Some Ideas to Consider …

  • Home Style of the Month: Second Empire

    The Second Empire style was most popular in the United States in the 1860s and 1870s, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. In its time, the style was considered modern and fashionable, simultaneously favored in France and the United States by affluent homeowners.

     

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    OldHousonline – French Connection

    The style originated in France, where some French architects used the phrase “horror vacui” – the fear of unadorned surfaces – to describe the Second Empire style and its emphasis on heavy ornamentation. Second Empire homes became prominent in France during that country’s “second empire,” the reign of Napoleon (1852-1870).

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    Iron cresting on mansard roof

    A tall mansard roof with wrought iron cresting is the most prominent distinguishing feature of this style. The roof was considered both visually appealing and practical since it created a fully functional attic space.

    Appropriate for a style focus in October, Second Empire homes are often featured in Halloween imagery as the quintessential haunted house.

    • Elements of Second Empire Style
    • Mansard roof with decorative slate pattern
    • Cast iron decorative cresting at roof
    • Patterned tiles on roof
    • Segmented arched windows
    • Prominent arched doorway
    • One story porch
    • Tower

     

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    Credit: decorpad.com – Arched Doorways

    At Country Club Homes, we stay in touch with the latest custom home design trends to share exciting new ideas with our clients. Contact us today at 203-762-0550 or visit us at countryclubhomesinc.com to learn more about our work.

  • Modern Multi-Purpose Mudrooms by Connecticut Custom Home Builder

    The modern multi-purpose mud room (or entryway) has evolved from a small room near the back door collecting muddy boots, to a large multi-purpose communication center with computer stations and an electronic charging station – and everything in between.  An excellent Better Homes & Gardens.com article entitled, “8 Tips for Effective Entryway Storage” outlines helpful…

  • Images of Traditional Wainscot in Custom Fairfield County Homes

    When you enter a well-crafted and solidly built traditional custom home, what is it about the home that creates the warm impression you receive? We would suggest the impression is created largely by fine quality custom millwork; molding and wood trim detail you see in every room. As you meander through the home, you will…

  • Fairfield County Green Home Building Strategy #1 – Passive Solar

    Country Club Homes, Inc. is an award winning Connecticut custom home building company continuing the family tradition of building high-quality, sustainable homes in Fairfield County, Connecticut since 1955. Now more than ever the need for sustainable and ecologically sensitive design is in demand. Country Club Homes is an environmentally aware custom home builder committed to…

  • TotalCare of Wilton CT Provides Home Management & Repair/Handyman Services

    Do you find yourself frequently asking family and friends for references for a reliable handyman, emergency repair service company, or home contractor? Locating reliable and skilled service people and contractors can be very challenging. If you have experienced working with someone who did poor quality work, or did not complete the work – you know…