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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.

  • Carolyn’s Tips on Hiring a Builder

    Once you’ve decided that a new custom home is something you’d like to invest in, hiring a qualified builder is the next logical step in making your homeownership dreams come true. Why even hire a builder? First of all, a professional builder will make the entire process much easier for you over the length of…

  • Holiday Tips for Wine Storage

    Have you found yourself really enjoying learning about good wines recently, and taking every advantage to store and serve them appropriately as you entertain around the holidays? If you enjoy reading about wine, or you associate with people who are knowledgeable about fine wines, you are probably learning more and more about the importance of…

  • Smart Tips for Estimating the Costs of a New Home Addition

    While it is true that home values seem to be trending upwards again, now may not be the best time for you to consider selling your home. While you may love your home, there are probably changes you would love to make.  But, what can you comfortably afford without breaking the budget? Before undertaking any…

  • The 3 Best Tips for Planning a New Home Addition

    As homeowners, our needs for space are constantly changing and evolving. This is just a fact of life. If you have made the decision to add an addition to your home, you have weighed the pros and cons, and decided it would be in your best interest to modify your existing home to fit your…