Country Club Homes, Inc. Logo

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.

     

    second-empire-rhinebeck
    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).

    f63376fbd6a82ac6c5b4676a54281f2d
    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

     

    8a7cd28f493a
    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.

  • Key Design Elements for Cold-Climate Homes

    We still have several months of winter ahead of us, and this season is already headed for the record books. Deep snow, blowing winds and frigid temperatures are common in Connecticut. When designing our customers’ new homes, we take special care to plan for the worst possible winter weather. As you work with one of our…

  • Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building Your Home

    Designing and building a new home is an exciting process full of big decisions. Today’s choices will undoubtedly affect tomorrow’s construction, so it is important to avoid common home construction mistakes. The most common mistakes to avoid during your new home design and construction include: Room placement. You deserve a home that is perfectly planned to…

  • Innovative Ways to Hide Your TV

    Your television likely plays a big role in your house; you look forward to sporting events, kids’ shows and favorite evening programs. When the show is over, however, you may want the television set to remain hidden. Here are some unique and stylish ways to disguise a television: Sliding and hiding. Homeowners are finding ways to completely hide a television, and…

  • Key Questions to Ask When Shopping for Stone for Your Home

    Home trends come and go but high quality stone remains a standard in custom home designs. You may want to install a custom stone countertop, backsplash, fireplace or shower. Knowing the right questions to ask is essential in choosing the ideal stone for your design needs. Before you choose a stone for your home make…