Why would the ceilings of both the bathroom and kitchen in my craftsman bungelow have been lowered?

Answer 1

Without knowing you or your bungalow, my first reaction is to ask: what is above each of those rooms? I may only guess at the reasons previous owners may have lowered the ceilings, but I'll bet that there was a moisture issue at some time in the history of your house which caused the original plaster to be damaged. Perhaps there is a tricky roof detail nearby, or a flashing which failed. Is the bathroom is directly above the kitchen? A supply line may have burst or a bath overflowed. Generally, ceilings are lowered to cover unsightly damage with something more presentable, or even fashionable. You should see the damage immediately when you remove the dropped ceiling. In other cases, ceilings are lowered in an effort to reduce heat loss, in the days before sophisticated air-handling equipment. Very high ceilings often let warmth gather at ceiling height, rather than down among the inhabitants. Then, too, decorating during the 1940's-1960's favored low, open rooms, rather than high, narrow ones. Compare fashionable decor in movies of the period - the downtrodden characters often appeared in Victorian-style homes, while the Jet Set lounged about in streamlined luxury (at least in Hollywood!). Those of us who prefer high ceilings often have to uncover them; this is not usually a difficult procedure, but a messy one. You will also have peace of mind if you can discover a previously unnoticed source of water leakage. Remember to budget for new wall treatment for the areas that have been uncovered. Good luck!