Finding inspiration when designing a home on a narrow urban lot can be challenging. Fortunately, we have a resource that might spark fresh ideas and guide your creative process.
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The Craftsman bungalow was arguably the first of the bungalow architectural styles to emerge in America.
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Soon, new variations of bungalows emerged across the country, each showcasing its unique style and defining features.
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Chicago, a Midwestern city characterized by its narrow lots, is home to a remarkable architectural feature, you guessed it, the bungalow. According to the Chicago Bungalow Association, the city boasts approximately 80,000 of these iconic homes.
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Chicago bungalows stand apart from the broader-faced Craftsman predecessors with their distinctive narrow fronts. They are characterized by low-pitched hip roofs, overhanging eaves, and porches elevated above street level, accessed by a short flight of steps.
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Typically, they feature brick veneer exteriors and often include unique design elements like off-center front doors or side entrances, adding to their charm and individuality.

What started as a casual California cottage in the late 19th century, local contractors quickly adapted this "modern" housing style to suit the city's narrow lot size and climate.

Now, we’ve uncovered a wealth of insights to help you design the perfect bungalow for a narrow lot in today’s world.
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Part of the bungalow charm is its coziness. That may not be the case with today's homes for your 21st-century client. The Chicago Bungalow Association is finding that true of the families living in the 100-year-old originals, too.
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They offer detailed floor plans, elevations, and renderings for proposed two-story additions to Chicago bungalows. "Scheme no. 5" provides a four-bedroom plan with an enlarged kitchen. Meanwhile, "Scheme no. 6" maintains the original kitchen dimensions and includes five bedrooms.

Both schemes maintain a second-floor setback of 20 feet from the front edge of the building to minimize the impact on the building and streetscape.
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The association's blog offers in-depth explorations of beautifully renovated and modernized treasures.

• ​Greene & Greene Inspired Bungalow​
• ​Vintage Bungalow Kitchen Remodel With Modern Touches​
• ​Kitchen Remodel & More in a Colorful, Art-Filled Bungalow​

Others are categorized under "The Feature Series," like these examples.

• ​The Features Series: Windows​
• ​The Features Series: Rooflines (Label That Lid!)​
• ​The Features Series: Bungalow Brick Types & Textures​

More fun ones include.

• ​Homes for Cars: A Look at Early Garages​
• ​The Chicago Brick Two-Flat (and its cousins)​
• ​Bungalow Additions: Two Approaches by a "Bungalow Expansions Project" Architect​

And there are many, many more.
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We know you can handle the challenge of urban narrow lots, but the rich history and charm of the Chicago bungalow offer endless inspiration.
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Whether you're looking to honor traditional styles or create a modern twist, these homes demonstrate how thoughtful design can adapt to both space and lifestyle needs.
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For even more tips, floor plans, and beautifully renovated examples, visit the Chicago Bungalow Association's website www.chicagobungalow.org. It's a treasure trove of resources to guide your next bungalow project!
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have a triumphant week,
The A-Team
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P.S. - While it's on your mind, why not invest another 10 minutes in your education and visit Bungalow | Definition, Architectural Style & Type House, a lesson in our Study.com classroom, Creating Where People Live (Earn 0.5 P4-CE credit by passing the quiz and emailing us the results).
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