Case Study: Renovating a 1970s Bungalow into a Modern Open Plan Home (2026)

Case Study: Renovating a 1970s Bungalow into a Modern Open Plan Home (2026)

Hook: This case study walks through a 1970s bungalow renovation where we preserved character while adding hybrid kitchen design, energy resilience, and componentized furnishings to reduce future waste.

Project Goals

• Open plan living and kitchen optimized for remote work.
• Upgrade energy resilience and prepare for solar+storage integration.
• Use componentized furniture to allow future reconfiguration.

Key Decisions & Rationale

We prioritized a flexible kitchen triangle and vertical storage systems inspired by The New Kitchen Work Triangle and small-space storage tactics from Small-Space Storage Hacks. For energy planning, we coordinated conduit runs and future-ready panels with installers following best practices: Installer's Guide to Solar+Storage Integration.

Material Choices

We selected repairable finishes and modular casework. Where possible, we used local reclaimed timber and low-VOC finishes, matching packaging and returns transparency guidelines: Shipping & Returns Checklist (2026).

Implementation Highlights

1. Reconfigured kitchen footprint for flexible staging and a small content shelf with integrated lighting.
2. Installed a vertical storage tower with pull-out pantry units for compact organization.
3. Prepared for future solar tie-in with conduit and space allocation for in-home battery modules.
4. Outfitted living room with modular seating that can be re-upholstered or reconfigured.

“Treat restoration as a platform: preserve what matters, and design the rest to adapt.”

Outcomes

The family gained an open plan that supports hybrid routines, a kitchen that photographs well for occasional product demos, and infrastructure ready for energy upgrades. Long-term, the modular approach reduces waste and extends the home’s usable life.

Business Lessons for Designers

• Document choices and provide clear maintenance guides to clients.
• Recommend modular vendors and component pages for easy future acquisitions: Component Driven Product Pages.
• Coordinate with local installers early on energy upgrades to avoid costly rework: Installer's Guide.

Final Reflections

Renovation in 2026 requires thinking beyond aesthetics. Systems, adaptability, and clarity about future-proofing matter. Treat every renovation as an opportunity to reduce friction for future owners.