22 Bungalow Exterior Ideas
When you think about bungalows, the image that comes to mind is often cozy, charming, and grounded elegance. After all, the outside is the very first thing neighbors, guests, and even potential buyers notice.
A well-designed exterior isn’t just about beauty; it’s about creating a welcoming story that speaks about the people living inside.
So, if you’ve been wondering how to transform your bungalow into something truly eye-catching, here are 22 exterior ideas to inspire you. I’ll walk you through each one with practical advice, design stats, and even a few personal touches along the way.
1. Fresh Paint with Bold Contrasts
The simplest way to transform a bungalow exterior is with a fresh coat of paint. You’d be surprised how much character a new color can bring. According to a Zillow study, homes painted in neutral shades with bold trims sold up to $6,000 more on average.
If your bungalow is looking tired, consider a bold trim color—like navy against crisp white, or charcoal against soft beige. Think of it like putting eyeliner on your house—it frames everything better. I once painted my old family home’s exterior a soft sage green with black window trims, and suddenly neighbors were complimenting it as though it was a brand-new build.
2. Wooden Accents for Warmth
Wood adds instant warmth and timeless charm. Whether it’s cedar shutters, a pine front door, or oak decking, natural wood never goes out of style. Plus, bungalows, with their grounded, wide architecture, look incredibly cozy with wood textures.
Did you know that , 63% of homeowners preferred wood finishes in their renovation projects? That’s because wood blends modern and rustic seamlessly. If you’re unsure, start small with a wooden porch swing or wood planters to test the vibe.
3. Upgrade the Roof Design
The roof is like the hat of your home—it can either make or break the look. If you’ve got an old shingle roof, switching to a metal roof or architectural shingles can instantly modernize the house.
Metal roofs have grown in popularity because they last 40–70 years compared to 20 years for asphalt shingles. I once visited a bungalow in Portland where the owners replaced their dull gray roof with matte black metal panels, and the whole home suddenly looked sleek and intentional, almost Scandinavian.
4. Wrap-Around Porch Magic
A bungalow without a porch is like coffee without cream—good, but missing something. A wrap-around porch doesn’t just add charm; it creates a usable outdoor living space.
According to the National Association of Realtors, homes with porches increased curb appeal significantly and could add 6–8% in property value. Even a simple railing or a couple of rocking chairs can make your bungalow exterior more inviting.
5. Statement Front Door
Your front door is the handshake of your home. A bold, welcoming door can completely change first impressions. Red, teal, yellow, or even matte black front doors make strong statements.
Fun fact: A Zillow study found homes with black front doors sold for $6,271 more on average than similar houses. That’s the kind of ROI a can of paint rarely gives.
6. Landscaping with Layers
Exterior design isn’t just about walls and roofs—it’s also about what surrounds them. Layered landscaping—taller plants in the back, medium shrubs in the middle, and flowers in the front—adds depth and character.
Think of it like arranging a photo: no one stands in the same row. A bungalow in my neighborhood added lavender bushes and layered boxwoods, and now it smells divine and looks polished year-round.
7. Modern Lighting Fixtures
Lighting is the jewelry of your home exterior. Switch outdated lanterns with sleek, modern sconces or Edison bulb fixtures to instantly refresh the look.
Outdoor lighting not only boosts curb appeal but also safety. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, well-lit exteriors can reduce property crimes by up to 39%. Beauty plus security? Win-win.
8. Stone or Brick Accents
Stone and brick bring texture and timelessness to a bungalow exterior. Even adding stone veneer to columns or around the base of your home creates visual interest.
Research shows that homes with stone or brick facades sell 13% faster than those without. It adds durability and tells the world, “This house was built to last.”
9. Add a Pergola
A pergola above the porch, driveway, or garden area gives your bungalow an upscale, cozy vibe. It frames the space and can be dressed up with vines, string lights, or hanging planters.
In fact, the pergola market has been growing steadily, with projections to hit $3.5 billion by , proving homeowners are embracing this stylish touch.
10. Black Window Frames
For decades, white window frames were the default. Now, black-framed windows are trending because they add sharp contrast and a modern edge to bungalow designs.
I once helped a friend switch to black aluminum window frames on their modest beige bungalow, and suddenly it looked like something out of an architecture magazine.
11. Add a Dormer or Two
Dormer windows not only add character but also bring in extra light. They break up large, plain roofs and add that storybook charm.
The National Association of Home Builders notes that adding dormers can increase usable attic space by 20–30%, making them both stylish and practical.
12. Front Yard Pathway
A charming stone or brick pathway leading to your front door is like rolling out the red carpet for guests. It directs attention, adds structure, and feels welcoming.
Homes with designed pathways also give off the impression of being better maintained—an important subconscious cue for potential buyers.
13. Vertical Gardens or Green Walls
If you love greenery but don’t have much yard space, a vertical garden is the answer. Adding a lush green wall along your bungalow’s exterior instantly adds vibrancy.
A 2022 study by the World Green Building Council showed that green walls can reduce surrounding temperatures by up to 7°F, making them eco-friendly too.
14. Garage Door Upgrade
Garage doors take up 30–40% of a home’s front elevation, so ignoring them is a missed opportunity. Upgrading to modern panel designs, carriage-style doors, or even painting them to match your trim can transform your home’s look.
The Cost vs. Value Report ranked garage door replacements as one of the highest ROI projects, recouping about 102.7% of the cost.
15. Decorative Shutters
Even if they’re not functional, decorative shutters add depth and balance to windows. Go for bold colors, contrasting finishes, or even rustic wooden styles.
Shutters are like eyeliner wings for your windows—small details, big difference.
16. Water Features
A small fountain or pond near the entrance can add serenity. Studies show that the sound of running water reduces stress by 60%, making your exterior not only beautiful but emotionally restorative.
I once stayed in a rental bungalow with a tiny bubbling fountain by the porch, and I found myself sitting there every evening, completely unwinding from the day.
17. Outdoor Seating Nooks
Bungalows naturally invite you to sit outside. Create a seating nook with benches, Adirondack chairs, or even hammocks. It turns your exterior into an extension of your living room.
According to Houzz, 72% of homeowners now invest in outdoor furniture to make their exteriors more livable.
18. Paint the Trim a Different Shade
Trim often goes unnoticed, but painting it in a contrasting color can highlight your home’s architectural features. For instance, white walls with gray trim or beige siding with navy trim can make your home pop.
It’s like contouring for your house—it defines the best parts.
19. Outdoor Artwork
Why limit art to your interior? Weather-resistant outdoor artwork, like metal wall sculptures or ceramic mosaics, adds personality and uniqueness.
I once saw a bungalow with a giant sunflower mural painted on the side wall—it instantly made the home memorable and cheerful.
20. Roof Overhang Extensions
Extending the roof overhang not only protects your home from weather but also adds depth and a luxury feel. Overhangs create shadows, which make your home appear more dimensional.
Architectural Digest notes that homes with deeper overhangs also have better energy efficiency, reducing heat gain in summer.
21. Mix Siding Materials
Mixing siding—like combining wood with stone or vinyl with brick—creates visual interest. It prevents the flat, one-note look many older bungalows suffer from.
According to Remodeling Magazine, mixed siding projects often yield an ROI of 77%. The key is to balance textures without overwhelming the design.
22. Seasonal Décor and Flexibility
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of seasonal décor—wreaths, pumpkins, lanterns, or fairy lights. These small touches make your bungalow feel alive and constantly refreshed.
Even real estate agents suggest seasonal staging outside because it makes homes sell faster during competitive months.
Conclusion
A bungalow exterior isn’t just walls and windows—it’s the first chapter of your home’s story. From bold front doors to layered landscaping, each of these 22 ideas can dramatically change the way your house feels to visitors and to you.
The beauty of bungalows is their flexibility: they can be modern, rustic, cozy, or elegant—all depending on the exterior choices you make. Whether you start with something as simple as painting the trim or go big with a wrap-around porch, each improvement adds value, personality, and comfort.
Think of your bungalow like a canvas. Each brushstroke—wooden accents, fresh paint, pergolas, or stone features—adds depth and charm. And just like a favorite book, your home’s exterior should be one you never tire of revisiting.
