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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.

  • Add a Highly Functional Garage to Your Custom Home

    Don’t overlook the garage when designing and building your custom home in Fairfield County. Even though the garage isn’t a living space, it is an area of your home where organization and durable storage solutions are essential. Traditional Exterior by Wilton Design-Build Firms Country Club Homes via Houzz Be practical: The garage isn’t just about aesthetics —…

  • Add Hot Tubs to Your Custom New England Home

    Have you considered installing a hot tub in your custom New England home? Hot tubs have long been a staple of luxurious living, because they offer a place to relax and unwind. Today, hot tubs have become a hot new home design trend! There are many innovative ways to incorporate a hot tub into a luxury…

  • Use the Views From Your Waterfront New England Home to Inspire Good Design

    A waterfront New England home is a special place that offers plenty of decorating inspiration. Get creative with your design and create a home that is truly inspired by its ocean view! It can be expertly designed to take advantage of the views, reflect the beauty of the sea, and meet your family’s unique needs….

  • Choosing Between Symmetrical and Asymmetrical

    Designing and building a custom home entails many decisions you’ve likely never considered. One of these design decisions involves whether you want your home to feature symmetrical or asymmetrical exterior home design. Each of these design styles offers a unique look and appeals to different homeowners. Symmetrical  Symmetrical home exteriors tend to favor simpler design styles such…