A decorated rooftop lookout or cupola was a popular accent. Some houses were built with fancy front verandas and rounded windows. The well-known New York City brownstone houses are examples of the narrow, but deep, buildings. The French style quickly became fashionable in the United States and remained so until the 1870s. The hallmark of a Second Empire home is the Mansard roof that appears to extend down over the entire second story of the house.
Dormer windows break up the deep roof.
Mansard houses are usually square and maximize all available floor space. Queen Ann architecture is a patchwork of pattern and texture. Note the elaborate spindle and scrollwork on the porch. Depending upon the preference of the owners, some Second Empire houses were adorned with ornate moldings and brackets. Others were fronted with spacious porches or verandas.