Open View

A row of French doors visually expands a bungalow's small living area and front porch.

Sometimes the best way to make a small space live large is to add something to it, such as light. There's nothing like sunshine and a look at the outdoors to open up an area that is more crowded than cozy.

Tulsa architect John Brooks Walton understood that concept when he suggested adding a row of French doors to this classic bungalow. "Introducing this new feature not only gave a more spacious feeling on the inside, but it also created a more open feeling on the front facade," he says.

The French doors, three of which aren't functional, took the place of two existing windows and a regular front door. "Overall, it's a very simple job," John explains. The doors are stock lumberyard doors with insulated glass.

The job required removing the original lintel, the horizontal piece that spans and typically carries the load above an opening. A new lintel was built to span the wider opening over the four doors. New trim also was installed inside and out. John says adding French doors is a relatively inexpensive remodeling job, but homeowners should first consult an architect or designer to determine whether the look would work for their home.

Bungalow Bio

Typically a single-level home with a low-pitched roof, the bungalow includes a range of styles, from Craftsman and Colonial to Mission and California style. Most of these houses were constructed between 1880 and 1930, back when a small one could be built for about $900. A larger one might have cost up to $3,500. The bungalow craze was prompted by visions of a happier home life in a cozy and intimate setting. These smaller houses also offered families of more modest means a shot at the American dream of homeownership.

AMY BICKERS MERCER

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mar 2004
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