japandi bungalow with matte black siding and warm wood cladded accents creates a bold yet calming exterior. Pair with gravel gardens and minimalist pathways for a balanced, contemporary feel.
15. Roman Arch Window Statement
Adding Roman-style arched windows to a bungalow can elevate even a mid century modern structure. Paired with white stucco and soft terracotta trims, this blend feels both historic and fresh.
16. Front House Design Modern with Pergola
A front house design modern bungalow benefits from a sleek pergola over the entryway. Using light paint colors and a mix of metal and timber adds depth and a touch of modern luxury.
17. 1920s Craftsman with Bold Colors
Updating a 1920s craftsman bungalow with bold paint ideas—such as deep teal siding and bright mustard trims—brings playful character while keeping the original structure intact.
18. Mid Century Modern with Raised Patio
A mid century modern bungalow paired with a raised front patio creates a stylish, functional outdoor living space. Combine stone flooring with retro planters for authentic charm.
19. California Desert Minimalism
In arid regions, a California bungalow with sand-toned stucco and drought-tolerant plants suits both climate and style. Add cladded wood accents for warmth and balance.
20. White Modern Dormer Expansion
Expanding a bungalow with a modern dormer in a white finish creates more space while keeping the facade bright. Pair with sleek black window frames for contrast.
21. 1950s Retro Pastel Revival
A 1950s bungalow painted in cheerful pastel shades—like mint green or soft pink—can channel authentic vintage style while feeling lighthearted and welcoming.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bungalow exterior style is about more than just curb appeal—it’s a reflection of personality, lifestyle, and how a home connects with its surroundings. Whether you like the aesthetic of a 1920s craftsman, a sleekly designed contemporary luxury or the rugged serenity of Japandi, there is an angle to move in to help you realize your vision. When you consider all 39 distinct ideas based on paint, stone, and brick color, color schemes, there is no end to how your home can be recreated. Share your favorite styles in the comments—do you prefer a bold modern dormer, a raised coastal design, or a mid century modern revival?
