Savvy Tips Now: How To Get a Classic Country House Look

While it’s never going to be as simple as clicking through a few furniture shopping links, creating a classic country home need not trigger migraines, involve a complicated remodel, or prompt a move to a farm. The essential beauty of country decorating style is its relaxed, timeworn, unfussy charm. That means the aesthetic may even be applied to a city apartment. Wherever you may find yourself on the country design journey, take Savvy Tips Now: How To Get a Classic Country House Look for a spin and soak up the encouragement and inspiration.

Nora Murphy's charming country kitchen in her Connecticut farmhouse with checkered floors and primitives. #noramurphy #countrykitchen #checkeredfloor

Savvy Tips: How To Get a Classic Country House Look

While I’m not including it as an official tip, CHECKERED FLOORS and check prints and gingham everything is totally en vogue at the moment.

If checks tingle your jingles, ooh, mama, give yourself permission.

Nora Murphy's 1767 Connecticut farmhouse with beautifully designed relaxed and classic interior design. #noramurphy #farmhousestyle #interiordesign #historicfarmhouse #entry
Photo: Nora Murphy Country House…certainly lovely indeed. Smart Tips for How To Get a Classic Country House Look as well as photos of inspiring interiors.

Pssst. How Nora decorated her country home for the holidays last year…

Nora Murphy's charming farmhouse living room with fireplace decorated for Christmas.

I love seeing the rosy pops of pink!

Nora Murphy's charming Christmas tree in her Connecticut country house.

What a darling tree!

Tip No. 1: Start With An Amazing Book by Nora Murphy!

This may be the most important tip in the whole bunch.

Beautiful country kitchen with farm sink in Nora Murphy's Country House book.

First things first. Get crackalackin and CLICKety CLICKIN’ to ORDER THIS GORGEOUS COUNTRY DECOR TITLE.

Nora Murphy's charming country kitchen in her Connecticut farmhouse with checkered floors and primitives. #noramurphy #countrykitchen #checkeredfloor

Yes, indeed, more checkered wood floors are on the menu!

Nora Murphy book cover. Country House Style: Making Your Home a Country House.
Nora Murphy’s Country House Style: Making Your Home a Country House with Deborah Golden – Photography: DuAnne Simon (Vendome, 2018). 

What makes a country space special?

Nora Murphy's charming country kitchen in her Connecticut farmhouse with checkered floors and primitives. #noramurphy #countrykitchen #checkeredfloor

About the charming entry in her former home (below), the author writes,

“Everything in this entry represents something dear to us–my love of gardening, Rick’s love of fishing, Conor’s love of hiking in the woods–it can change with the seasons or the occasion.”

Nora Murphy country house entry with checkerboard pattern flooring, dropleaf table, and huge basket of hydrangea and collection of watering cans. Nora Murphy Country Style to Inspire! #noramuphy #countrystyle #entry #countryhouse #americanfarmhouse #farmhousestyle #rusticdecor
A charming country style entry blooming with personality, rusticity, and also whimsically down home warmth. Nora Murphy’s Country House Style: Making Your Home a Country House by Nora Murphy with Deborah Golden as well as photography from DuAnne Simon. Vendome, 2018.

Isn’t that what country living and decorating is truly about anyway? Gathering the art and objects and memories saved by a family?

Nora Murphy's charming Connecticut farmhouse black door with faded American flag bunting and old lanterns flanking it. #noramurphy #farmhousedoor #4thofjuly #countryhouse #americana #countrystyle

And what a blessing when those gathered objects age, weather, and patina over time!

Purple transferware pitcher and china in French country home of Amy Chalmers of Maison Decor. #purple #transferware #china #antiques
Nora Murphy’s Country House Style: Making Your Home a Country House by Nora Murphy with Deborah Golden. Photography: DuAnne Simon. Vendome, 2018.

Surely, this is the allure of country lifestyle where home becomes a true retreat for the senses.

Tip No. 2: Train Your Eye for Authenticity

Secondly, study images of the country house interiors within the book since they exhibit an inherent authenticity which appears simple but may be slightly trickier to achieve!

Salmon pink panels and rustic fireplace in Dudley Pike Tavern - featured in Nora Murphy's Country House book.

You’ll notice plenty of collected vintage pieces and antiques in country interiors. Collecting takes time so your country home may begin life more spare. But quantity is not as desirable as quality…and that takes time.

A glorious rustic country kitchen with open shelves and chandelier - from Nora Murphy's Country House book.
Nora Murphy Country House…certainly charming indeed. Smart Tips for How To Get a Classic Country House Look as well as photos of inspiring interiors.

Tip No. 3: Let Go of Pretense

Third, give yourself the gift of time and imperfection. Humble, hardworking rooms are the goal.

A charmingly serene white French country bath with white painted floors, clawfoot tub, magnificent naturallight and vintage textiles. Wendy Lewis design (Textile Trunk) featured in Nora Murphy's Country House book (Vendome Press).
Design: Wendy Lewis (Textile Trunk)

Under-done, quirky, laid back, and un-matchy-matchy elements will become your companions on the journey.

Framed prints and a basket of lavender in a beautiful country house hall - Nora Murphy.

Tip No. 4: Get Inspiration from Nora’s Farmhouse Kitchen

Design secrets behind this lovely space? The kitchen island’s top was made of antique reclaimed floorboards from the property’s barn while the checkerboard pattern covers planks of 1970s yellow oak. 

Nora Murphy's 1767 Connecticut farmhouse kitchen with beautifully designed relaxed and classic interior design. #noramurphy #farmhousestyle #interiordesign #historicfarmhouse
Nora Murphy Country House…certainly rustic and full of character indeed. Tips for making your home country style beautiful as well as photos of inspiring interiors.

Notice the coziness and unfitted nature of the space. Also, there is symmetry and balance, but it isn’t a formality.

You can see that things are close together so you’ll be rubbing shoulders with folks in here!

Nora Murphy country kitchen with checkerboard floor and tobacco basket on wall. Nora Murphy Country Style to Inspire! #noramurphy #countrykitchen #historickitchen #rusticdecor #countrystyle #farmhousekitchen
Nora Murphy’s Connecticut country kitchen featured in Nora Murphy’s Country House Style with Deborah Golden as well as photography from DuAnne Simon (Vendome, 2018).

Discover more country kitchens to inspire RIGHT HERE.

Beautiful country kitchen with vintage pendants over island and open wood shelves - Nora Murphy Country House book.

Tip No. 5: With Country Style, One Size Doesn’t Fit All

This book features a range of country house styles. Nora’s book does not simply celebrate her own lovely home…it spotlights five additional inspiring country houses.

Amy Chalmer's charming backyard shed and garden with wheelbarrow featured in Nora Murphys Country House. #gardens #countrygarden #frenchcountry #gardenshed

One of those beautiful homes belongs to a friend of this blog (notice the name on the sign!?!).

Charming French daybed on back patio - Maison Decor's Amy Chalmers. #daybed #frenchcountry #maisondecor
Maison Decor (Photography: Matthew Mead/Amy Chalmers)…in case vintage style and French inspired decor float your boat.

Since country homes featured in the book are both old and new, you’ll be treated to a range of inspiring styles including Swedish, Americana, French country and English country, as well as upscale cabin.

French country style dining area with farm table, pale colors, and antiques in Nora Murphy Country House book.

Tip No. 6: Cull Design Wisdom from Nora Murphy

I love this bit, and after renting apartments and houses for years, I agree:

Quote about country living from Nora Murphy. #noramurphy #quote #countryliving
Country house inspiration as well as praise for Nora Murphy’s new book.
A gallery of framed silhouettes on a stairway wall in a country house - Nora Murphy.

If you’re not a sensitive type, you may not subscribe to this, but as an overly sensitive soul who senses even subtle energies, it holds true for me:

Nora Murphy quote about collections. #noramurphy #quote #collections #countryliving
Ideas for making your home country style beautiful as well as photos of inspiring interiors.
American country style living room with antiques and folk printed upholstery on sofa - Nora Murphy.
Nora Murphy Country House…in case you’re a fan of American country style.

Most of us would not choose to live in a dusty museum which feels like a complete time warp (although with what we’re living through in the 2020s, maybe I’m wrong!).

Nora Murphy quote about country style. #noramurphy #quote #countrystyle #countryliving
Tips for making your home country style beautiful as well as photos of inspiring interiors.

What say ye about living with tradition versus living inside tradition?

Nora Murphy's 1767 Connecticut farmhouse with beautifully designed relaxed and classic interior design. #noramurphy #farmhousestyle #interiordesign #historicfarmhouse #bedroom
Nora Murphy Country House…certainly timeless and tranquil indeed.

You simply cannot create country style at home without heartfulness…

Nora Murphy quote about collections. #noramurphy #quote #collections #countryliving
Tips for making your home country style beautiful as well as photos of inspiring interiors.

When you’re after a look that feels authentic and comfortable with no need at all to show off, suddenly freedom and whimsy can be guides!

Nora Murphy's 1767 Connecticut farmhouse with beautifully designed relaxed and classic interior design. #noramurphy #farmhousestyle #interiordesign #historicfarmhouse #diningroom
Nora Murphy Country House…certainly charming indeed.

Heartfulness alone won’t get the room decorated; there is a thoughtfulness required to balance the details and layering.

Nora Murphy quote about country style. #noramurphy #quote #countrydesign #countrystyle #countryliving
How To Transform Your Home Into a Country House…hello lovely indeed.

Tip No. 7: Fall for French Country

I learned about Nora Murphy’s book because the Boston home of a French Country enthusiast and blogger, Amy Chalmers (Maison Decor) graces its pages.

French country kitchen of Amy of Maison Decor featured in Nora Murphy's book. Nora Murphy Country Style to Inspire! #frenchcountrykitchen #maisondecor #greenkitchen #frenchkitchen #frenchcottage #cottagekitchen #countrystyle #vintagestyle
In Amy Chalmer’s sweet, petite, and chic Boston kitchen, a vintage tole chandelier floats above an island with curvy romantic detailing. Open shelves above the stove hold collected vintage treasures of green. Gingham-check curtains sing with French countryside charm and softly frame the view of a lovely garden. Nora Murphy’s Country House Style with Deborah Golden- Photography: DuAnne Simon (Vendome, 2018). 

I am a longtime admirer of Amy’s creativity, eye, and sensibilities, and I know you probably adore her signature interiors as well.

Romantic French country dining room of Maison Decor's Amy Chalmers. #frenchcountry #diningroom #purpletransferware
Maison Decor/Amy Chalmers…in case you admire rustic elegance.

It is easy to fall for Amy’s sense of tranquil beauty mixed with an energetic approach to creating classic interiors.

Romantic French country dining room of Maison Decor's Amy Chalmers. #frenchcountry #diningroom #purpletransferware
Maison Decor (Photography: Matthew Mead/Amy Chalmers)…in case you admire French country.

Passion for Purple Transferware

Amy’s keen eye and talent for creating interior magic is spotlighted in this triumph of a country style book.

French country settee bench with purple transferware plates displayed on wall above - Maison Decor/Amy Chalmers. #frenchcountry #settee #interiordesign
Maison Decor (Photography: Matthew Mead/Amy Chalmers)…hello charming indeed.

Her garden shed (below) is also beautifully spotlighted within the book.

If you follow Maison Decor on Instagram, then you may recall how a lean-to was transformed by Amy into an enchanting garden shed! The shed’s French door was a Craigslist find, and the wheelbarrow-turned-planter is a family heirloom.

Charming French farmhouse style garden shed at home of Amy of Maison Decor. Featured in Nora Murphy's Country Style book. #gardenshed #romanticdecor #gardeninspiration #frenchcountry #maisondecor #cottagestyle #cottagegarden
 Nora Murphy’s Country House Style with Deborah Golden as well as photography by DuAnne Simon (Vendome, 2018). 

French Country Resource Ideas

Tip No. 8: Live With What You Love

Get ready to learn ideas for living with what you love. Nora Murphy doesn’t hold back country goodness; she shares it graciously on her blog and in videos like this:

Nora Murphy's new book Country House Style.
Look at those blooms!. Nora Murphy’s Country House Style with Deborah Golden as well as photography by DuAnne Simon (Vendome, 2018).

Tip No. 9: Consider How Traditional Style is a Balm

It’s not a small thing to become intentional about creating a more comforting country style environment. The events in the 2020s prove that whole systems and perspectives about “home” can change quickly and radically, yes?

Hence, it seems more relevant than ever to devote thought and energy to how home can better nurture our needs and live larger with a design plan in place.

Nora Murphy's 1767 Connecticut farmhouse with beautifully designed relaxed and classic interior design. #noramurphy #farmhousestyle #interiordesign #historicfarmhouse #diningroom
Nora Murphy Country House…hello lovely indeed.

Throughout the country home tours in Nora’s book, you’ll note that CLASSIC is not synonymous with homogenization.

Nora Murphy dining room with beautiful classic decor and country style. #diningroom #countrydiningroom #noramurphy #farmhousestyle #farmhousediningroom #rusticdecor
In Nora Murphy’s dining room, an iron tuteur gives shape to plumes of catmint in an old Swedish herring bucket. Nora Murphy’s Country House Style with Deborah Golden – Photography: DuAnne Simon (Vendome, 2018). 

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all or formulaic classicism, but rather the fruit of traditions rooted in nature with pleasing proportions and with nostalgic nods to the timeless.

Nora Murphy's Country House Style book.
Peeks at Amy Chalmer’s classic country house kitchen from Nora Murphy’s Country House Style with Deborah Golden – Photography: DuAnne Simon (Vendome, 2018). 

No. 10: See the Relationship Between Country Homes & Humility

What a truly lovely triumph this book is for Nora Murphy. Here are country interiors which simply refuse to show off. Instead, they reflect a heartwarming humility flowering from the souls of their inhabitants.

Nora Murphy's Country House Style book cover.
Book cover of Nora Murphy’s Country House Style with Deborah Golden – Photography: DuAnne Simon (Vendome, 2018). 

Country House Decor & Lifestyle Ideas

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Morven Solid Wood Storage Shelves Bench
Wood Bench With Storage Shelf…in case you need a simple bench for a classic country house.

Please do PIN THIS POST to support this blog and save for future reference.

Nora Murphy's Country House - beautiful classic American country style in a Connecticut farmhouse. Get the book (Vendome Press) today!
PIN me…classic country house inspiration and photos to inspire too!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
Follow:

4 Comments

  1. Amy
    December 22, 2020 / 7:54 am

    Wow! Learned so much from Nora’s 2 videos you shared! I love learning little secrets from talented people! Like plastic containers in the planters to build the height & how to tie together & hang the Indian corn & how to build the beautiful cheese board with the grapes @ the top! So much gracious goodness!!

    • Michele
      Author
      December 22, 2020 / 3:53 pm

      Thanks so much for taking those for a spin, Amy. She is a creative dynamo for sure, and her book is a must for country lovers! xox

  2. terrain à vendre aouina
    March 13, 2024 / 2:25 am

    “Savvy Tips Now” provides a refreshing perspective on achieving the classic country house look without the need for complicated renovations or a move to the countryside. By embracing the relaxed and timeless charm of country style, readers can create inviting and cozy spaces that exude warmth and character, regardless of their location or dwelling type.

    • Michele
      Author
      March 13, 2024 / 12:30 pm

      Thanks for reading!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing