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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.

  • A New Direction for a Classic: Vertical Subway Tiles

    Subway tiles have fascinated American homeowners since they first debuted in the NYC underground transit in 1904. Adaptable style, reliable durability and easy maintenance make subway tiles a timeless option that works in both modern and historic environments. White subway tile is the most popular by far but today’s manufacturers provide a galaxy of colors,…

  • Country Club Homes Receives Influencer and Recommended Badges from Houzz

    Country Club Homes, Inc. is proud to announce our reviews and contributions to Houzz discussions have unlocked two new badges: the Influencer badge which is given to pros whose advice and knowledgeable posts are most appreciated by the Houzz community, and, the Recommended badge which goes only to the top-rated pros on Houzz.     Earlier this…

  • Outdoor Renovations Extend Your Home’s Living Space

    As the final days of summer draw to a close, we are reminded that fall is around the corner, children are back in school, and most of us are back to our hectic schedules. One way to help us relax, enjoy our friends and family, and extend the season is to expand your living area to the outdoors. A…

  • Hot Trend: Shiplap Siding Wall Treatment

    We’ve been one of the area’s leading custom homebuilding and remodeling firms since 1955 and have seen trends come, go and come back in fashion again. Once trends are widely used people want something different; they want change. Did you know brass is back? It may not be the brass from the 80’s, but brass…