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.

  • 3 Useful Design Elements to Include in Your New Home’s Laundry Room

    Laundry rooms are often the busiest and most overlooked room in the house. The laundry room should be the epitome of function and every element should be specifically designed to meet the homeowner’s needs. There are many elements you can add to a laundry room that boost its usefulness, including: Pet washing station A custom bay to…

  • Country Club Homes Receives Best Of Houzz 2015 Award

    Over 25 Million Monthly Unique Users Rated Top-Rated Home Building, Remodeling and Design Professionals in the United States and Around the World   Traditional Exterior by Wilton Design-Build Firms Country Club Homes   [Wilton, CT, USA], January 19, 2015 – Country Club Homes, Inc. of Wilton, CT has been awarded “Best Of Houzz” for Design…

  • Get Your Ducks in a Row Before Breaking Ground on a New Home

    Building a custom home is a process that requires attention to detail and careful planning. Before you break ground on a new home, there are certain things you must do to make sure you are prepared. These include: Assembling a team. The first step is to hire professionals to guide you during the home buying process. Choose…

  • Build a Space to Get Away From It All

    Having a space in your home to meditate and get away from the daily chaos of life is essential to emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. When was the last time you were able to stop running around, handling work and chores and worries, and just enjoy some silence and relaxation?  Carving out a corner of your…