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.

     

    second-empire-rhinebeck
    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).

    f63376fbd6a82ac6c5b4676a54281f2d
    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

     

    8a7cd28f493a
    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.

  • Color Lovers Rejoice! Celebrating Unconventional Hues for Christmas

    Red and green, the colors of holly berries and evergreens, are the expected hues for Christmas decorations since at least the Victorian era. And there’s comfort to be found in tradition, especially around the holidays. But if you’re yearning to try something new for your Christmas decor, there are several ways to experiment!   Navy,…

  • Warm Season’s Greetings from Country Club Homes

    May the roof over your head protect you from the elements and cozy walls wrap your family in warmth. Wishing you warm season’s greetings and all the best for 2016! From all of us at Country Club Homes, Inc.

  • Everything in its Place: Understanding Symmetry in Your Custom Home Design

    Symmetry as it applies to interior design is another word for balance. Balance is the foundation of appealing interior design, regardless of the style, size or location of the space. There’s a harmony about visual balance that instinctively appeals to humans because of the inherent balance in nature, starting with our own bodies!   Symmetry…

  • Winter Comfort: Radiant Heating in Your Custom Home

    The official start of winter is just around the corner. For a more pleasant experience at home during the coldest months of the year, radiant heating is a cost-effective investment that feels like a wonderful luxury. Radiant heating systems integrate a series of pipes or wires beneath the floor. The experience of a chilly Connecticut…