How to Renovate a Bungalow in New Zealand (1920s Californian Bungalow)
- TopBuilders
- May 8
- 3 min read
The charm of a California Bungalow is hard to beat. These homes, built across New Zealand in the 1920s and 1930s, are full of character, craftsmanship, and renovation potential. If you’ve just bought one or have lived in one for years, you might be wondering how to bring it into the modern era while preserving its history.
Here’s what to know.
What is a California bungalow?
A California Bungalow is a single-storey, timber-framed home with a distinct architectural style that took off in New Zealand after World War I. Inspired by American trends, these houses quickly became a staple in suburbs from Auckland to Dunedin. Their low-pitched gable roofs and wide eaves give them a grounded, horizontal profile. Large front porches welcome visitors and reflect the indoor-outdoor lifestyle New Zealanders still enjoy today.
Many feature a mix of roughcast stucco, red brick, and native timber weatherboards, with classic timber detailing. Inside, the original layout is usually made up of separate rooms, with generous use of Matai or Rimu flooring. It’s common to find fireplaces, timber panelling, and ceiling mouldings still intact.
Are bungalows good for families?
These homes were designed for comfortable family living, and that still holds true. While the original floor plans can feel a bit closed off by today’s standards, their structure allows for smart renovation. Their solid timber frames are strong and adaptable, making it easier to reconfigure the layout. The generous section sizes these homes often sit on are another bonus, giving families room to extend or create better outdoor flow.
How to restore a bungalow home
Restoring a California Bungalow starts with understanding what you’ve got. You’re working with a home that was likely built with native timber and solid workmanship. Floors are often timber throughout, though some may have been carpeted over the years. You’ll typically find just one bathroom, which may have already been updated. Kitchens are modest, tucked away at the back of the house, and commonly renovated to suit open plan living.
Preserving period details like timber panelling, leadlight windows, and original fireplaces adds real character. At the same time, you’ll need to be realistic about potential issues. Many bungalows have settled over time, especially in areas with older foundations. Ceilings and flooring may contain asbestos, and natural light can be limited in the centre of the home.
How to renovate a 1920s bungalow
Modernising a California Bungalow involves finding the right balance between restoration and renovation. Open plan living is usually top of the wishlist, and the good news is that these homes are well-suited to it. Removing some internal walls between the kitchen, dining, and living spaces can make a huge difference. Because the homes are timber-framed, these changes are generally achievable, though always check what’s load-bearing before you start.
Adding skylights is one of the best ways to deal with the common issue of low natural light. It helps brighten up central living spaces and adds a more contemporary feel. Renovating the kitchen and bathroom is another area to focus on, especially if they haven’t been touched in decades. Most kitchens are small and closed off, so opening them up creates better flow and suits modern lifestyles.
Rewiring, replumbing, and insulating are also important steps during any major renovation of an older home. These upgrades not only improve comfort but also future-proof the property for years to come.
How to open up a California bungalow layout
The traditional layout of a California Bungalow tends to include a central hallway with rooms branching off either side. While functional, it can make the home feel dark and compartmentalised. Knocking through walls between the living, dining, and kitchen areas creates a sense of space that’s much more aligned with how Kiwi families live today.
Installing large sliding doors to the backyard or extending the rear of the home is another great way to increase natural light and indoor-outdoor connection. Just be mindful of the heritage value of the front facade. Keeping the original street-facing character intact helps maintain the value and appeal of the home.
If you're thinking about how to renovate a bungalow in New Zealand
A 1920s California Bungalow offers a solid starting point if you're exploring how to renovate a bungalow in New Zealand. These homes have stood the test of time, and with thoughtful updates, they can provide another century of stylish, comfortable living. The key is to enhance their charm while solving some of the common issues like low light, dated layouts, and ageing infrastructure. Done right, they become homes that blend history with modern living — perfect for today’s Kiwi families.
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