California Bungalow given beautiful new lease on life by design experts

Having renovated many California bungalows over the last 15 years, Melbourne based architecture and interior design studio Splinter Society has become something of an expert in the space. Characterised by wide corridors, deep front verandas and textured plasterboard, the bungalow lends itself incredibly well to modernisation, as demonstrated by the recently renovated family home that we’re bring you today.

“Bungalows make great family homes, and this modest renovation, designed to celebrate the simple joys of suburban life, is no different,” says Splinter Society’s Asha Nicholas. Making as much use of the home’s existing layout as possible, they added a north-facing extension to the side. “It cuts along the site, creating a distinct triangle to re-orient primary spaces to the north,” adds Asha.

Created with a robust natural materials palette including timber, concrete and stone, the new extension is designed to withstand the wear and tear of life with a young family. “The house is indestructible for the owners’ young children and will grow with them over the years,” says Asha.

But perhaps the most striking thing about the renovation is its nod to Japanese design – clean vertical timber panelling features throughout, most notably in the kitchen and dining space. The overall effect is clean and modern yet warm and timeless. 

The centre of the space, the kitchen features a central timber shelving element suspended from a bulkhead. Aside from adding visual interesting, it also increases storage while connecting the kitchen and dining zones; both of which spill out to the backyard to create quite the urban oasis. “The architecture promotes constant connection to landscaped gardens and carves away ample outdoor spaces to allow for exercise and safe areas for the children to play.”

Photography: Mitch Lyons

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