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.

  • Classic Holiday Lighting Tips for your Home

    What do your holiday decorations say about you? Is your personal style classic and understated, or flashy and vibrant? When it comes to decorating your home for the holidays, there are many possibilities for expressing your unique flair. Everyone does their holiday decoration differently. What about edible decor, like gingerbread men, candy canes, and strings…

  • Does Your Fairfield County Home Need a Dramatic Indoor Pool and Rec. Room?

    Let’s face it. The New England winters can be long and relentless. You want to enjoy a swimming pool year-round in the privacy of your  home. Building an indoor pool will enable you to bring some of nature inside.  Why not create the perfect indoor oasis and take the beauty of your custom built home…

  • Popular Interior Design Styles for the Connecticut Kitchen

    How many times have you entertained guests in your home and asked the question “Why are we always congregated in the kitchen?” Time and time again, we end up gathering in the kitchen. So why not design your dream kitchen to accommodate these special times with friends and family? Today we will show you a…

  • Luxury Living Room Photos from Country Club Homes

    What does the term living room mean in your family? Growing up, the living room was the place we congregated anytime we were doing something together. Many of our homes had centrally located living rooms with a fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and an entertainment center including a television and ‘stereo system’. The concept of the living…