Some Ideas to Consider …

  • August New England Home Style of the Month: Italianate

    The Italianate architectural style began in England in the early 1800’s as a reaction to the formal architectural styles of the 1700’s. It was inspired by rural Italian farmhouses that featured classic masonry techniques, square towers, and informal details. This style spread to the United States by the 1830’s and was popular throughout our growing nation. It offered American architects more creative freedom than previous designs styles and was made most famous by the architectural work of Andrew Downing. He designed homes throughout the country and published several books specifically detailing the Italianate style.

    Victorian Spaces by South San Francisco General Contractors Dijeau Poage Construction via Houzz

    Elements of Italianate style homes include:

      • Wide cornices that project toward the front of the home featuring heavy brackets, decorative bands, and panel moldings.
      • Ornamented windows, doorways, and porches.
    Victorian Exterior by Houston Home Builders Whitestone Builders via Houzz
    • Brick or clapboard exteriors that feature detailed cast iron door and window hoods.
    • Low pitched roofs that often include a square cupola.
    • Curved and arched windows.
    • Large panes of glass included in the home’s front door.
    • Square post columns throughout the porch’s design.
    Mediterranean Exterior by Edina General Contractors John Kraemer & Sons via Houzz

    At Country Club Homes, we pride ourselves on keeping current with the hottest custom home design ideas. Contact us today to learn more about our work.

  • Higher Light: Interior Transom Windows

    Transom windows are a lovely historical detail with an interesting history of practical purpose. Before the advent of air conditioning, transom windows were an innovative design feature that allowed for cross ventilation between rooms. Typically, transom windows could be opened and closed using a long metal rod. There were also styles that opened on a…

  • Chic Simplicity: A Black and White Bathroom

    The black and white bathroom is a design classic that always feels fresh. The simplicity of black and white allows for endless experimentation with color and texture to make your space feel distinct and memorable. The walls in a black and white bathroom are an interesting place to explore the use of patterned wallpaper, particularly…

  • Hot Ideas for the Hearth: Custom Fireplace Designs

    As autumn settles in, the age-old custom of gathering around a glowing fire becomes ever more appealing. The fireplace in your home can be a conversational centerpiece with the right application of design skill and imagination. Your fireplace should reflect the overall look and feel of your home, whether traditional, modern, or somewhere in between….

  • Empty-Nesters Purchase Cottage with Downsizing In Mind

    Interested in downsizing? A soon-to-be empty nester couple fell in love with this delightful cottage and purchased the home with downsizing in mind. As the renovation project started, it turned into a labor of love for the couple as they envisioned it as their beach-style retirement home. The small corner lot on Belle Island in the Rowayton section…