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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-country-house-style-kitchen-checkered-floor-2.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/basket-on-wall-checkered-floors-entry-nora-murphy.jpg)
Pssst. How Nora decorated her country home for the holidays last year…
![Nora Murphy's charming farmhouse living room with fireplace decorated for Christmas.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-country-house-style-christmas-fireplace.jpg)
I love seeing the rosy pops of pink!
![Nora Murphy's charming Christmas tree in her Connecticut country house.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-country-house-style-christmas-tree.jpg)
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.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-country-house-style-kitchen-farm-sink.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-country-house-style-kitchen-checkered-floor.jpg)
Yes, indeed, more checkered wood floors are on the menu!
![Nora Murphy book cover. Country House Style: Making Your Home a Country House.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71jUt4-POAL.jpg)
What makes a country space special?
![Nora Murphy's charming country kitchen in her Connecticut farmhouse with checkered floors and primitives. #noramurphy #countrykitchen #checkeredfloor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/country-kitchen-nora-murphy-checkered-floors-1440x961.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/NMCH_DR_FINALS_284-1440x2279.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-country-house-black-front-door-farmhouse-american-flag.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/purple-transferware-french-country-maison-decor-nora-murphy-country-style.jpg)
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.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-country-house-salmon-pink-fireplace-dudley-park-tavern.jpg)
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.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/country-kitchen-nora-murphy-book-1440x936.jpg)
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).](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-country-house-white-rustic-country-bathroom-wendy-lewis.jpg)
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.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/framed-prints-in-hall-country-lavender-basket-nora-murphy-country-house.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-1767-connecticut-farmhouse-3.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/NMCH_SEPT17_KITCHEN_6171-1440x1087.jpg)
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.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/open-shelves-country-kitchen-nora-murphy-country-house-book.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-country-house-backyard-shed-garden-maison-decor-amy-chalmers.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/maison-decor-french-country-amy-chalmers-back-patio.jpg)
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.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/french-country-dining-farm-table-nora-murphy-country-house.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pale-pink-quote-template-nora-murphy.jpg)
![A gallery of framed silhouettes on a stairway wall in a country house - Nora Murphy.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/silhouette-gallery-wall-staircase-nora-murphy-country-house-dog.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pale-pink-quote-template-nora-murphy-4.jpg)
![American country style living room with antiques and folk printed upholstery on sofa - Nora Murphy.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/living-room-folk-pattern-sofa-fireplace-nora-murphy-country-house.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pale-pink-quote-template-nora-murphy-3.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-1767-connecticut-farmhouse-6.jpg)
You simply cannot create country style at home without heartfulness…
![Nora Murphy quote about collections. #noramurphy #quote #collections #countryliving](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pale-pink-quote-template-nora-murphy-5.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-1767-connecticut-farmhouse-5.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pale-pink-quote-template-nora-murphy-2.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Nora-Murphys-Country-House-Style-amy-chalmers-kitchen-maisondecor.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/maison-decor-dining-room-french-country-amy-chalmers-matthew-mead-cane-chairs.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/maison-decor-amy-chalmers-dining-room-french-country.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/amy-dnrm-wall-color-bench-wall.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Nora-Murphys-Country-House-Style-wheelbarrow.jpg)
French Country Resource Ideas
![Hello Lovely French Farmhouse Design Finds](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/hello-lovely-french-farmhouse-design-finds-banner.jpg)
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.](https://www.vendomepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Nora_Murphy_Spread1.jpg)
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](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-1767-connecticut-farmhouse-4.jpg)
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](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91jUOw7beTL.jpg)
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.](https://www.vendomepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Nora_Murphy_Spread5.jpg)
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.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71jUt4-POAL.jpg)
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](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/56526260/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/1151/115118996/Morven+Solid+Wood+Storage+Shelves+Bench.jpg)
![Grain Stripe pillow from Amazon](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Grainstripe-Farmhouse-Pillow-Amazon.jpg)
![Preserved birch wreath from Terrain](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/birch-preserved-wreath-terrain.jpg)
![Windowpane jute doormat from Terrain](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/windowpane-jute-doormat-and-boots-terrain.jpg)
![Flax wheat wreath from Terrain](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/flax-wheat-wreath-terrain.jpg)
![Ilse Jacobsen grey boots](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ilse-jacobsen-boots-grey.jpg)
![Sweater weave basket.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/00001-hello-lovely-studio-basket.jpg)
![Ochre throw pillow from Amazon](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Ochre-Pillow-Amazon.jpg)
![Hydrangea amaranthus wreath from Terrain](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hydrangea-amaranthus-wreath-terrain.jpg)
![Hosley turned wood pillar candleholder candlestick](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Hosley-turned-wood-Pillar-Candleholder-2.jpg)
![Turkish Stripe Throw Blanket](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Turkish-blanket-with-stripes-Amazon.jpg)
![](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/farmers-market-herb-wreath-williams-sonoma.jpg)
![Rustic wood accent stool.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Rustic-Wood-Accent-Stool.jpg)
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!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/nora-murphy-collage.jpg)
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.
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!!
Author
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
“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.
Author
Thanks for reading!