Customer Reviews

The New Bungalow Kitchen

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What a joy to pick up a book and see photos of lovely kitchens in my size -- meaning, not McMansion. I am so disheartened by all the kitchen porn featuring 48 inch ranges under huge hoods behind islands with seating for six! Though the book specifically references the bungalow style, the photos and narrative describe how the Colonials and Tudors evolved early in the century, and there is plenty of visual and descriptive information applicable to these styles too. I especially liked the emphasis on finding ways to use authentic materials and styling while incorporating modern appliances, from lighting to cooking and even surfaces. The earlier book, Bungalow Kitchens, took on a very proscriptive voice, for example, absolutely banning in-ceiling spot lights. New Bungalow Kitchens, by contrast, is much more ecumenical, recognizing it is no sin to want to acknowledge and utilize the best of the current offerings, and provides real guidance on how to accomplish this without blatantly violating the period aesthetic. There are lovely kitchens in both dark stained and light painted finishes. It seems the author has a few favorite kitchens that were pictured over and over throughout the book. But the ones he chose certainly bore up well in their close-ups. I got several ideas that I can actually use, in fact, probably more ideas than I can actually use.

I relied on this very well-written, beautifully photographed book while renovating my 1900 colonial revival house. Mr. Labau's eye, obviously honed by long experience, is pretty amazing when it comes to combining the class of the old with the functional needs of the new.
The best thing about this book is that you don't put it away on a shelf. It is an art book, too!
Ruby

I would consider this book to be one of the top five bungalow books to purchase! The pictures are exquiste and the narrative is done well. The book will give you several options: from traditional, small bungalow kitches to complete a major modern day bungalow kitchen. A must have in your bungalow book library.

We finished building our new Craftsman home a few months ago. This book was very helpful in determining how we should create a kitchen that looked like it belongs in a bungalow, while keeping with modern conveniences. The chapters cover every detail from top to bottom, wall to wall, and there are beautiful photos that help you visualize each point. This book would be helpful for new homes like ours, and also for restorations. It shows how you can bring bungalow style to your home without it looking outdated and old. For me, this book was much more useful than "Bungalow Kitchens" by Jane Powell, which is more for the obsessive bungalow restorer. Peter LaBau shows you how you can utilize modern materials and conveniences in a "bungalow" way.

I have purchased many Bungalow Arts & Crafts decorating and remodeling books. This book is on the top of my list. The author goes into detail about how an original bungalow home, in the early 20st century, was built and designed. How and where you maybe able to find original kit designs for your home. Also, there are many completed remodeling examples in the book, these picture helped me decide which design fit my taste the best. This book is a keeper for anyone who is considering remodeling their kitchen in the Arts & Crafts design.

Peter Labau has crafted a practical and classy take on classic bungalow kitchens. The visuals are exquisite and as easy on the eyes as the words which flow from author to reader. His years of experience in classic home environments shines through each chapter. I found "The New Bungalow Kitchen" easy to read and very informative. The book also serves as a perfect reference for 20's period architecture in general. Each turn of the page brings another good example of how to create beautiful spaces. This is definitely worth having on your bookshelf as a reference for any re-development project you might have!

We recently remodeled the kitchen in our 1927 bungalow. We were a bit lost early on, finding only occasional examples in the dozen or so kitchen books that we used. This book offers details of 17 bungalow kitchens of many shapes and styles, and one (#13, if you're interested) provided the inspiration for our design.

Lush photos, sparking ideas for kitchen designs in arts-and-crafts bungalows, and crisp writing make this book a valuable tool for any bungalow owner contemplating a kitchen redesign. Even if you don't own a bungalow, the photos are worth the price of the book.

The book gave us a lot of good ideas. We just bought a Bungalow built in 1941 and we are looking to overhaul the kitchen without disturbing the character and charm of the home. This book will help us do that. I was a little dissapointed that the book did not give more specific reccomendations i.e style of cabinets, materials used, finishes etc. They had some pictures, but alot of the details are not literally described . Still a great book.

There is something to love in each of the kitchens selected for this book. The photography is stunning and more than whets the appetite. The attention to details and guidance for the home remodeler or one considering it is impeccable. The index gives a list of builders and details down to door hardware--which is a plus because you'll find yourself wanting items from each kitchen. Fabulous.