Storybook Style

Storybook style, fairy tale, Disneyesque, Hansel and Gretel these are all synonyms for what is surely the most delightful residential style of the twentieth century. With their romantic evocation of faraway lands and eras, storybook homes were created by architects and builders with a flair for theater, a love of fine craftsmanship, and above all a sense of humour attributes that make them especially endearing to the jaded modern eye.

The storybook style was born on the backlots of Hollywood in the 1920s, where brilliant set designers first learned to evoke the exotic architecture of medieval Europe and the Middle East. Movie-going Americans became fascinated with these settings, and architects and builders were quick to capitalise on this enthusiasm. The whimsical style soon spread from coast to coast, and the unforgettable results are portrayed here.

About the Author

Arrol Gellner is a practicing architect, long-time syndicated columnist, and regular blogger on architectural topics. For almost 20 years he has used his column and blog, Architext, to transport the discussion of architecture from its frequently hifalutin plane into the realm of everyday experience. His architectural practice includes residential, commercial, and institutional work. He also maintains an office near Shanghai, China, where he spends his summers indulging a penchant for heat and humidity.

Douglas Keister has authored or co-authored over three dozen books on historic architecture, earning him the title of "America's most noted photographer of historic architecture."" His work include the popular ""painted ladies"" books on Victorian architecture, the seminal series of books on bungalows ( The Bungalow, Inside the Bungalow, Outside the Bungalow), six books on funerary architecture, four books on vintage trailers, and the award-winning bilingual children's book Fernando's Gift. He has also authored four novels.