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.

  • Architecture that Lets the Light In

    Increasing the natural light in your home has many benefits from physical and psychological well-being to practical and earth-friendly building. Homes designed to maximize daylight help to balance our bodily rhythms and conserve natural resources. Well lit rooms are perceived as more appealing than dim ones and truly stunning custom homes make light a top…

  • A Tisket, A Tasket, A Basket Idea for Lighting

    Easter arrives this weekend along with celebrations at home with family and friends. While you’re entertaining, imagine how new lighting ideas could add bright style to your space. Easter weekend seems like the perfect time to take a look at the basket pendants we’ve seen return as a trend this year. Basket pendants built from…

  • Is Your Home Ready for Spring? Tips for Greeting the New Season.

    Spring officially starts this weekend. With its spirit of renewal, spring is the ideal season to start fresh at home. Caring for your home in harmony with seasonal changes feels good and makes sense, too. It’s easier to remember tasks and stay organized when you plan your home maintenance in alignment with the calendar. Here…

  • In Celebration of St. Patrick’s Day: Decorating with Green

    Green symbolizes growth, harmony, and a connection to nature. Since it’s also the color of St. Patrick’s Day, this is the perfect time to explore exciting ideas for decorating your home with green! Because green is available in so many shades, it’s a versatile color with which you can create many moods and looks. Darker…