Top 62+ Impressive Second Empire House Design Most Trending, Most Beautiful, And Most Suitable

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The Second Empire style in architectural design is timeless and alluring, characterized by grand structures, notable mansard roofs, ornate details, and beautiful window treatments. If you have always dreamed of living in one of these magnificent historical homes, now is the time to make it a reality. Here, we've rounded up the best Second Empire house designs from across the country to help you get inspired for your next project. So take a look and find the home of your dreams!

Second Empire Style House Design

Welcome to the world of Second Empire style house designs – a style from the 19th century marked by the French influences, eclectic and diverse taste, and ornamental architectural features. This unique style may have been around for centuries, but that doesn’t mean that these designs are outdated or unattractive. With so many thrilling and marvellous details to admire, it’s easy to see why Second Empire style house designs are just as fashionable today as the day they were first dreamed up. Second Empire style house design is one of the most popular Art Deco designs found in homes in the United States.

Second Empire Style House Design

Second Empire House Plans

Second Empire house plans have two primary characteristics – symmetry and Mansard roofs. These two features can be the primary focal points of the design, or simply another subtle element to be appreciated. The symmetry of Second Empire house plans can be seen in their balance, from their multiple stories to the acute detailing and arrangement of the windows and doors. Mansard roofs shine in their dramatic fashion, with their sloping walls adorned with textural elements in the form of roofing materials or decorative eave treatments. Second Empire house plans will add a luxurious feel to any home.

Second Empire House Plans

Second Empire Victoriana Homes

The name of the Second Empire style comes from the Second French Empire of Napoleon III, and it is often referred to as the Victoriana style due to the widespread popularity of this style during the Victorian era. The main characteristics of the Second Empire Victoriana homes are ornate detailing, arches, and balconies. People love this style because of its intricacy, sophistication, and timelessness. The ornate detailing, such as balustrades, cornices and corbels, can add an extra level of elegance and charm to a home. Arches and balconies also add to the aesthetic appeal of the exterior of these properties. Second Empire Victoriana homes make a grand statement with their classical detailing and grandiose exteriors.

Second Empire Victoriana Homes

Second Empire Home Design

The Second Empire style is characterized by its massive, voluptuous shapes. The roof slopes and dormers are common features of this style, as well as imposing geometrical shapes. The usage of eave details, shutters and large columns also help to give the exterior a more classically-inspired look. Inside these homes the high ceilings and big rooms overflow with grandeur and opulence. The combination of classical detailing with the massive proportions of the structures make a powerful statement and give one the feeling of being at a luxurious estate. Second Empire home design gives many homeowners a timeless elegance known for its classic beauty.

Second Empire Home Design

Second Empire Home Plans

Today, many homeowners prefer to create their own dream home by customizing Second Empire style home plans. They often look for plans that provide a grand entrance, a large porch with ornate detailing, and large windows for ample natural light. The interior plans usually feature large rooms with impressive ceilings and built-ins. Second Empire home plans, by definition, are massive. However, modern homeowners are finding ways to create their own versions of these plans by focusing on the details, split levels, and more. Second Empire home plans are popular because they allow for so much customization.

Second Empire Home Plans

Second Empire French Country House Designs

Second Empire French Country house designs are another popular way to bring the beauty and grandeur of this style into the home. These plans typically contain hipped roofs, bay windows, and shutters. The front entryways often boast a bold stone surround with two large doors on either side. Inside, the walls are slightly curved, and interior doors have a rich, dark stain. Many of the rooms in these homes feature exposed beams and stone fireplaces. The combination of modern looks and classic French design gives Second Empire French country house designs a beautiful and unique look that stands out. Second Empire French country house designs make a bold architectural statement with their bold and beautiful features.

Second Empire French Country House Designs

Second Empire Cape Cod Homes

The Cape Cod style is a popular option for Second Empire house designs. Cape Cod homes feature low, pitched roofs, large window dormers, and an enclosed front porch. These homes often have a symmetrical floor plan, with a central chimney surrounded by four equally sized rooms. Inside, the walls may feature shiplap paneling and the baseboards are thicker than traditional styles. Cape Cod Second Empire homes are a great option for those looking for a home that perfectly combines traditional elegance and modern convenience. Second Empire Cape Cod homes are a great way to bring classic style and charm into your home.

Second Empire Cape Cod Homes

Second Empire Greek Revival House Plans

Greek Revival style house plans are the perfect fit for Second Empire homes. Greek Revival house plans feature a symmetrical, classical design, with pilasters, tall columns, and hip roofs. These homes often have dormers with large windows, and the doors are typically framed in with pilasters. The exterior siding is often clapboard, and the trim may be detailed with gingerbread cut-outs. Inside, Greek Revival house plans feature a grand entrance with two large stairs leading to the main level. Second Empire Greek revival house plans offer another timeless option that brings a touch of history to any home.

Second Empire Greek Revival House Plans

Second Empire Queen Anne Homes

The Queen Anne style is often associated with the Second Empire style, thanks to its use of large, ornate chimneys and decorative detailing. The roofs, typically a steeply pitched cross gable, create a strong visual impact. Architectural elements, such as turrets, bays, and stone set in the walls, help define the Queen Anne style. Inside, these homes often have high ceilings, detailed woodwork, and large fireplaces. Colorful accents, such as wallpaper, fabrics, and carpets, help complete the interior look. Second Empire Queen Anne homes are the perfect way to bring grandeur and charm to any property.

Second Empire Queen Anne Homes

Second Empire Gothic Revival House Design

Gothic Revival house designs are characterized by steeply pitched roofs, pointed arches, and elaborate detailing. These Second Empire homes often feature large windows and towers. The gables often feature large window frames with pointed or rounded arches. Inside, Gothic Revival house plans feature small, individual rooms, often connected with a central hallway. The floors are typically hardwood, and they may be stained and finished with a traditional pattern. Second Empire Gothic Revival house design can bring drama and sophistication to any property.

Second Empire Gothic Revival House Design

Captivating Features of Second Empire House Design

Second Empire House Design The Second Empire style of house design was prominent in the 19th century, particularly from the 1840s to 1880s. This architectural style exemplifies muted French Renaissance home design, with dramatic flourishes to reflect the period’s opulence. They are distinguished by their characteristic Mansard roofs and dormer windows, and often feature decorative elements like ornately molded window surrounds and arched doorways.

Mansard Roofs

Second Empire House Design The signature roof of a Second Empire house has a steep slope along the lower edges, often interrupted by double- or triple-humped dormer windows. Originally created as a way to add space to roof attics, this style of roof gives Second Empire homes a distinctive look, and can cast dramatic shadows over the roofline.

Ornamental Decorative Elements

Second Empire House Design The front facade of a Second Empire home often includes an abundance of decorative touches. Window surrounds, gables, cupolas, and towers are all ornamentally shaped to give the façade a luxurious look. The decorations can often include various metals and stone features such as copper roofs and jetties; this further emboldens the French Renaissance influences of the Second Empire home.

Symmetrical Layout and Exterior

Second Empire House Design The main element of the Second Empire style is balance. This is reflected in the symmetrical layout of window shapes and ornamental elements on the exterior of the house, usually framed in a classic cruciform shape. The windows alternate in size and shape across the façade, with oval or segmented windows typically at the center.

Interior Features

Second Empire House Design Much of the interior of a Second Empire house will depend on the original owner's tastes andolutions. They often featured two stories and separate washrooms in the bathrooms. This also often included a centralized grand stairway, with intricate woodwork and balusters, for a newfound type of opulence inside the home.

Second Empire Homes Today

Second Empire House Design Second Empire homes are often preserved by historic preservation societies and private organizations around the country. Thanks to their distinctively elaborate flair, the Second Empire style still provides a feeling of luxury today.

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