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.

  • Enjoy the Tiny Home Trend by Adding an Impressive Guest House

    Tiny houses, which pack all of the essentials for living into remarkably small spaces, are somewhat of a phenomenon in the architectural design world right now. By using the exceptional organization techniques and multi-functional layout ideas used in these tiny houses, you can create an impressive guesthouse in a lot less space than you’d expect….

  • House Materials Known for Their Durability

    If you are taking the time and effort to have your home renovated, you want to make sure the results are long-lasting. At Country Club Homes, we emphasize using the most durable materials. Here is a look at four materials that we love using in our projects because they stay looking great for decades with…

  • Inspiring Water Features to Transform Your Yard

    Water adds a soothing quality to any backyard, transforming it from an ordinary space into one that evokes peacefulness and relaxation. At Country Club Homes, we’ve seen many different water features, and the following are some of the best ones that we recommend placing in your own backyard: Traditional Pool via Houzz Rustic Rock Waterfalls We…

  • Stacked Stone Character for Your Home Interior

    Stacked stone is not just for exteriors. This natural and durable material can be used throughout the home to add a traditional, inviting character to your space. Here is a look at few ways we recommend using stacked stone throughout your interior construction: Stacked stone walls set a mood of relaxation and rustic comfort in…