Small Bungalow Design Ideas: Creative Ways to Gain Space

The best small bungalow design ideas focus on three things: opening sightlines, building storage into walls and corners, and making every room do more than one job. You can often gain the feeling of a bigger home without adding a single square foot. Here are practical, Ontario-friendly ways to do it, from quick fixes to bigger renovations.

Rethink the layout first

Many small bungalows were built with closed rooms and narrow halls. Small layout changes can make the whole main floor feel bigger.

Open up the kitchen

Removing or partly opening the wall between the kitchen and living room is one of the most effective changes. A wide opening with a peninsula can give you more counter space and seating at the same time. Always confirm whether the wall is load-bearing and get a permit for structural work.

Widen doorways and use pocket doors

Swing doors need clear floor space. Pocket doors or barn-style sliding doors free up that space in bathrooms, closets and small bedrooms. Wider openings also improve flow and accessibility.

Borrow space from closets and halls

A deep hall closet can become a pantry, a laundry nook or a small office. A wide hallway can hold shallow shelves or a built-in bench.

Build storage into the house

In a small bungalow, storage that blends into the walls makes rooms feel calm and open.

• Floor-to-ceiling cabinets: Use the full wall height in kitchens and laundry areas.
• Window seats: Add seating with drawers or lift-up lids underneath.
• Bed frames with drawers: Free up closet space in small bedrooms.
• Recessed shelves: Build shelving between wall studs in bathrooms and hallways.
• Over-door racks: Store cleaning supplies, shoes or pantry items.

For more ideas, read our post on bungalow storage ideas.

Make each room do double duty

Multi-use rooms let a small bungalow work like a larger home. Plan each room around its main job and one secondary job.

Room	Main use	Second use	How to make it work
Spare bedroom	Guest room	Home office	Wall bed or sofa bed, desk on one wall
Dining room	Meals	Homework or crafts	Sideboard with storage for supplies
Living room	Relaxing	Guest sleeping	Sleeper sofa and storage ottomans
Laundry area	Laundry	Mudroom	Hooks, bench and stacked machines
Basement	Rec room	Gym or playroom	Zone with rugs and shelving

Space savers for small kitchens and bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are often the tightest rooms in a small bungalow. A few targeted changes help a lot.

• Swap a standard fridge for a counter-depth model so it doesn’t stick out.
• Add pull-out pantry drawers in narrow gaps beside the stove or fridge.
• Use a wall-mounted vanity and toilet to show more floor.
• Replace a tub with a walk-in shower and a clear glass panel.
• Install a recessed medicine cabinet instead of a surface-mounted one.

These changes don’t add square footage, but they make daily routines smoother.

Use light and colour to expand the space

Light changes how big a room feels. Small bungalows often have modest windows, so make the most of what you have.

1. Paint walls and ceilings in light, warm colours.
2. Use one flooring material through the main floor to avoid visual breaks.
3. Hang curtains high and wide to make windows look larger.
4. Add mirrors opposite windows to bounce light.
5. Layer lighting: pot lights for general light, lamps for warmth, under-cabinet lights in the kitchen.

A solar tube or skylight can brighten a dark hallway or bathroom. Our post on natural light in bungalow design explains more options.

Make the basement work harder

In most bungalows, the basement is as big as the main floor. Treating it as real living space is often the best way to add room.

• Fix any moisture issues before finishing.
• Add egress windows if you plan basement bedrooms.
• Use bright lighting and light flooring to avoid a cave-like feel.
• Move the laundry, gym or office downstairs to free up the main floor.

Ontario rules allow up to three units on most serviced urban lots, so a basement could even become a rental suite later with permits and proper fire separation.

When it’s time to add space

If clever design isn’t enough, consider bigger projects. A rear addition, a dormer in a one-and-a-half storey home or a second storey can all add space, depending on zoning and structure. Our guide to adding on to a bungalow covers the options and approvals.

Frequently asked questions

How can I make a small bungalow feel bigger without renovating?

Declutter, use lighter colours, add mirrors and choose furniture with legs. Rearranging furniture to open walkways also helps a lot.

Is removing a wall in a bungalow expensive?

Costs vary widely depending on whether the wall is load-bearing and what runs through it. Get an engineer’s opinion and at least three contractor quotes.

What’s the best flooring for a small bungalow?

A single, continuous floor in a light to mid tone makes rooms flow together. Durable options like engineered hardwood or quality vinyl plank work well.

Small home, big possibilities

A small bungalow can live much larger with smart layout changes, built-in storage and good light. Start with the easy wins, then plan bigger projects as your budget allows.

Shopping for a bungalow with room to grow? Browse bungalows for sale and look for homes with full basements and good natural light.