10 Interiors That Could Highlight Built In Features In Illinois Bungalows

Illinois bungalows are architectural gems with unique built-in features that add charm and function to these historic homes.

From window seats to bookcases, these special elements were crafted during the early 20th century when craftsmen took pride in their woodwork. Let’s explore ten interior styles that can showcase these original built-ins while blending them with modern living needs.

1. Inglenook Reading Nooks

Tucked beside original brick fireplaces, inglenook seating areas are perfect spots to showcase built-in benches and bookcases. I love how these cozy corners can be transformed with plush cushions in warm earth tones and proper lighting to create an inviting reading retreat.

The original woodwork in these nooks often features quarter-sawn oak with beautiful grain patterns. Highlighting this craftsmanship with subtle accent lighting draws attention to the detailed workmanship without overwhelming the space.

When styling these areas, keep accessories minimal perhaps a small side table for tea and a few cherished books. This allows the architectural details to remain the star while creating a functional space that honors the bungalow’s heritage.

2. Dining Room Buffet Alcoves

Built-in buffets in dining rooms are hallmarks of Illinois bungalows, often featuring glass-front cabinets and drawers for storing china and silverware. These architectural treasures deserve to be the focal point of your dining area with thoughtful styling that enhances rather than competes.

Period-appropriate lighting makes all the difference here. Consider installing a vintage-inspired pendant light or sconces that cast a warm glow on the buffet’s wood finish. Display a curated collection of pottery or glassware that complements the home’s era.

If your buffet includes a mirror (as many do), keep the surrounding wall space simple. This creates a balanced composition where the built-in feels integrated rather than overwhelmed by competing decorative elements.

3. Window Seat Retreats

Window seats flanked by bookcases create natural focal points in Illinois bungalow living rooms and bedrooms. I’ve found these charming built-ins can be revitalized with custom cushions in fabrics that bridge traditional and contemporary styles perhaps a vintage-inspired pattern in updated colors.

Storage beneath the seat is a practical feature worth maintaining. Replace damaged hinges while preserving original hardware where possible. These seats typically face garden views, so consider hanging simple curtains that frame the window without hiding the built-in’s beautiful woodwork.

Adding a few throw pillows and a small side table transforms this architectural feature into a functional retreat. The goal is creating a space that feels both authentic to the home’s era and comfortable for today’s lifestyle.

4. Living Room Bookcase Walls

Many Illinois bungalows feature entire walls of built-in bookcases, sometimes surrounding windows or fireplaces. These magnificent woodwork showcases deserve to be styled with a blend of books and meaningful objects rather than overcrowding them with clutter.

Color coordination isn’t necessary, but consider arranging books by height in some sections to create visual rhythm. Leave empty space on some shelves this breathing room helps highlight the craftsmanship of the built-in itself. Vintage photographs in simple frames or pottery pieces can serve as beautiful accents.

Lighting these bookcases properly makes all the difference. Small picture lights mounted at the top of the bookcases can cast a warm glow on the contents while highlighting the original woodwork details that make these architectural features so special.

5. Kitchen Cabinet Displays

Original glass-front kitchen cabinets in Illinois bungalows provide perfect display opportunities for vintage kitchenware collections. These built-ins often feature beautiful mullioned glass doors that deserve to be showcased rather than replaced during renovations.

If your kitchen needs updating, consider keeping these original cabinets while modernizing countertops and appliances. The contrast between old and new creates a kitchen with character that honors the home’s history. Display colorful Fiestaware or vintage glassware to add visual interest behind the glass.

Though original cabinets may lack some modern conveniences, their craftsmanship is irreplaceable. Working with a skilled carpenter to add hidden features like pull-out shelves inside lower cabinets can make these historic elements more functional while preserving their exterior charm.

6. Breakfast Nook Banquettes

Built-in breakfast nooks with bench seating maximize space in bungalow kitchens while creating charming gathering spots. These architectural features typically include storage beneath the benches a practical design element worth preserving and highlighting.

Updating these spaces with performance fabrics in period-appropriate patterns makes them both beautiful and functional for today’s families. Consider removable cushion covers for easy cleaning. The original woodwork often includes beautiful details like beadboard or panel moldings that deserve to be showcased.

A pendant light hanging low over a simple round table creates an intimate feel in these nooks. Keep the surrounding walls simple with perhaps just one piece of artwork or a plate display that complements rather than competes with the built-in’s natural charm.

7. Bedroom Vanity Alcoves

Hidden away in bungalow bedrooms, built-in vanity alcoves offer charming personal spaces that combine function and architectural interest. These intimate nooks typically feature a small counter area with drawers and a mirror, perfect for morning routines.

Honoring these spaces means preserving their original proportions while updating with subtle modern touches. A small stool upholstered in velvet or linen creates a comfortable seat. Vintage glass bottles or a ceramic dish for jewelry add personality without cluttering the limited surface area.

Proper lighting transforms these alcoves from shadowy corners to functional spaces. Consider wall sconces that complement the home’s era mounted on either side of the mirror. This provides even lighting for the face while adding period-appropriate ambiance to the entire bedroom.

8. Hallway Linen Cabinets

Tucked into hallways, original built-in linen cabinets are practical storage features that deserve aesthetic attention in Illinois bungalows. These tall cabinets typically feature a combination of drawers and shelves behind beautiful wood doors with unique hardware.

Maintaining the exterior woodwork while organizing the interior creates a perfect blend of form and function. Consider lining shelves with scented paper or installing small hooks inside doors for additional storage. The original hardware often includes hammered copper or brass elements that can be gently cleaned rather than replaced.

When styling the surrounding hallway, keep wall decor simple to allow these architectural elements to stand out. A small runner rug in a pattern that complements the home’s era can guide the eye toward these beautiful built-ins without overwhelming the typically narrow hallway space.

9. Home Office Desk Niches

Many Illinois bungalows feature built-in desk niches in unexpected places like under stairways or in bedroom corners. These compact workspaces often include small cubbies and drawers designed for correspondence in an era before computers.

Adapting these charming spaces for modern technology requires thoughtful planning. Consider discreet holes drilled for cable management and a pull-out keyboard tray that preserves the desk’s original appearance when closed. The original pigeonholes make perfect spots for storing today’s smaller electronics and office supplies.

Lighting these areas properly transforms them from dark corners to functional workspaces. A small desk lamp in an appropriate style provides task lighting while a comfortable chair on casters allows mobility without damaging original floors. These thoughtful updates honor the built-in’s original purpose while adapting to contemporary needs.

10. Entryway Bench and Coat Storage

First impressions matter, and many Illinois bungalows feature built-in entry benches with coat hooks and cubby storage that welcome visitors with practical charm. These architectural features typically combine seating with storage in a compact footprint perfect for narrow entryways.

Highlighting these built-ins means keeping them functional while enhancing their aesthetic appeal. A custom cushion in a durable fabric makes the bench inviting while baskets in the cubbies corral small items like gloves and scarves. The original coat hooks often feature unique details worth preserving and showcasing.

Hanging a mirror above the bench serves both practical and decorative purposes. Choose a frame style that complements the woodwork’s era rather than competing with it. This thoughtful styling creates an entryway that honors the bungalow’s architectural heritage while serving today’s practical needs.