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.

  • An Innovative Ceiling Finish Can Add Style to Your Home

    While an ordinary ceiling will often go unnoticed, a stylish one will provide an aesthetic appeal, and complement the entire decor of a room.  Here are some innovative suggestions for adding some interest to your ceilings: Gable Vault – A gable vault is a ceiling that is left somewhat exposed, which produces some dramatic results. In…

  • Choosing the Right Roof Material for Your Home

    Have you ever thought much about the type of roof you want on your home? Many homeowners take their roof for granted, and don’t investigate different materials when building their homes. As you make decisions about the exterior of your home, you should not only consider style, but also the attributes of a variety of roofing materials, including but…

  • Tips for Closing Off an Open Kitchen

    The idea of an open kitchen is perfect, right? There’s a natural flow from other rooms, you have easy access to other parts of the house and it’s perfect for entertaining. However, you may wish your open kitchen was a bit more closed off. There are a variety of innovative ways to completely or partially…

  • Create a Welcoming and Stylish Entryway for Your Holiday Guests

    For some people, their foyer design may be the most important part of their home design.  The foyer represents the homeowner’s welcoming personality to their guests and visitors.  The foyer is the first place people see when entering the home, so the design should give a good impression. The features that you may want to focus on in your…