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.

  • 5 Landscape Design Trends to Inspire Your Outdoor Space

    Summertime brings visions of fireflies at twilight, sunsets by the pool and relaxing in the serene surroundings of the great outdoors. Superb landscape design can help transform your outdoor space into the yard of your dreams. Here are five landscape design trends our clients are enjoying.

  • Three Top Considerations for a Custom Wine Cellar

    A wine cellar is a perfect addition to any wine-lover’s home. A custom wine cellar can contain temperature and humidity controls to help your favorite selections maintain their quality as they mature. Whether you are converting a room in your basement to a wine cellar, creating a wine room above ground on your main floor,…

  • Outdoor Entertaining: Memorable Occasions in Your Own Backyard

    Sharing special occasions in your own backyard with friends and family creates festive and memorable events. With expert planning, a thoughtful layout, and inspired design, your patio or deck can be a space that’s perfect for outdoor entertaining. Start by considering how you would like to prepare, cook and serve meals outdoors. Your choices range…

  • A Softer Touch: Pastel Colors at Home

    The Serenity Blue and Rose Quartz named as the 2016 colors of the year by Pantone foreshadowed a renewed interest in pastels at home this year. Pastels are both fresh and nostalgic, bringing a calm sense of welcome to interiors.