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.

  • Stay Up to Date with These Traditional Bathroom Accessory Trends

    There has been a shift toward the traditional in bathroom design trends of late. Bathrooms in many Connecticut homes are being renovated and transformed into Victorian-style baths, which feature some of the elegance and simplicity of a revolutionary era. Using classic white as the foundation, these traditional bathrooms appear spacious, no matter the actual size…

  • Embracing the Elegance of White Kitchen Design

    Kitchen design trends come and go, but one that hasn’t gone out of style is that of the classic white or ivory design scheme. Whether you are looking for a full remodel or just a few adjustments, the simple elegance of a white kitchen is something to consider for your home in Connecticut. Minimalist Living…

  • The Basics of Green Building

    Many people have become committed to lessening their impact on the environment when building a new home. We at Country Club Homes specialize in guiding you through the process of designing and building your home using the latest environmentally-friendly products and systems. Green home building does not mean you have to give up having a beautiful…

  • Don’t Forget About the Foyer: Design Ideas for the Foyer

    Your foyer is your home’s first chance to stand out and make a lasting impression. Whether it serves as the greeting place to usher your guests into your home or the room where you park your umbrella or drop your keys and mail, it needs personality. Check out  these home design ideasto make your foyer…