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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 Cool Basement Solution to Inspire Your Own Home Design

    Millions of homes across the country have basements, but few have a basement as functional as this indoor/outdoor design found in Washington State. These homeowners envisioned a space where its difficult to determine where the outside ends and where the inside begins. There are several details from this basement that you could use to inspire…

  • Think Outside the Box Shaped Room and Let in More Light

    In custom home design its important to think outside of the box. We suggest getting creative with room shapes and home layout instead of relying on box-shaped rooms. A simple shift away from the standard square room allows more light to pour into the room and helps create an airy feel. At Country Club Homes we understand…

  • May New England Home Style of the Month: Federal

    The Federal architectural style is truly American and represents the Federal era of 1780 to 1830 in the United States. This was a time of new beginnings and the birth of a nation. Hallmarks of the Federal style include symmetry, balance, and the lack of adornments. There are many classic Federal buildings still in use across the country…

  • Add Layers of Interest to a Large Space With Clever “Mini Rooms”

    One of the hottest trends in home remodeling is creating mini-rooms within larger spaces. There are a variety of reasons for wanting to add a mini-room including privacy, visual interest, and an innovative use of space. If you are interested in a mini-room consider adding it to your: Playroom – Playrooms are all about whimsy and fun and a great way to elevate…