Stop the presses. Country yet not European country style today? I guess we’re feelin’ saucy. Oh that decorating were as simple as buying just the right tile, rug, or chandelier to get the sense of charm or mix or balance we see in photos of beautiful American country spaces. After all, not all of us live in the country, so is it even possible or advisable to lean in a country direction? And when you’re after an unfussy, non-contrived, more natural and laid back look, should it be such a fussy, complicated prospect? Let’s explore such territory even as we admire a range of beautiful American Country house interiors that may speak to you.
![Primitive farm bench in a bath at Nancy Fishelson's renovated historic home in Killingworth - Country Living magazine/Helen Norman/Janna Lufkin.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/country-living-magazine-nancy-fishelson-helen-norman-janna-lufkin-white-house-bathroom-bench.jpg)
Learn from the Look: American Country House Interiors
1. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Wall Texture
Changing a wall’s texture can be transformative. Whether it is done simply with tacked up panels of simple beaded board or painstakingly with hand troweled plaster
I have always admired the wall finish the Giannettis chose for their house in the country…Patina Farm. Instead of traditional Old World style plaster walls, the walls were coated with a thin layer of Cal-Kote. While they appear to be painted white, they don’t require paint.
Tongue and groove paneling is always a smart way to add age, charm, and texture when you’re after a rustic American country look. Isn’t this bedroom fresh and natural?
For sage green paint color ideas, SEE THIS.
![Gorgeous country kitchen with shelves of ironstone against beadboard - this is the Connecticut farmhouse of OKL president Debbie Propst - photo by Country Living.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/001-connecticut-farmhouse-okl-showhouse-shelves-ironstone.jpg)
2. Start With a Neutral Backdrop
Sometimes it just gives us extra confidence to choose paint colors experienced designers trust. Nancy Fishelson recommends Benjamin Moore WHITE DOVE for a trusty white paint, and I agree.
![Breakfast room in Nancy Fishelson's renovated historic home in Killingworth - Country Living magazine/Helen Norman/Janna Lufkin.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/country-living-magazine-nancy-fishelson-helen-norman-janna-lufkin-white-house-fireplace.jpg)
When I am looking to add age or a sense of history, I always think of White Dove.
![Benjamin Moore White Dove OC10 paint color swatch. #bestwhitepaintcolors #whitedovepaint](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/benjamin-moore-white-dove-oc17-paint-color-swatch.jpg)
Need more ideas for choosing the right white? See THESE.
The designer and renovator also has a color she recommends for floors: Benjamin Moore THUNDER.
![Benjamin Moore THUNDER paint color swatch. #thunder #graypaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/benjamin-moore-THUNDER-paint-color-swatch.jpg)
Similar to Thunder, Nancy’s favorite gray paint color was Tucker Pale Gray.
![Tucker Pale Gray CW805 Paint Color Swatch](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/pratt-and-lambert-tucker-pale-gray-paint-color-cw805.jpg)
But it is discontinued! However, Benjamin Moore WISH is essentially the same color as Tucker Pale Gray and a gorgeous hue if you’re seeking an idea for kitchen cabinets. (You’ll also discover lovely putty paint color ideas in THIS STORY.)
![Benjamin Moore WISH paint color swatch. #benjaminmoorewish #graypaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/benjamin-moore-WISH-AF-680-paint-color-swatch.jpg)
I’m crazy about how Nancy interprets country style without clutter or fuss!
![Soaking tub in Nancy Fishelson's renovated historic home in Killingworth - Country Living magazine/Helen Norman/Janna Lufkin.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/country-living-magazine-nancy-fishelson-helen-norman-janna-lufkin-white-house-bathroom.jpg)
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.
3. Check Patterns are Your Friend, Friend!
![Checkered floors in a gorgeous black and white bathroom by Brooklyn Decker in AD. #checkeredfloors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/checkered-floors-bathroom-black-white-brooklyn-decker-ad.jpg)
They are everywhere you turn in American country homes and beyond, aren’t they? I even devoted an entire post to them HERE after seeing Nate and Jeremiah’s floor:
![Entry with checkered floor and black railing in Nate Berkus & Jeremiah Brent Manhattan townhouse with 1920s architecture, neutral palette, plaster paint, and marble. AD (photo: Kelly Marshall). #nateberkus #nytownhouse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/001-nate-berkus-jeremiah-brent-manhattan-townhouse-ad.jpg)
It is amazing how a checkered floor can be humble and folksy…
![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)
and also so classic.
![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)
If you need a good primer to get you psyched about American country house interiors, you’ll definitely want to buy Nora Murphy’s book!
![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)
Find it RIGHT HERE.
![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)
4. Gather Your Favorite Objects
About the charming entry in Nora Murphy’s former home, the author writes,
![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)
“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'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)
Gathering the collected art and treasured objects saved by a family may be the most important part of completing your American country room.
![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)
Bonus points when time works its magic on those gathered objects since age, weather, and patina increase their beauty over time!
5. Aim for Authenticity
One of the benefits of studying images on this site and within design books is how helpful it is for studying an authentic look.
![French country fireplace and slipcovered chairs in Ruth Gay's (Chateau Domingue) exquisite Houston home. #pamelapierce #frenchcountryhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/chateau-domingue-ruth-gay-fireplace-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
While the home above is located in Texas, the materials used to create it are old reclaimed treasures from Europe. No faux finishes here!
![Rustic elegant French farmhouse kitchen by Pamela Pierce with copper pots and antiques - @reagan_andre_architecture. #frenchfarmhouse #frenchkitchen #pamelapierce](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/french-farmhouse-kitchen-rustic-antiques-chateau-domingue-houston-montrose-pamela-pierce-milieu-reaganandre.jpg)
While the look is French inspired rather than classic American style, there are plenty of common denominators. Collected vintage pieces and antiques, distressed finishes, linen, and a relaxed feel.
![Beautiful light grey commode with handpainted detail and brass hardware - Brittany Jones design (BeccaLeaPhoto). #frenchcountrycabinet](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/light-blue-grey-bathroom-vanity-brittanyjoneslife.jpg)
6. Embracing Imperfection’s Beauty
When imperfect finishes, objects, and moods are welcomed, a layer of humility and character emerge.
![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)
Quirky, one-off, asymmetrical, weathered, and laid back design elements become friendly companions on the journey.
![Beautiful serene shabby chic dining room with cane back chairs by Hello Lovely Studio. #diningroom #hellolovelystudio #shabbychic #frenchcountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/023-french-country-shabby-chic-white-dining-room-hello-lovely-studio-3.jpg)
7. Cheerful Blue and White
They just go together like best friends in a country house, and for me, it’s so quintessentially American.
![Gorgeously classic and traditional yet modern country breakfast nook with round dining table and light blue accents - in the home of OKL president Debbie Propst. #countrykitchens #moderncountrykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/001-connecticut-farmhouse-okl-showhouse-kitchen-breakfast-nook.jpg)
![Pretty Blue Finds for Home on Hello Lovely Studio. #shopthelook #bluedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/pretty-blue-finds-home-decor-furniture-wallpaper-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
Even painting the ceiling blue can bring unexpected cheer!
![Beautiful custom bunk beds, bead board walls, and a deep blue ceiling - design by Marie Flanigan. Photo by Julie Soefer.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/bunk-beds-bead-board-blue-ceiling-marie-flanigan.jpg)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Resources for Country House Ideas
![Modern country cottage - get the look on Hello Lovely! #moderncountrystyle ##countrycottagedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/modern-country-cottage-get-the-look-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
![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)
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
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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