As a departure from the Industrial Age of the 19th century, bungalows celebrate a more casual, comfortable lifestyle and are admired for their simplicity and charm.

1. Their all-American good looks have been going strong since the late 19th century, when the first ones popped up. History buffs: Their heyday was in the 1920s.
2. Hello, wide porches! It's like having a whole extra room. Most can fit an outdoor sofa, two chairs, a rug, even a coffee table.
3. They're small but they live large. Rooms are spacious, and the ceilings are high. It's a great starter home or family home.
4. They look cute in any color, from bright white to sage green. And there are so many details to paint — the columns, the trim work and the porch floor.
5. The charm factor is through the (gabled) roof!

Craftsman style porch columns create a stunning entryway and allude to the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century, an inspiration behind many bungalow style homes.

Built in 1900, this blue behemoth features a spacious second story and is dressed up with dentil trim as well as transom and sidelight windows around the stately front door.

This bungalow combines brick and stucco into a charming package. Lots of windows bring in abundant sunlight, and the front steps lead to a welcoming entry door.

This early 1900s Texas home was given a makeover with gray exterior paint and a bright lime green front door that brings a decidedly modern touch.

Sylvia E. Gonzales bought her 1930 home in Houston, TX in 1988. “My Craftsman bungalow reminds me of my childhood home,” she says. “I tried to keep the style true when I redid the porch and landscaping.”

Gray brick with white exterior moulding and trim are a clean upgrade for this cozy bungalow-style house. A wraparound porch and simple landscaping increase curb appeal.

A bright blue exterior and white pickett fence increase the charm factor of this tropical retreat in Orlando, Florida.

This white bungalow with black accents exudes both elegance and modesty, a nod to the simpler lifestyle the traditional bungalow represented.

A fresh yellow exterior showcases a beautiful original wood front door, while a cottage style garden invites guests to sit and stay a while.

This bungalow combines cedar shakes with board and batten siding to create a distinctive looking modern twist on an old theme. Lots of windows keep things bright inside and the pediment over the entrance is a unique focal point.

This Florida bungalow has tons of curb appeal, thanks for beautiful landscaping and a large, welcoming front porch.

Many bungalows provide a blank canvas for expressing artistic individuality, like this colorful bungalow found in St. Petersburg's Historic Kenwood neighborhood.