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.

  • Plan Out a Laundry Room You’ll Want to Use

    Even if you hate doing the laundry you deserve a luxurious laundry room! Gone are the days that the laundry room was an overlooked space or relegated to a small closet. Today’s laundry rooms feature beautiful design elements and creative interpretations of a functional space. When designing your custom laundry room you’ll want to pay particular attention to:…

  • Different Permit Considerations for Green Building

    As you are planning which green home building amenities to include in your new custom home it’s important to note that there may be different permitting requirements. Understanding these permit considerations before you begin keeps construction on track and helps avoid delays caused by improper permitting. Permitting requirements will vary based on the locality in…

  • Add the Luxury of a Bedroom Balcony to Your Home

    There’s an exciting new trend in bedroom design, and it’s one that will help connect you with the outdoors — balconies. Yes, bedroom balconies are becoming increasingly popular, and we love the luxurious, getaway-style element that they add to homes. Keep these examples in mind while exploring ways to add a balcony to your bedroom:…

  • Should You Find the Space for an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

    An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a self-contained additional structure on a property, located either within or adjacent to a traditional house. These structures serve many purposes, including home offices, in-law quarters, or studio spaces. An ADU may be the perfect solution to meet a need of additional space at your home. Before you begin planning…