Our trademark building techniques include lighted, recessed areas over fireplaces (perfect for the display of artwork or floral arrangements), bathroom closets that are accessible from both sides to simplify laundry duties, and bay windows in eating areas.

Along with solid construction techniques, the decorating makes a house special. We have customized homes’ interiors as well as exteriors.

In one home we designed a small boy’s room (see photo at right) to look like a log cabin. Log wallpaper adorns the walls, and a painting of a window looks out on a scene right out of Northern Michigan. We outfitted the room with a real woodburning stove—unattached, so just for looks—and built beds reminiscent of cabin lofts.

Across the hall, in a brother’s room, wallpaper borders depict a farm scene toped with blue sky and puffy white clouds. We built a bed complete with fence-post headboard and added a handcrafted wooden barn—a bright red playhouse with the family name lettered across the roof—mirroring the design of many Michigan barns.

In the boys’ bathroom, instead of curtains we hung fishnet on a rod strung with lures and used a hand-held fishing net as a towel bar. In the same home, we personalized a yellow laundry room with hand-painted bugs and butterflies.

Written by and reprinted with permission from Kelle L. Larkin.

— Craig Wenke

(269) 372-3338