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.

  • Plan a Laundry Room in the Optimal Location in Your Home

    You may have never thought about the placement of your home’s laundry room. Is it in the basement? In the mud room? Home design has traditionally relegated the laundry room to these two locations, but many homeowners have discovered the benefits of relocating this essential space. Relocating the laundry room is easily integrated into a renovation project. Consider…

  • Designer Technology Opens Up New Options for Home Design

    Today’s home technology is advancing rapidly both in design and style. Gone are the days of bulky technology or incompatible components. Technology and design have begun working together to have a positive impact on a homeowner’s daily life. Homeowners now have access to a wide variety of technological advances in home design, including: Automation: Faucets, entertainment components,…

  • 4 Traditional Touches to Finish Your Home Design

    Do you love traditional design? Are you drawn to homes that highlight classic beauty and timeless architecture? Integrating a traditional design style into your home’s remodeling project will convey a modern approach to historic forms and features. Undeniable hallmarks of traditional design include: Classic millwork: A traditional home often features crown moldings, chair rail, and trim…

  • Try These Alternatives for Granite in your New England Home

    Granite has long been a staple for counter-tops in custom kitchen remodeling projects. Granite is beautiful but it may not fit your style. Never fear though, there are a lot of beautiful counter-top materials that would be perfect in your New England home. Traditional Kitchen with Marble Counter-Tops by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Fiorella Design…