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.

  • Choosing New Windows for Your Fairfield County Home

    A simple way to improve the operation, performance, and beauty of your home is to add new custom designed windows.  Custom designed windows can let more light and air into your home while retaining good energy-efficient performance and enhancing the character of your home.  However, before you start shopping for new windows, you need to…

  • Enjoy Your Patio Year-Round with an Outdoor Fireplace

    An outdoor fireplace not only adds drama to your outdoor space, but functionality as well.  On those cool summer, spring or fall nights, an outdoor fireplace will throw off warmth that will considerably extend the time you can use your patio. For a smaller backyard, the vertical structure of a chimney will draw the eyes upward expanding…

  • Customize Your Home with a Theater, Home Gym, or Other Specialty Room

    It is the custom touches that set a house apart from the others, as well as make it more livable for you.  If you work at home, you may need a home office with custom built-ins or perhaps a work-out room would be nice to take some breaks from work!  Some people dream of having a home theatre…

  • How Energy Efficient is Your Fairfield County Home?

    Owning an efficient and comfortable home is the desire of many Fairfield homeowners. While many newly built homes are better insulated and more efficient than older homes, nearly all houses have areas where energy efficiency can be improved. There are three different tests that can be performed to determine your home’s efficiency: 1. Blower Door…