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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.

  • Planning Tips for Executing a Flawless Kitchen Remodel

    Remodeling a kitchen may seem like a daunting task, but with the proper preparation and the right planning, executing a flawless custom kitchen remodeling is within the reach of any homeowner. Here are some steps on how to get started: Dream Big but Reasonable A dream kitchen is about getting everything you want. But budgetary…

  • Add a Secondary Sink in Your Kitchen to Ease Cooking and Cleanup

    If you enjoy cooking or frequently entertain guests in your home, you might want to consider adding a secondary sink to your cooking area. A properly placed secondary sink can make a huge difference in your kitchen, giving you an additional area for food prep and post meal clean up that will transform both your kitchen’s form…

  • Does It Ever Make Sense to Do a Home Building Project Yourself?

    The do-it-yourself home improvement fad has grown stronger over the last few years, with television programs and websites cropping up with ideas and instructions.  It can be very inspiring to watch someone on a thirty minute show put up their own walls and crown molding, with beautiful results each time. But when it comes time…

  • Brighten Up Your Bathroom with Natural Light

    One room that benefits the most from natural lighting is one that rarely receives it: the bathroom. As you plan your custom home or bathroom remodel, you should consider creating a bathroom design that allows you to bring sunlight into the space. The bathroom design trends for master bathrooms in particular have featured designs that…