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.

  • ‘Must Haves’ for Your New Fairfield County Custom Home

    With over 50 years in the custom and luxury home building business here in Fairfield County, CT, Country Club Homes, Inc. has seen hundreds of home trends become fashionable, and then quickly disappear. This is due to stylistic preferences, economic fluctuations, new product development, and many more factors.  While there are some classic trends that…

  • The Latest Fairfield County Kitchen Design Trends

    Are you considering a home renovation in your luxury kitchen?  An informative article from Boston.com discusses the latest kitchen design trends and renovation news, indicating that many home owners have been downsizing on home renovation projects over the last few years. Fred Miller from the Home Improvement Research Institute says “If your water heater went…

  • Pros & Cons of Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials

    What is one of the first things you notice when you visit someone’s kitchen for the first time? You guessed it, the kitchen countertops. If you have personally gone through the process of researching and selecting a new countertop for your kitchen, you probably notice everything about kitchen countertops now; and realize the importance of…

  • Color Trends for Your Home in Fairfield County

    Why do we homeowners take so much time to study colors and find just the right ones for our homes? An informative GE Design Center article entitled, “A Look at The Latest Color Trends” says we use and enjoy colors to set a mood, create interest, or express a unique personality. As we choose colors…