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.

  • Don’t Pass By Your Passageways

    Open floor plans are still incredibly popular in all styles of home design, but not every part of your home can be completely open.  Especially in traditional style homes, hallways and passageways are a necessary feature.  These utilitarian spaces are rarely the focus of much design thought, but you can create a truly incredible home…

  • Embrace Historic Character in Your New Home With Brick Walls

    Brick has long served as a traditional building material and remains an excellent choice for your home. It adds character, texture, and visual interest to any space whether the brick is distressed, painted, or left in its original state. While it’s typically used on home exteriors, brick interior walls can give a traditional home some…

  • Concrete Counters Can Work Well in a Traditional Home

    Concrete counters, a hot new home design trend, are a great choice for a traditional home. Concrete provides homeowners and designers a wide range of options when choosing materials for a new home. Concrete counters work well in traditional home designs that feature a warm, earthy color palette. The countertops are often tinted to have a…

  • Current Home Buyer Preferences That Work Well With Traditional Style Homes

    Home design and construction professionals pay particular attention to current trends. They need to know and understand current home buyer preferences, the most sought after amenities, and what upgrades homeowners are looking for in new home construction. Traditional Kitchen by Wilton Design-Build Firms Country Club Homes via Houzz Our design and construction professionals at Country Club…