The American love affair with the Bungalow continues. And in this most adored housing style, it is the kitchen that homeowners must most often restore, renovate, or remodel. But no one wants an authentic Bungalow kitchen, which was a rustic space that usually featured just a stove, a hoosier, and a sink.
While there are books that describe the authentic Bungalow kitchen, there are few that show readers how to update a Bungalow to handle today’s lifestyle nee… More >>
Tags: american love affair
#1 by Deborah S. Hall on June 28, 2010 - 3:30 pm
What a joy to pick up a book and see photos of lovely kitchens in my size — meaning, not McMansion. I am so disheartened by all the kitchen porn featuring 48 inch ranges under huge hoods behind islands with seating for six! Though the book specifically references the bungalow style, the photos and narrative describe how the Colonials and Tudors evolved early in the century, and there is plenty of visual and descriptive information applicable to these styles too. I especially liked the emphasis on finding ways to use authentic materials and styling while incorporating modern appliances, from lighting to cooking and even surfaces. The earlier book, Bungalow Kitchens, took on a very proscriptive voice, for example, absolutely banning in-ceiling spot lights. New Bungalow Kitchens, by contrast, is much more ecumenical, recognizing it is no sin to want to acknowledge and utilize the best of the current offerings, and provides real guidance on how to accomplish this without blatantly violating the period aesthetic. There are lovely kitchens in both dark stained and light painted finishes. It seems the author has a few favorite kitchens that were pictured over and over throughout the book. But the ones he chose certainly bore up well in their close-ups. I got several ideas that I can actually use, in fact, probably more ideas than I can actually use.
Rating: 4 / 5
#2 by E. Sheeran on June 28, 2010 - 4:52 pm
I relied on this very well-written, beautifully photographed book while renovating my 1900 colonial revival house. Mr. Labau’s eye, obviously honed by long experience, is pretty amazing when it comes to combining the class of the old with the functional needs of the new.
The best thing about this book is that you don’t put it away on a shelf. It is an art book, too!
Ruby
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by Bob Kressin on June 28, 2010 - 5:49 pm
I would consider this book to be one of the top five bungalow books to purchase! The pictures are exquiste and the narrative is done well. The book will give you several options: from traditional, small bungalow kitches to complete a major modern day bungalow kitchen. A must have in your bungalow book library.
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by H. Rich on June 28, 2010 - 8:27 pm
We finished building our new Craftsman home a few months ago. This book was very helpful in determining how we should create a kitchen that looked like it belongs in a bungalow, while keeping with modern conveniences. The chapters cover every detail from top to bottom, wall to wall, and there are beautiful photos that help you visualize each point. This book would be helpful for new homes like ours, and also for restorations. It shows how you can bring bungalow style to your home without it looking outdated and old. For me, this book was much more useful than “Bungalow Kitchens” by Jane Powell, which is more for the obsessive bungalow restorer. Peter LaBau shows you how you can utilize modern materials and conveniences in a “bungalow” way.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by Denise M. Smith on June 28, 2010 - 11:00 pm
I have purchased many Bungalow Arts & Crafts decorating and remodeling books. This book is on the top of my list. The author goes into detail about how an original bungalow home, in the early 20st century, was built and designed. How and where you maybe able to find original kit designs for your home. Also, there are many completed remodeling examples in the book, these picture helped me decide which design fit my taste the best. This book is a keeper for anyone who is considering remodeling their kitchen in the Arts & Crafts design.
Rating: 5 / 5