A Closer Look at the Californian Bungalow: A Beloved Aussie Classic
If you’ve ever wandered through the tree-lined streets of Sydney’s Inner West—or many suburbs across Australia—you’ve probably come across a Californian Bungalow. With their wide verandahs, exposed timber, and earthy tones, these homes are as charming as they are nostalgic. But have you ever wondered where this style came from?
A Californian Bungalow in the Sydney Inner West suburb of Five Dock.
A Style Born in California, Raised in Australia
The Californian Bungalow originated in the United States in the early 1900s, inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and the simplicity of nature-focused living. The style made its way to Australia around the 1910s, quickly gaining popularity during the interwar period. Australians embraced the design, adapting it to suit our climate and lifestyle—adding wide verandahs for shade, and using local materials like brick, stone, and timber. By the 1920s and 30s, it had become one of the most popular styles for suburban homes.
The evolution of the California bungalow evolved as it swept across Australia, with its regional adaptations; in Melbourne its local red brick, local liver-coloured brick in Sydney and limestone in South Australia. The Queensland Bungalow also was elevated and made from timber with galvanised iron roofing.
Key Features of the Australian Californian Bungalow
Low-pitched, gabled roofs with wide eaves and exposed rafters
Deep, shaded front verandahs supported by solid brick or stone columns
Face brick or roughcast rendered exteriors in warm, natural tones
Stained glass windows, timber panelling, and cosy interiors
Often single-storey, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and simplicity
These homes aren’t just beautiful—they carry a strong sense of heritage and family.
That’s why I love painting them. Each Californian Bungalow I illustrate is more than a house—it’s a piece of someone’s story.
Quokkas Corner’s Californian Bungalow, a watercolour illustrated Custom Houe Portrait
If there is a Californian Bungalow that you call or once called home, that you would like captured as a custom house portrait, head over to www.quokkascorner.com
