The most popular bungalow decorating styles are Craftsman, mid-century modern, Scandinavian, modern farmhouse, transitional and cottage. The best choice usually respects your home’s architecture while reflecting how you like to live. A bungalow’s simple, open shape makes it one of the most flexible canvases for any of them.
Key takeaways
- Let your bungalow’s age and architecture guide your starting point.
- Each style has a few signature materials, shapes and colours.
- Mixing two compatible styles often looks more personal.
- Keep one consistent palette across connected rooms.
- Start with what you love and edit from there.
Why bungalows suit so many styles
Bungalows are modest in height, horizontal in shape and often connected to the yard. Those traits work with warm traditional looks and clean modern ones alike.
In Ontario, many bungalows date from the post-war decades, with plaster walls, hardwood floors and big front windows. Others are newer builds with open plans and high ceilings. The age and features of your home are useful clues when choosing a style.
Popular bungalow decorating styles compared
| Style | Signature elements | Colours | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsman | Wood trim, built-ins, handmade details | Earthy greens, browns, rust | Older bungalows with original woodwork |
| Mid-century modern | Tapered legs, low furniture, walnut, graphic accents | Teal, mustard, olive, warm wood | 1950s to 1960s bungalows |
| Scandinavian | Light wood, simple forms, cozy textiles | White, soft grey, pale wood | Smaller or darker bungalows |
| Modern farmhouse | Shiplap, black metal, rustic wood, open shelves | White, black, warm neutrals | Newer or renovated open-plan bungalows |
| Transitional | Classic shapes with clean lines, neutral palette | Greige, cream, navy | Almost any bungalow |
| Cottage | Painted furniture, florals, relaxed comfort | Soft blues, greens, whites | Rural or lakeside bungalows |
A closer look at each style
Craftsman
The original bungalow style grew from the Arts and Crafts movement. Think solid wood, visible joinery, built-in benches and bookcases, and warm, earthy colours. If your home has original trim or a brick fireplace, Craftsman decor celebrates it.
Mid-century modern
Many GTA bungalows were built in the mid-century era, so this style feels right at home. Low sofas, walnut sideboards, globe lights and a few bold accent colours work beautifully with big picture windows.
Scandinavian
Light, simple and cozy. Pale wood, white walls, wool throws and plenty of lamps. It’s ideal for brightening a bungalow with small windows or a dark hallway.
Modern farmhouse
Popular in newer builds and renovations. It mixes rustic wood with crisp white and black accents. Keep it fresh by adding warmer tones and avoiding too many signs and slogans.
Transitional
A blend of traditional comfort and modern simplicity. It’s a safe, flexible choice if you plan to sell within a few years.
Cottage
Relaxed and lived-in, with painted furniture, slipcovers and soft colours. It suits bungalows in places like Simcoe County or near the lake, and anyone who wants a casual feel.
Two more to consider
Contemporary minimal uses very few pieces, hidden storage and a calm, neutral palette. It suits renovated bungalows with open plans and good light. The trick is warmth: add wood, textured fabrics and soft lighting so it feels lived-in.
Eclectic mixes eras, colours and cultures in a personal way. It works when you love collecting and travel. A consistent colour thread and enough empty space keep it from feeling cluttered.
How to find your decorating style
- Save pictures you love for a few weeks, then look for patterns in colour, materials and furniture.
- Look at your home’s bones. Original trim, fireplaces and windows can guide you.
- Think about how you live. Kids and pets? Choose durable, washable materials.
- Pick a palette first. Colours tie styles together more than furniture does.
- Start with one room and see how it feels before committing to the whole house.
Our post on colour psychology in interior design can help with the palette.
Bungalow tip: In an open-concept bungalow, you see the kitchen, dining and living areas at once. Use one main style throughout those spaces and save bolder experiments for bedrooms and the office.
Mixing styles without chaos
Most real homes blend styles. A few rules keep it looking intentional.
- Choose two styles, not five. Mid-century and Scandinavian pair naturally. So do Craftsman and transitional.
- Repeat materials. Use the same wood tone or metal finish in several places.
- Balance old and new. One vintage piece in a modern room adds character.
- Keep a consistent colour story from room to room.
Thrifted and vintage pieces are a budget-friendly way to add character. See our thrift store decorating tips.
Frequently asked questions
What decorating style suits a 1960s bungalow?
Mid-century modern is a natural fit, since many of these homes were built in that era. Scandinavian and transitional styles also work well.
Can I decorate a bungalow in a modern style?
Yes. Clean lines, simple furniture and a restrained palette suit a bungalow’s horizontal shape. Add warm textures so the space doesn’t feel cold.
Which style is best if I plan to sell soon?
Transitional and Scandinavian styles appeal to a wide range of buyers. They look clean in listing photos and let buyers picture their own furniture in the space.
How do I make different styles work together?
Limit yourself to two main styles, repeat materials and finishes, and keep a consistent colour palette across connected rooms.
Make the style your own
There’s no single correct way to decorate a bungalow. Use your home’s architecture as a starting point and let your own taste lead the way.
Looking for a bungalow that matches the style you love? Try Bungalow Swipe to discover homes by look, or browse bungalows for sale.
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