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.

  • Expectations For New Home Construction in 2015

    Each year the residential building industry takes a look at new home construction to gauge homeowner priorities and current trends. 2015 promises to be a great year for the home construction industry and understanding these trends is important for staying up-to-date with what homeowners are hoping for in a new home. Multi-use spaces The living room…

  • How to Design a Mudroom That Stays Neat and Clean

    “A place for everything and everything in its place” is a popular saying that helps define the goal of a well organized mudroom. In any busy home the mudroom is the perfect space to store outerwear, shoes, bags, and family necessities. A great way to design a mudroom that stays neat and clean is to…

  • Architectural Details to Bring Cheer to Your Home

    You spend a lot of time in your home and it should make you happy. Its design, layout, and custom features can work together to positively affect your mood and boost your overall well-being. Our favorite custom home design ideas to bring cheer to your home include: Beautiful views Placing your home on the lot…

  • All the World’s a Stage, So Why Not Add One to Your Bonus Room?

    If you have family members that love to sing, dance, and act you should consider adding a stage to your home. We can think of no better way to celebrate their talents than to construct a custom stage in your bonus room perfect for every home performance. Our favorite home stage ideas include: Adding media Why not…