skip to main content

Finding reference for 1930 Spanish Revival Bungalo in No. Cal

17 years ago

I have a 1930 stucco house in Northern California and I'm trying to find some reference material for ideas for the kitchen remodel. Websites/books/anything. thanks for any help!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

solferino
17 years ago
Hey there lford,

I'm in San Jose, remodeling a 1920s house (sadly, not a Spanish Revival, which is my favorite style).

You might try the various bungalow books out there... "Bungalow Style" (there are two, one by Crochet and one by Halberstadt), "Bungalow Kitchens", "Inside the Bungalow". There are quite a few out there; I've leafed through most of them and there are quite a few Spanish Revivals featured in most. You'll get a lot of ideas from just these few!

I would also suggest going to home tours. Around here I think the season has passed but I know that the Northside Neighborhood Assn is having one in the fall. I think my neighborhood (Naglee Park) is also doing a fall tour. There are usually a few different ones in Willow Glen. Sorry, I only know the South Bay ones... I'm sure there are many more on the Peninsula.

Drop me an email if you want some vendor names. I have a few places to shop for period-appropriate stuff which may or may not interest you.
cnolan
17 years ago
I suggest a tour. I have a 1920's spanish revival bungalo in SoCal. Belmont Shore in Long Beach. HUGE number of craftsman and Spanish houses here. Silverlake, Los Feliz, Some areas off of Melrose in LA, all have great examples of spanish revival.

As for kitchens, my understanding is that a wood finished with square faces was commonly used. Very similar to what you would see in a craftsman. At least around here. If you're talking more hacienda, then that is a different look. We decided to do more modernish with a lighter wood in our kitchen, due to the small size, we wanted to keep it light and airy.

Ours has been updated, however, Exterior still maintains original charm, front room has original door, original arches and built-ins, original plaster walls and coved ceilings, original mock fireplace. Too bad original wood floors were carpeted over sometime ago, we have had to completely replace them. House had been updated and remodeled, we've kept with a classic look, but a little more modern feel. We have a fully open kitchen, with modern appliances, and doors & windows have been updated. We're so close to the beach (2 min walk) the salt air kills exterior wood.

There are some examples in our neighborhood that are very good examples of the true spanish revival.
Related Discussions
Colonial House/Modern Landscape?
Q
Comments (17)
Being in Oregon, you aren't going to have the problem of your reproduction Colonial sitting next to the real thing. So in that sense, location does matter. Something else to keep in mind is that in this country, as much as in England, the fancy new landscaping school of Capability Brown and Humphry Repton destroyed practically everything that preceeded it. I think the old formality survived longer in the South, but at this point I don't think even there exist any original examples. Places like Monticello are 20th century reproductions based on archaological and written evidence. Even deliberate recreations of colonial era gardens are few and far between. In this area, which is practically swarming with house museums, the typical garden restoration target date is between the two world wars. The logic behind this is that this was the last time frame when major work was done on the estates. Economic changes after WWII, led to their decline, which kind of ended when they fell into public or quasi-public hands. This is true regardless of the original construction date of the house. Two of the biggest 1930's style gardens in the area are connected to houses with original construction dates before 1800. (Clermont and Montgomery Place)
...See More
Design Around This #3: 1920s Kitchens and All That Jazz
Q
Comments (129)
Jterrilyn, that floor is actual antique tile I saw on The Antique Floor Company's site (see link below). They're a French company based in Burgundy. This particular floor sold a good while ago (understandably). It was, quote, "recovered from a town house in the Champagne region of France." I'm sure it wasn't cheap, and shipping it from Burgundy to the US would also not be cheap. There are several close-ups at the website that you could use to recreate this tile, if you had infinite money. :-) Here is a link that might be useful: French antique floor tile at the Antique Floor Company
...See More
Just curious abt this style of house
Q
Comments (38)
They don't usually have MUCH of a porch, not any porch. I meant the area with an overhang! Otherwise, it's a patio or a stoop. If my head is wet, it ain't a porch. The "big stoop, tiny overhang" confuses me every time. True. They were technically extended stoops. Levitt also built a LOT of slab on grade in areas where basements are the norm. Raised ranches, split levels, and split entries evolved off the ranch, and all the ranches in my own neighborhood have basements...but basements are remarkably less common in ranch houses than in other types in places we're both were feasible. One difference may be that our neighborhood was all custom houses. Of course, there are areas where no one at all has a basement!!! You originally said, "The foundation is usually slab on grade or pier and beam." No they weren't necessarily slab on grade. Please don't make generalized statements. I totally forgot how old Formica is. You're quite right that it was used, but in all the places I've lived, tile has been the more popular counter. I guess I've just never seen a Formica counter in a house intact from the 50s or 60s. I associated it mentally only with diners! Lol. Then again, ive only seen the metal cabinets moved to garages or given away. I've seen lots and lots of 4x4 glossy tiles intact in old ranch houses, though. Well considering formica was introduced in 1912, it was around even a lot longer than you're insinuating. And just because you only see tile counters, I can tell you that was not what was popular when most of the houses were built in the 50's and 60's. Formica was pretty much the most modern material for counters and it was put in almost every house. It usually had a metal edge around it. By the later 60's Corian was introduced as a high end new material and most counters no longer had the metal edging. If you're seeing tile on counters, it's because they were redone in the 70's and 80's when tile counters became popular again. There are Colonial houses that are one story: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/eb/95/31/eb9531cf0a64ea9eb9c751188a4221c2.jpg Sorry, but that is NOT a colonial house. That is more of a cape cod style house. What we call a colonial house will always have 2 full stories. Might I suggest you brush up with the book, A Field Guide to American Houses Hall-and-parlor and I (letter eye) center halls are colonial one-story designs. But they were usually tiny (2-3 rooms) and still usually had sleeping lofts. If you're talking about a home built in the Colonial period, then you are correct that there were one story designs. However, if you're referring to what we like to call a colonial, then they are not one story. I have seen a colonial revival house that is single story that worked. The center of the house had 12' ceilings with 8' ceilings on the wings. The effect, with colonial trimmings, was colonial like. I've seen successful colonial inspired ranch houses, but they just looked colonial inspired. This is an example: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/46/bf/2f/46bf2f79ef3e21b5447f2d1590dee619.jpg Sorry but this too would be considered a cape cod style home. This would be considered colonial revival:Colonial revivals had the following that distinguished it: Symmetrical façade, Rectangular, 2 to 3 stories, Brick or wood siding, Simple, classical detailing, Gable roof, Pillars and columns, Multi-pane, double-hung windows with shutters, Dormers, Temple-like entrance: porticos topped by pediment, Paneled doors with sidelights and topped with rectangular transoms or fanlights, Center entry-hall floor plan, Living areas on the first floor and bedrooms on the upper floors
...See More
Windows and fireplace seem oddly out of proportion
Q
Comments (84)
A couple of questions about style choices in the kitchen. Remember, this is the floor plan for the kitchen. I have two questions. 1. The first concerns the bottom of all the lower cabinets. My builder says that I can have a toe kick at the bottom of the lower cabinets (common), or I can have little legs at the bottom (which he says were often found in homes in the 20s. ). See below. Does anyone have any thoughts concerning this leg style? Do you think dirt will collect too easily under the cabinets? Think they send the wrong vib? The right vib? I have been looking at many pictures of Tudor kitchens, and also just white kitchens in general. I've noticed that besides the trend to go green with the cabinets, there are a few kitchens that show a couple of lower cabinets with a light, natural wood look (no paint). Most of the time, the natural wood cabinets are in the island, but not always. I was thinking I might like the lower cabinets next to the refrigerator to be natural wood. I sort of like the look, as it gives a bit of relief to all the white, but , , , . . . I am thinking it might look like I'm trying to cram too many different styles in such a small space. So, what do you think? And, by the way, I am looking for experienced honesty. No need to sugarcoat it, if you think it's a crazy idea.
...See More
rosethornil
17 years ago
First off, tell me more about this house. Pacific Ready Cut Homes sold about a dozen of these Spanish Revival homes as KIT HOMES, sold and shipped in 12,000 pieces of house.

I just returned from Los Angeles and found hundreds of these houses throughout the area. Pacific Homes sold about 40,000 kit homes throughout northern and southern California.

As to pictures and images, I have to recommend a book that's near and dear to my heart. "California's Kit Homes" is a reproduction of the 1925 Pacific Ready Cut Homes catalog and has many vintage pictures of original kitchens and baths and original plumbing and electrical fixtures.

If you'll post a photo here, I'll take a look and see if I recognize the house as a design from Pacific Ready Cut. Here's a link with more info:

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/Detailed/13677.shtml

Here is a link that might be useful: Pics and info on Pacific Ready Cut
efo90027
17 years ago
I too recommend Rosemary's book, "California's Kit Homes." I just received my copy and I'm thrilled with it. My first house in Silver Lake is in it (though it's a 385 and could be, as the book explains, a Sears Del Rey).
My current Spanish-style home wasn't in the book. It's one of the Disney homes mentioned in the LATimes article "12,000 Pieces." Are there other catalog re-prints available that might include this home style?
jakabedy
17 years ago
Are you looking for a period remodel, or for ideas to make a contemporary kitchen sympathetic to the overall style of the home?
oliveoil
17 years ago
This is wonderful. I just purchased (2005) a 1930 Spanish Colonial Revival in WA. No updating has been done, so the interior and exterior is intact. There has been some wrought iron removed, but will be able to restore.

I have some detailed photos, inside and out. The interior details are a combination of Sp. Col., Craftsman, and Art Deco. Believe it or not, it's tastefully done.

My best guess is that the original owner had a CA architect design. It's the only one of its kind in the area. I've been trying to find contractors who are willing and skilled in this type of construction for areas that I'm not able to do alone - it hasn't been easy.

If anyone wants photos, please email me.

Nancy
jakabedy
17 years ago
Let me start by saying all I got for Christmas last year was books. And that's all I wanted for Christmas. See, we just got a 1925 Mission Revival home last year and I am obsessed. I agree with the above suggestions, particularly Bungalow Kitchens by Jane Powell. Here are the other books I have and their strong points.

Red Tile Style (Arrol Gellner/Douglas Keister) - This one has a total of maybe ten kitchen photos. Mostly exterior shots and some of details like lighting and tile. Very accessible.

George Washington Smith (Patricia Gebhard) - this focuses on particular (grand) homes by Smith and has a few kitchen photos. Lots of exteriors and courtyard/patio shots, with floor plans.

Santa Barbara Style (Kathryn Mason/James Chen) Grand vintage homes and a few newer examples. Not many kitchen shots, but lots of exteriors and some gardens, formal rooms, courtyards.

Casa California (Elizabeth McMillan/MelbaLevick) -Not much in the way of kitchens.,but lots of architectural detail shots. A few of the homes are of recent vintage, but most are '20s.

Mediterranean Domestic Architecture in the United States (Marc Appleton) - this is a reprint of vintage photos of grander homes. I don't see any kitchens, but it is interesting to see the period decoration and the floor plans. Black and White.

California Colonial (Elizabeth McMillan) - focuses mostly on architectural details, specifically tilework, entries, wrought-iron, fenestration. There are also good examples of doors, light fixtures, interior goodies like niches and fireplaces. There is even some info on furnishings,.
msafirstein
17 years ago
"American Bungalow" magazine is a wonderful resource.

Here is a link that might be useful: American Bungalow
lafilmfan
17 years ago
Just wanted to say that I also have a Spanish colonial revival style 1930 duplex in Long Beach, though not in Belmont Shore (boo hoo). My kitchen has never been touched since 1930. I don't even have a stove in the place. My neighborhood isn't all that great though so I think I'll do a "budget" period remodel.
michelleback
17 years ago
We are in the SF Bay Area. Our first home was a Spanish Bungalow, circa 1930's. It resembles very closely the house rosethornil's link: plan 499. The entry was a little square turret but there was no gate, just a little wrought iron front porch. We moved two blocks to a larger, 1930's home designed by an architect who did most of the houses on this block. Interestingly, although the houses vary on the exterior, Spanish, tudor, cottage-style etc, they are very similar inside with a split level floor plan, arches, plaster walls and vaulted beamed LR ceilings.

Home tours are a great idea, even open houses , if you have the time. I love vintage CA architecture!

Lford, we may have chatted on the kitchen forum; we just finished our remodel last month!

Related Stories

MEDITERRANEAN STYLE Houzz Tour: Beauty Restored to a 1930s Spanish Colonial Revival Home

By Becky Harris

Original details have been painstakingly preserved or reproduced in this Santa Barbara home

ARCHITECTURE Roots of Style: Spanish Eclectic Homes Find a Place in the Sun

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Flexible stucco, intricate tiles and more have kept this multicultural style going strong for a century

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS Room of the Day: Retro Style Returns to a 1930s Bathroom

By Annie Thornton

A compact guest bathroom in Southern California livens up with color, Art Deco details and space savers

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Modern and Traditional Tango in a Spanish-Style Ranch

By Mitchell Parker

From leaky and drab to revamped and fab, this Southern California home with its own orchard is more than ready for guests

ARCHITECTURE Roots of Style: Colonial Monterey Sets the Stage for Unique Design

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

French, Spanish and English features mix in enigmatic Monterey-style architecture. Here's how to recognize this type of home

SMALL HOMES Houzz TV: In Love With Echo Park Style

By Carolyn Reyes

Whimsical artwork, vintage steals and online finds come together in this eclectic L.A. apartment

BEFORE AND AFTERS Houzz TV: See Recycled Walls and Cool Cassette Art in a Woodsy DIY Home

By Annie Thornton

Walnut countertops join hardwood floors and pieces made from leftover framing in a bright Spanish colonial

FUN HOUZZ Houzz Quiz: What Style of House Should You Live In?

By Mitchell Parker

Does your heart belong to midcentury, traditional, farmhouse or something else? Take our quiz to find out

ARCHITECTURE Tell a Story With Design for a More Meaningful Home

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Go beyond a home's bones to find the narrative at its heart, for a more rewarding experience

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Replace or Revamp Your Garage Doors

By Laura Gaskill

Boost curb appeal and maybe even security with new garage doors. Find out cost ranges and other important details here

Sponsored

Everingham Design

Columbus' Home Design Experts Specializing in Custom Cabinets

More Discussions

When are home renovations no longer worth the investment?

9

front refresh ideas

4

Bathroom beadboard base moulding

9

Crown moulding or IKEA deco strip - views?

5

Counter overhang variation - acceptable?

7