A bungalow remodel is all about boosting that cozy curb appeal while keeping the handmade charm intact. I always start with the front façade and porch, because that’s where a few smart changes make the whole house feel brand new.
Tapered Porch Columns on Chunky Piers
Nothing says bungalow like tapered columns, and I’ve rebuilt them with simple boxed frames that flare slightly as they rise. Setting them on stone or brick piers instantly adds that Craftsman weight and makes the porch feel grounded.
You might give these a try:
- Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer: Protect your new wooden columns while enriching the natural grain with a durable, weather-resistant exterior stain application.
- Faux Stone Veneer Casting Panels: Create that grounded, chunky pier look easily by cladding existing structures with realistic stone veneer siding panels.
- Pillar Post Mount Lights: Enhance the ambiance of your renovated porch by installing classic lantern-style fixtures directly onto your new columns.
Fresh Exterior Paint and Crisp Trim
On almost every bungalow remodel I’ve done, a new exterior paint palette plus bright window and door trim is the fastest way to make the house look cared for. I like to test colors on scrap siding outside first, because bungalow light can change everything by late afternoon.
Useful items to consider:
- Angled Sash Paint Brush: Achieve crisp, clean lines on window trim and siding edges with a professional-grade angled sash brush.
- Exterior Wood Primer: Ensure your new paint job lasts longer by preparing bare wood siding with a high-quality bonding primer.
- Samples and Paint Pot Holder: Make testing colors safer and easier on ladders by using a convenient, handheld paint pot holder.
A Statement Solid-Wood Front Door
When I’m working on a bungalow remodel, I love swapping a tired door for a solid wood front door with simple glass panels so the entry feels warm and bright. I’ve refinished old doors from salvage piles, and the grain alone can become the whole “wow” moment.
Some handy options:
- Modern Satin Black Door Handle Set: Update your entryway with this sleek black handle set to create a striking contrast against natural wood.
- Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer: Protect your investment and enhance the natural grain of your solid wood door with a durable finish.
- Black Outdoor Wall Lantern: Complement your new door with a classic black lantern that adds character and warm illumination to your porch.
Warm Wood Porch Ceiling Treatment
A bungalow porch looks instantly cozier with a wood plank ceiling or beadboard painted a soft, creamy tone. I’ve even added subtle stained beams to a porch ceiling, and it made the whole bungalow façade feel taller.
Some ideas to consider:
- Exterior Wood Stain & Sealer: Protect and enhance your natural wood ceiling with a stain that highlights grain while resisting weather damage.
- Faux Wood Beams: Add architectural interest easily by installing lightweight, realistic-looking beams that mimic the look of solid timber.
- Vintage Style Flush Mount Light: Complete your cozy porch atmosphere with a classic fixture that complements the warm tones of wood.
Clapboard Plus Shingle Accent Siding
One of my go-to bungalow remodel ideas is mixing clapboard siding with a cedar shingle accent in the gable, because it adds texture without feeling busy. I’ve matched new shingles to old ones with stain samples on offcuts until the blend looks natural.
A few helpful options:
- Natural Cedar Shingles: Add timeless texture to your gables with real cedar shingles that are ready for custom staining.
- Exterior Wood Stain: Protect your new shingles and achieve the perfect golden hue with a semi-transparent exterior wood stain.
- Outdoor Barn Wall Light: Illuminate your new siding work and boost curb appeal with a classic, black outdoor wall lantern.
Restore Rafter Tails and Brackets
If your bungalow has exposed rafter tails or little decorative brackets, restoring them is like giving the house its eyebrows back. I’ve patched rot with epoxy and dutchman repairs, then painted everything so the details pop from the street.
These products might help:
- Wood Rot Repair Epoxy Kit: Repair damaged wood effectively by filling cracks and rot before painting to ensure a lasting restoration.
- Decorative Wood Corbels/Brackets: Add instant curb appeal with new, architecturally accurate wooden brackets that replace missing or damaged originals.
- Exterior Wood Primer & Sealer: Protect your restored rafter tails from moisture and weather damage with a high-quality, durable primer base.
Upgrade Windows Without Losing Character
In a bungalow remodel, I’d rather keep the charm and improve performance with weatherstripping and wood window trim than erase the original look. I’ve built thicker casings and added a clean top header piece to make standard windows feel period-right.
Might be a good match:
- Clear Wood Varnish/Finishing Oil: Protect your new natural wood trim while highlighting the grain pattern with a durable, clear finish.
- Adhesive Window Weatherstripping: Seal drafts instantly around existing sashes to improve energy efficiency without altering the vintage look.
- Brad Nailer Kit: Secure thick casings and delicate trim pieces cleanly and efficiently for a professional installation finish.
Built-Up Foundation Beds With Rustic Edging
For bungalow remodel ideas that look expensive but aren’t, I love adding foundation plantings inside a neat wood or stone edging line. I’ve used rot-resistant boards to create low borders that keep mulch tidy and make the bungalow look more “finished.”
Products that could assist:
- Raised Garden Bed Corner Brackets: Secure your wooden planter boards easily with durable corner brackets designed to add stability and simplify construction.
- Landscape Fabric Weed Barrier: Line the bottom of your new foundation bed to help suppress weeds while still allowing proper water drainage.
- Organic Garden Soil and Compost: Fill your new rustic edging with nutrient-rich soil to give your foundation plantings the best start possible.
Porch Seating Built for Real Life
A bungalow porch should actually get used, so I’ve built bench seating with hidden storage for cushions and garden stuff. Adding a simple porch swing is another favorite of mine, because it makes the bungalow feel like the friendliest house on the block.
Check these products out:
- Wooden Storage Bench with Backrest: Maximize your porch utility with this classic seating option that hides cushions and garden tools neatly inside.
- Decorative Throw Pillows (Outdoor): Add comfort and style instantly by tossing a few durable, weather-resistant pillows onto your new bench.
- Woven Storage Side Table: Keep throws nearby and add rustic charm with a versatile side table that doubles as extra storage.
Open the Entry Without Going Full Open-Concept
In bungalow remodels, I like creating better sightlines by widening a doorway or adding a cased opening, instead of wiping out every wall. I’ve reused old casing profiles to keep the bungalow vibe while making the inside feel brighter and less choppy.
Try these:
- Ornate Wood Carved Appliques & Onlays: Add vintage charm to new cased openings by applying these decorative wood accents to your plain trim.
- Bi-Fold Door Hardware Kit: Install classic folding doors like those in the image to maintain flexibility between your separate living spaces.
- Architectural Crown Molding & Trim: Frame your widened entryway with substantial molding to replicate the historic bungalow look and add elegance.
A Front-Door Drop Zone Built-In
A smart bungalow remodel includes a tiny mudroom-style bench near the front door, even if it’s just a slim built-in along one wall. I’ve made mine from reclaimed wood with a flip-up seat, and it keeps shoes and bags from taking over the bungalow entry.
Consider these options:
- Wood Entryway Storage Bench: Add instant seating and organization to your entryway with a sturdy bench designed to keep clutter contained.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Tuck away shoes, scarves, or bags neatly using natural woven baskets that slide perfectly under your bench.
- Textured Throw Pillow: Soften the look of your drop zone and add a touch of comfort with a neutral, textured throw pillow.
Porch Floor Inlay for a Quiet Wow Moment
One of my favorite “secret sauce” bungalow remodel ideas is a simple porch floor inlay—like a border stripe or a small compass-style pattern using contrasting wood tones. I’ve done this with leftover decking cuts, and people always notice it right as they step up to the bungalow door.
May just do the trick:
- Contrasting Hardwood Decking Samples: Explore different wood species like Ipe or Mahogany to create striking color contrasts for your custom inlay patterns.
- Precision Wood Inlay Router Kit: Carve precise grooves and matching shapes for your border patterns or compass designs with a reliable router kit.
- Compass Rose Medallion Insert: Simplify your project by installing a pre-made wooden medallion centerpiece to instantly elevate your porch’s entryway appeal.
