Country Club Homes, Inc. Logo

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.

     

    second-empire-rhinebeck
    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).

    f63376fbd6a82ac6c5b4676a54281f2d
    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

     

    8a7cd28f493a
    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.

  • The Draw of Beautiful Solid Hardwood Floors

    No other element of a house exudes warmth and traditional style quite like a hardwood floor. Just entering a room with a rich, earth-toned foundation is enough to make you feel at home, isn’t it? But like many elements in home design, the looks are just the beginning. Hardwood floors have become the preferred option…

  • Make the Most of Your Porch This Spring in Fairfield County

    We are so overdue for some pleasant warm weather here in New England, don’t you think? And there’s no better way to enjoy those beautiful days outside than relaxing on your porch… perhaps with a great book and a steamy cup of whatever your heart desires. A front porch can add lots of curb appeal…

  • Have a Seat… in the Bedroom?

    What is it about seating in the bedroom that gives it an air of elegance? Perhaps because benches, chairs, chaises, sofas and love seats are so often seen in common living areas that it automatically becomes a visual interest when seen in a different type of space. Because a dedicated seating area in the bedroom…

  • Add Charm in the Kitchen with a Farmhouse Sink

    Farmhouse sinks, also referred to as apron sinks, are a great choice for kitchen design that’s one part country, but still completely traditional. While some may think that these sinks are outdated and completely old-fashioned, what really determines the look and feel of a farmhouse sink is what’s surrounding it. With the right backsplash, faucet,…