Storybook Style
Fairy Tale, Disneyesque, Hansel and Gretel — these are all common synonyms for the Storybook Style, a rambunctious evocation of medieval Europe, and surely the most delightful homestyle of the twentieth century. They appeared in America in the early 1920’s and were all but forgotten by the late 1930’s. Storybook Style Homes are also relatively rare and are the products of architects and builders with a love for fine craftsmanship.
by Gellner and Keister
Fine Craftsmanship
O'Donnell Custom Homes is one of the few builders these days that actually designs, builds and crafts the entire house. Brian started his building career in cabinetmaking and grew his business into superbly built custom homes. How many builders can say that every piece of millwork, whether it's the kitchen cabinets, staircases, fireplace surrounds, custom made brow-top doors or multi-layered trim was designed and built in his very own cabinet shop? There is not a piece of wood in our homes that the builder has not touched. Yes, like all other builders we pay close attention to detail and provide our customers the highest satisfaction available, but we also design our houses around the needs of our clients. Our unique floor plans offer a home that is like no other.
Character
In an O'Donnell Custom Home you can imagine you've stepped back in time 300 years. Your walls and doors may look a little worn but your home is brand new. As you step down into your hearth room, you can feel the warmth of the custom built fireplace, which stands from floor to ceiling. The beams grab your attention from every angle and the over sized picture window draws your eyes to the beauty of your neighborhood. The floors are made of reclaimed barn-wood that was salvaged from an old barn in northern Michigan. The knotty pine floors have been run through a kiln and then distressed and stained by hand. Each unique piece of wood has a story to tell. Each room is designed to add depth to the home. What you see on the outside is a home that is unique on all four sides. Not just a "Hollywood" front. From the cedar shake roof to the copper gutters, from the stucco exterior accented with the reclaimed Chicago brick street pavers(bricks), this home pays the utmost attention to detail.
Elegance
What one must envision when they look at these homes is that as the family grew, so did their home. Each level offers a contrast to the next. Distinctive roof lines, unusually sized windows and arched doorways.
What's behind this door, or what type of texture is on this wall, or our favorite ... "how did you bend that wood?" While one wanders through the home, standing in arch topped, thickened cased openings or just feeling the trim along an entryway, one can't help but wonder what the story is about.