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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.

  • Adding Wood Flooring? Here’s How to Prepare Your Home for Demolition

    Adding new wood flooring to your home’s floors is an excellent way to revive a space, add visual interest or increase your home’s resale value. A simple wood floor installation can change the entire look of a room. Before work begins, there are several things you should do to prepare: Sound sub-floor.  New wood flooring should be laid on a clean, smooth,…

  • Prepare for Your New Countertop Installation with These Tips

    Most kitchen renovations involve replacing countertops throughout the space. Because the countertops are a focal point of the room’s design, the installation must go smoothly. Before the installation begins there are several things that should be done to prepare. Make sure to: Choose a suitable material. There are a wide variety of countertop materials to choose from. Do…

  • Turn Your Master Closet Into a Hidden Retreat

    Its time to elevate the closet! In your home, the master closet should obviously serve as a space to hold your clothes, shoes, and accessories, but it can be so much more. Transforming your master closet into a hidden retreat simply requires a shift in perspective and a few functional upgrades. Consider adding: Natural light. Adding…

  • Building Up: Add an Additional Story to Your Home or Guest House

    When investigating home remodeling ideas, you may have realized that adding an additional story is a great way to increase square footage. There are important structural and design considerations to make when adding a second story to your home. Before work begins, talk to your contractor about: Design cohesion. A second story addition should look like it…