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.
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.
Pssst. How Nora decorated her country home for the holidays last year…
I love seeing the rosy pops of pink!
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.
First things first. Get crackalackin and CLICKety CLICKIN’ to ORDER THIS GORGEOUS COUNTRY DECOR TITLE.
Yes, indeed, more checkered wood floors are on the menu!
What makes a country space special?
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.”
Isn’t that what country living and decorating is truly about anyway? Gathering the art and objects and memories saved by a family?
And what a blessing when those gathered objects age, weather, and patina over time!
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!
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.
Tip No. 3: Let Go of Pretense
Third, give yourself the gift of time and imperfection. Humble, hardworking rooms are the goal.
Under-done, quirky, laid back, and un-matchy-matchy elements will become your companions on the journey.
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.
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!
Discover more country kitchens to inspire RIGHT HERE.
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.
One of those beautiful homes belongs to a friend of this blog (notice the name on the sign!?!).
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.
Tip No. 6: Cull Design Wisdom from Nora Murphy
I love this bit, and after renting apartments and houses for years, I agree:
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:
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!).
What say ye about living with tradition versus living inside tradition?
You simply cannot create country style at home without heartfulness…
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!
Heartfulness alone won’t get the room decorated; there is a thoughtfulness required to balance the details and layering.
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.
I am a longtime admirer of Amy’s creativity, eye, and sensibilities, and I know you probably adore her signature interiors as well.
It is easy to fall for Amy’s sense of tranquil beauty mixed with an energetic approach to creating classic interiors.
Passion for Purple Transferware
Amy’s keen eye and talent for creating interior magic is spotlighted in this triumph of a country style book.
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.
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:
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.
Throughout the country home tours in Nora’s book, you’ll note that CLASSIC is not synonymous with homogenization.
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.
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.
Country House Decor & Lifestyle Ideas
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Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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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!