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.

  • Inspiration for Creating a Separate Painting Studio for Your Hobby or Career

    If you love to paint, either for a career or as a hobby, you know that it should be done in a dedicated space. Painting requires specialized equipment, materials with specific storage requirements, and a warm space with plenty of light. Painters often try to paint in a spare room or the cold garage but…

  • Luxurious Ways to Take Your Home’s Crown Molding to the Next Level

    Adding crown molding to a home’s design brings a bit of elegance to any room. The design possibilities are nearly limitless as the molding comes in a wide variety of styles and sizes and can be easily customized to create a one-of-a-kind look. Crown molding helps finish a room and is a detail that sets the design…

  • Not Sure What You Want in a Home? Look at What Other People Love for Inspiration

    Sometimes, in the midst of designing a new custom home or making decisions for a renovation project it can be a challenge to stay inspired. The choices become overwhelming, you want to make sure you’ll be happy with each decision, and you may worry that the house won’t work for your family once finished. Don’t worry!…

  • If You Love Reading, Incorporating a Book Nook Into Your Home is a Must

    Whether you choose to read on an electronic device or you still love the feel of a paper book, a book nook is the perfect way to incorporate your love of reading into your home. Creating a space dedicated to reading gives you a place to relax, recharge, and escape. There are no rules when…