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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.

  • Build In Shelving Around Your Fireplace

    At Country Club Homes, one of the ways we love helping clients create warmer, more family-friendly spaces is with fireplaces. A beautiful fireplace adds so much to a living room, and when it’s framed with built-in shelves, it really becomes a balanced and functional element of your space. Stained wood shelving creates a natural, rustic appearance. We…

  • Incorporating the Barn Door Trend in Your Home Construction

    Barn doors are not just for the outdoors anymore; the trend for using barn doors for interior spaces has been catching on around the nation.  They bring the convenience and space-saving benefits of sliding doors with a rustic character that’s nigh-irresistible.  Here are a few ways to consider integrating barn doors into your home. A large…

  • The Perfect Home Office Requires Careful Planning

    When you’re in your home office, you need to be able to focus and stay on task. The right design can evoke feelings of dedication and resolve while also offering the privacy you need to work effectively. We recommend keeping these home planning tips in mind when designing your home office. They’ll ensure that everything fits…

  • Why You Should Consider Mezzanines for Your Custom Home

    Wide, open spaces can make your home feel more luxurious, bright and airy. You don’t need to necessarily add square footage to make your home feel more open, either. Just look up — all of that vertical space can be honored and enjoyed by adding a mezzanine to your home design. Here’s a look at…