Originating in South Asia, Bungalows made their way to California during the 1880s as a counter to the elaborate Victorian era.

Bungalows are narrow, rectangular 1-to-1.5 story homes with low-pitched gabled or hipped roofs, overhanging eaves, and covered front porches. The minimum Bungalow floor plan positions: 1) the living room, dining room, and kitchen on one side of the first floor and two bedrooms split by one full bathroom on the other side of the first floor and 2) one-to-two bedrooms and one full bathroom on the second floor.

California Bungalows feature wide barge board framed rooflines and Arts & Crafts era details. Chicago Bungalows showcase brick exteriors and rear sunrooms. Milwaukee Bungalows take from both styles as well as make their own innovations, e.g. moving rear sunrooms to the front as entryways.