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.

  • Make a Statement with Wallpaper

    Source: Country Club Homes Wallpaper has made its return! Not long ago, wallpaper was considered “old fashioned” or “retro,” but now homeowners and designers have found innovative ways to integrate it into modern home decor. It’s important to choose a wallpaper that is high quality, and will provide durable beauty in your room’s design. If you…

  • Add Space and Beauty to Your Home with a Bay Window

    Source: Country Club Homes A bay window is an interesting architectural detail that adds both space and beauty to a home. These windows vary greatly in size, scale, and location, but all will bring interest to a room and additional space to infuse your design style. If you’re embarking on a home remodeling project, consider adding…

  • Bathroom Remodel: Find the Perfect Spot for the Toilet

    Finding the right location for a toilet in a bathroom remodel may seem like a trivial matter but placing it in the wrong spot could cause annoyance in the future. Here are a few things to consider when finding the perfect spot for your toilet: Privacy – For partners who share a bathroom but don’t…

  • Plan a More Environmentally-Friendly Home with These Tips

    Building an environmentally-friendly home will not only aid the planet, it will also help you in your pocket book as well. “Green” homes are typically more cost-efficient to run, and generate a higher price when resold. Although there are a multitude of decisions to be made when building “green”, here are a few key tips to get…