Returning an American Bungalow to Its Southern Roots :: Part I

Historic Athens . Alabama

This 1930s era California Bungalow is an iconic style of architecture that has evolved and spread across the States and right into Historic Athens, Alabama.  The California Bungalow, known for its sloping roof line supported by sturdy beams, spacious front porches, exposed brackets and other Craftsman and Spanish-inspired details, draws those of us dreaming for a relaxing place to read a book or drink an ice-cold glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade on a sun-drenched porch right up to the front door.

This particular bungalow brings us to the heart of today's blog Returning an American Bungalow to Its Southern Roots.

Phase I :: BEFORE

415 Washington Street | Front Stoop {in all it's former glory}

Potential #1 :: Good Bones

Windows need to go + Landscaping needed desperately + Another color besides butter would be nice, but may have to wait until a later date - did I mention we are on a BUDGET here?

A Warm Welcome :: I like to call this an interesting mix of Rust & Butter

Living Room {As We Southerners Call It}

 Potential #2 :: True Hardwoods in Golden Honey + Tons of Natural Light + 

9' Ceilings + Fireplace #1

The Hallway | Leads off of the Living Room into Dining Room

Potential #3 :: Envision Lacquer + French Doors

Bedroom #1 | Opens off of Living Room

Potential #4 :: True Hardwoods in Golden Honey + Huge Window with Excellent View & Tons of Natural Light + Fireplace #2

Dining Room | Opens off of Living Room

 Potential #5 :: True Hardwoods in Golden Honey + Tons of Natural Light + Built-In Linen Closet + Square Footage

Dining Room | Opens into Den {what was once a sun porch or kitchen}

Bedroom #2 | Off of Main Hallway

Potential #6 :: True Hardwoods in Golden Honey + Fireplace #3

Lavatory | Off of Bedroom #2 + Main Hallway

 Potential #7 :: Character, Character, Character

Den {what was once a sun porch or kitchen}

 Potential #8 :: Built-In Bookcases!! Oh the things you can do with built-in bookcases + shelving….think a cozy couch + soft rug + candlelight + walls full of books, books, books

However, the floor, oh the floor, HAS TO GO!!  But that wood paneled ceiling in DIVINE! {And the Bookcases….}

The Kitchen | Opens off of the Den & Into the Laundry/Mud Room

Potential #9….Only Later Realized :: Paneling…..yes I know, but you will come to LOVE it too!!  Remember we're going back to those Southern roots folks!

Again, flooring MUST GO + in DESPERATE need of a reconfigured floor plan.

Laundry/Mud Room (Off of Kitchen)

Potential #10 :: Think Color, LOTS OF COLOR!!

We already know my thoughts on the flooring...

Laundry/Mud Room

Time to say "Good-Bye" to this old home & welcome in some fresh paint, a few new fixtures, gorgeous new flooring, some vintage finds & of course stunning textiles from Cotton + Quill!

Make sure to visit us again soon for Phase II :: A transformation in progress….