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.

  • Things to Consider Before Beginning Your Kitchen Remodel

    The idea of remodeling a kitchen may seem quite daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! To help you get started, here are four questions that you should answer before you even contact a remodeler: How do I like to live? – Your kitchen needs to tailor to your lifestyle.  Determine if you cook and entertain, or if it…

  • Consider PEX Piping for Your Next Remodeling Project

    There are a lot of choices to be made when considering materials for a remodeling project  and one of the most important areas in this regard is plumbing. While copper and PVC have been the standard for years, a new product, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), is gaining momentum as the new product of choice. Here are…

  • Follow These Tips to Create a Harmonious Shared Office Space

    A shared home office may seem difficult to manage if you’ve become accustomed to your own space. You may wonder if you’ll be as productive in a shared office or if you’ll have enough individual space. However, a shared office is a great way to maximize the space in your home and create a dedicated…

  • Seven Crucial Steps to Creating Your Dream Home

    Source: Country Club Homes Creating and building the home of your dreams may initially seem like a daunting task. However, it can be done with a minimum amount of stress if you take the time to do some planning. Here are seven crucial steps to this process. First, set your goals and second, establish the budget…