Seattle, Wash., Erika and Andy Wagner
When we entered our house for the first time, we found a remarkably well-preserved, Craftsman-era house. Not a stick of woodwork had been painted over or altered. Nearly every room had its original lighting. This spring, with the guidance of designer Karen Hovde, we painted our dull, peeling exterior with a new period paint scheme that brought the house back to life. Karen used it in her article on color selection in the Fall 2013 issue of American Bungalow.
Durango, Colo., Ellen and Doug Wallis
After 31 years in Southern California and several visits to the Gamble House, we took our love of Craftsman architecture with us when we retired to southwest Colorado. We hired a Los Angeles–area architect to help us design our home with an Arts and Crafts flavor, and our Durango builder helped us adapt it to the local climate. We have American Bungalow to thank for much of the inspiration, as well as for being a resource for the products used in building and decorating.
Manhattan, Kan., David and Kathy Dzewaltowski
We are only the fourth owners of this 1928 bungalow, which we purchased in 2006. Its architect and original owner was Daniel Walters, one of the first graduates of the architecture program at Kansas State University. Constructed of 18-inch-deep native limestone blocks, it features a limestone fireplace flanked by built-in bookshelves with a secretary, oak floors, crown molding with picture rails, French doors, a built-in china cabinet and original double-hung windows. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.
Yankton, S.D., Christopher Sonne and Sheila Woodward
In 2012 we hired a local architect to design our Prairie Style home and site it amid mature trees on a deceptively sloping lot. Within about 1,600 square feet are three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, with the master suite upstairs. The kitchen, dining area and living room are all open to one another, yet feel cozy. We enjoy our screen porch out back and the newly finished bar and entertainment room in the basement. People tell us the house fits right into the neighborhood, which was our goal.
Vienna, Md., Sally Anne Snider
I purchased my bungalow 10 years ago when my husband died. I wanted a home where I could live comfortably but simply near the water in a small town. It is all original, with its woodwork intact. It has three bedrooms, a grand porch and a huge garden that I made in the back. As one of your posters said, with a garden and a library, I have everything I need. Your wonderful magazine has taught me how to improvise to get my home looking very Craftsman. I am in a perfect place.
Painted Post, N.Y., Robert Modavis and Kathleen Brown
This year we celebrated 30 years in our wonderful bungalow, where we raised our two children and which we now enjoy with our grandchildren. In 1972, after Hurricane Agnes severely damaged it, a neighbor saved it from demolition by sending the wrecking truck down the street in the wrong direction. So there it stood in 1983, just waiting for us to fall in love with it. We’ve spent lots of weekends on restoration projects, of course—there’s always another idea to make it even better.
