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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.

  • More People Sought Custom Homes in 2014

    2014 was a great year for the custom home industry. Recent data collected by the National Association of Home Builders indicates that 2014 saw a 20 percent growth in custom home construction. It is important to acknowledge that this is a small segment of the overall construction industry because it identifies just projects with homes constructed on…

  • Subtle Ways to Enhance the Luxury in Your home

    When you think of luxury home design what comes to mind? Large rooms? Ornate details? These certainly convey a sense of luxury but many times luxurious features can be built into your home in subtle ways. We pride ourselves on adding features to our custom homes that may go unrecognized but can make a huge difference in our clients’ daily…

  • Architectural Features to Consider for a Beautiful Nautical Kitchen

    Nautical inspired home design has been a part of traditional New England homes for years. Subtle references to the sea help create a look that is classic while also feeling fresh and new. If you’re hoping to create a nautical inspired kitchen during your home remodeling project consider adding the following: Circular windows Installing a single circular…

  • New England Home Style of the Month: Georgian

    Classic Georgian architecture was prevalent throughout the eastern seaboard of the United States in the mid-1700’s. These homes were known for a classic roof line, traditional proportions, and attention to symmetrical detail. Many traditional Georgian homes featured a brick exterior, an abundance of windows, and decorative elements such as pediments over the windows and elaborate…