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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.

  • Home Style of the Month: Shingle

    Making its mark between 1880-1900, particularly in New England coastal towns, the Shingle style of architecture is unmistakably American, with influences from Queen Anne and Colonial homes. Shingle style was never a mass building trend. The homes remained high style, architect driven projects, usually for wealthy families building a summer “cottage” home. The style has…

  • Solid Style: Ideas for a Stone Fireplace

    A natural in traditional and rustic homes, a stone fireplace is a solid focal point in any style interior, contributing warmth and character to a space. Multiple options for the size and shape of the fireplace, the type of stone used, and the earthy variations of the material make each stone fireplace truly distinct.  …

  • Fall in Love with Your Home: Romantic Ideas for Valentine’s Day

    We’re no experts on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your significant other but we do know something about how to show love to your home using these romantic ideas. February is a wonderful opportunity to create a spirit of joy in your environment by focusing on the senses romance inspires. Sight: If January didn’t…

  • A Bright Winter: Lighting Design for Your Home

    During the season of shorter days, the lighting design in your home more strongly influences mood. We all spend more time at home during the winter months and lighting can help us feel comfortable, warm and optimistic even on the coldest days. First, there’s natural light. Allowing as much natural light into your home as…