Gush over these Chicago bungalow renovations

The little Chicago bungalow might be modest, but nearly 80,000 of these vintage homes exist in the city. Members of the Chicago Bungalow Association offered up some of their best renovations for the 13th Annual Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Bungalow Awards.

A jury chose winners and gave out some honorable mentions in 7 different categories. Below we’ve highlighted three projects that made us swoon.

The winner of best exterior renovation was a 1950s Edison Park bungalow that suffered from tired aluminum siding and broken down stairs. The much-need upgrade brought the home back to life with lovely cedar shakes, a rehabbed back porch, a mud room and curb appeal that embraces true bungalow aesthetic.

Courtesy of the Chicago Bungalow Association

Courtesy of the Chicago Bungalow Association

Courtesy of the Chicago Bungalow Association

This Belmont Craigin bungalow was a mixture of original features with splashes from the 60s and 80s that didn’t make a whole lot of sense. The owners decided to tackle the crumbling tiles in the entryway and refinish the main level wood floors. The DIY endeavor won them best small project. Now, the entryway features black and white hexagon tiles paired with flashy gold and white swirled wall paper. The shelves, stacked with an old film camera and knick knacks, are repurposed floor boards.

Courtesy of the Chicago Bungalow Association

Courtesy of the Chicago Bungalow Association

Courtesy of the Chicago Bungalow Association

We saved the best for last—a dreamy Morgan Park landscape and back porch overhaul. Winning in the landscape design category, the owners put in nearly 8 years of work cultivating the backyard garden which keeps in line with traditional bungalow Arts & Craft principals. Folding windows provide a peaceful lookout into the lush oasis.

Courtesy of the Chicago Bungalow Association

Courtesy of the Chicago Bungalow Association

Courtesy of the Chicago Bungalow Association

• Which Chicago bungalow has the most beautiful garden? [Curbed Chicago]
• Own this cute Albany Park bungalow for $350K [Curbed Chicago]