Stephanie Raygoza
Staff Writer
Homeowners transform a fixer-upper into a fully restored bungalow. California bungalow-style houses are designed to bring the outside in and define cozy living. Large, double-hung windows give the homes their warm feel by inviting natural lighting. Earth tones accentuate the exterior designing, and broad front porches allow homeowners to take in plenty of the sunny, West Coast weather year round.
It was these characteristics that drew Kim McWaid and her husband into the bungalow they now call home. Situated in a neighborhood of predominantly Spanish-style homes, the bungalow makes a statement with its olive- and dark-chocolate brown-painted exterior and colorful frontyard landscaping completed by a neighbor who lives a couple of houses down the street. A railing, signature to bungalows, was added to the front porch to complement the yard, which was just a sloping green yard when they moved in.
The McWaids were first-time homebuyers when they purchased the fixer-upper in 1993. Knowing that the home needed much work done and keeping the bungalow-style architecture in mind, the couple embarked on a restoration project that still continues to this day. Kim remembers everything being consumed in a plain off-white or beige color, the cottage-cheese ceiling and blue carpeting, all of which she would eventually strip and replace with her own esthetic.
The home was built in 1924 and then renovated in the 1970s. Much of the original architecture was buried, however the two were able to restore the look with the guidance of pictures from when the home was first built and by drawing inspiration from a reference book on California bungalows.
A spacious living room is the prized cornerstone of the home, which originally included a mock fireplace, and leads into the dining room. Actual fireplaces serve as the focal point in such living room designs and are customary in most bungalows. The McWaids are hoping to rebuild the fireplace in future months and add additional bookshelves. The study room, which was originally intended to be a bedroom, bears a rustic feel with a standout window, allowing light to shine through perfectly for leisure reading.
The kitchen and other bedrooms are traditionally smaller and modestly built so as to not take away from the social and familial ambience of the living room. Furnishings, including built-in, custom and antique, are located throughout the home as are the original door pulls, which were salvaged during the renovation. A window from the kitchen provides a view of the patio, where on occasion, one of the family dogs may perch up for a friendly ‘hello.’
Between home repair and homework, Kim prefers to unwind and spend her time in the breakfast nook and on the front porch. She admits to being genuinely excited to get to show off the home that’s been revitalized and nurtured through the years.
Looking back to when she first visited the house, she remembers standing in front and saying, “This is it. This is what I want.” She and her husband had originally planned to stay for five years, and now, 18 years later, the couple has created a perfect place to raise their two daughters, two dogs and two cats. Peaches, their far from shy cat, often greets passersby and will surely welcome all visitors during the home’s debut at the California Heights Home and Garden Tour on Oct. 2.
Owners showcase redesigned lawn and new Mediterranean garden
Homes may be predominantly featured on the tour, however it must be noted that a well maintained and colorful garden is what can really draw visitors into a home. Amongst the many standard green lawns down Brayton Avenue is a slightly raised yard belonging to Susan and Bernie Hawkins. The walkway leading up the home is lined with an array of garden and potted plants that will eventually drape beautifully over the short wall. Heart-shaped leaves from a tree nestled off to the corner have transitioned into perfect autumn shades and daintily dance with the passing summer breezes.
Off to the side of the front yard is a blue-ribbon-painted gate guarding an additional assortment of greenery planted just last year. A Mediterranean garden has replaced the home’s driveway and bears resemblance to a private, courtyard-style garden, ultimately leading into the back yard.
Opting to work with native plant specialist and California Heights Association president John Royce, the Hawkins wanted to design a garden that was drought tolerant, as opposed to native, to allow for minimal maintenance and year-round survival. Accents such as the flagstone walkway, adorable catwalk and a washing-machine drum artistically designed as a fire pit add additional flair to the overall look of the garden.
Culturally diverse plants, shrubs and small trees line the pathway, including Mexican sage, marina, star jasmine along the walls, little ollie and olive bushes. Susan made sure to include cocktail fruits such as pomegranate and tangerine trees along with the essential herbs and spices. Rose-scented geraniums, lavender, and Santa Barbara daisies provide pops of color at the very entrance to the garden.
The backyard garden will be getting a few more accessories added in the coming days, however is tastefully designed already to charm even the faintest of garden appreciators. Susan, an artist, acknowledges family and friends for helping them design, plant and achieve both gardens.
What really attracted Susan to the neighborhood were the street trees, which she describes as soothing on the eyes and comfortable. Now, in keeping with the same mentality, Susan hopes to leave a similar impression on the guests and neighbors who’ll walk through the blue-ribbon-painted gate to get a glimpse of the practicality of Mediterranean gardening.
