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.

  • Preparing Your Fairfield County Home for a Storm

    We’ve seen some wild weather in the Northeast this winter and now is the time to ensure that your home is prepared for the next storm. After all, they just seem to sneak up on us! And let’s not forget that hurricane season is on the horizon. Many of these preparations are simple but can…

  • Traditional Design Ideas for Your Fairfield County Home

    Traditional home design is what we love here at Country Club Homes. As a result, we like to share what that means with people who are also in love with the subtle flair of a traditional space. If you’ve never been a fan of traditional design for the home, keep reading! Although it is often…

  • Why Opt for a Green Home in Fairfield County?

    Over the past few years, you may have heard the phrase “green home” being used more and more. But this isn’t in reference to nature’s most well-known color. A green home is one that’s designed to be sustainable and environmental friendly. These home tend to have features that focus on saving water, energy and building materials…

  • Free Standing Tubs Make for a Elegant Spa Bathroom Design

    People have long associated the amazing look of a sleek, vintage-style claw foot bathtub with luxury. Freestanding tubs like these make for a classic, open bathroom design that feels much like a spa. A freestanding tub may cause some homeowners to balk. Most people are used to built-in tubs that are affixed to the wall….