While we’re ever engaged with European country inspired interiors and sensibilities, we also have plenty of room in our Hello Lovely hearts for American country. Especially when a combination of WHITE, simple, and spare are involved. No matter what you call this look (if you’re a certain age, you wonder how ‘farmhouse’ replaced country and then ‘modern farmhouse’ replaced ‘modern country’), it’s lovely. Need further convincing? Read on and let Decorating With Classic White Country Simplicity dreams guide your schemes.
![White New England farmhouse - Nancy Fishelson design; Helen Norman photo; styling @jlufkin for Country Living magazine. #americancountry #allwhitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nancy-fishelson-helen-norman-country-living-mag-006.jpg)
Decorating With Classic White Country Simplicity
1. Let Texture Be Your Color
Tone on tone can fall flat if it’s not carefully considered. Simple beaded board, tongue and groove, handmade tile, and natural wall coverings can work wonders.
If you need ideas for adding natural, organic touches to a country space, look to the work of Steve and Brooke Giannetti. They choose these color stories that feel impossibly serene yet warm. (Peek at Patina Farm.)
Instead of the expected Old World style plaster walls for their own newly built home, they skimmed walls with a thin layer of Kal-Kote. Simplicity? No paint required.
![Romantic country house bedroomw ith tongue and groove sage green paneling, pink bedding, and natural light dancing - @bynilsgarden. #countrybedroom #tongueandgroove](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/tongue-groove-paneling-country-room-pink-bedding-bynilsgarden-bedroom-romance.jpg)
Tongue and groove panels add age, charm, and texture if you’re going for a rustic yet clean and classic American country look.
![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/2023/11/001-connecticut-farmhouse-okl-showhouse-beadboard-shelves-ironstone.jpg)
2. Which White for White Country Simplicity?
It always helps to know paint colors experienced designers deem trustworthy. Nancy Fishelson recommends Benjamin Moore WHITE DOVE for a reliable white paint, and I totally concur.
![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.
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.
Similar to Thunder, Nancy’s favorite gray to use 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 Tucker Pale Gray was discontinued. Benjamin Moore WISH is essentially the same color as Tucker Pale Gray and a gorgeous hue to sample if you’re seeking an idea for kitchen cabinets. (You’ll also discover lovely putty paint color ideas in THIS STORY.)
Both of these colors are similar to a Sherwin Williams color which plays a prominent role in our home: Agreeable Gray:
![SW Agreeable Gray in tonal family room with built-ins and Belgian linen - Hello Lovely Studio. #swagreeablegray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_5480-1.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)
It’s easy to see why she is a favorite designer of designers…
![White New England farmhouse - Nancy Fishelson design; Helen Norman photo; styling @jlufkin for Country Living magazine. #americancountry #allwhitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nancy-fishelson-helen-norman-country-living-mag-010.jpg)
3. Check out This Pattern
CHECKERED FLOORS, gingham and buffalo check everything are never not having a moment.
![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 turn up everywhere you turn in American country schemes and beyond. 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 American country house primer, order 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://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-2.jpeg)
4. Mix a Few Favorite Objects
Spare schemes require restraint and thoughtful curation, but you can also rotate your favorite art and accessories.
![White New England farmhouse - Nancy Fishelson design; Helen Norman photo; styling @jlufkin for Country Living magazine. #americancountry #allwhitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nancy-fishelson-helen-norman-country-living-mag-009.jpg)
About the charming entry (below) in Nora Murphy’s former home, she says,
![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)
Choosing art and treasured objects that are meaningful to family members just may be the most important element for getting American country right. (Translation: signs that say “laundry” or “kitchen” don’t qualify as treasured objects.)
![White New England farmhouse - Nancy Fishelson design; Helen Norman photo; styling @jlufkin for Country Living magazine. #americancountry #allwhitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nancy-fishelson-helen-norman-country-living-mag-002.jpg)
Bonus points when personal treasures show age, distress, and patina!
![White New England farmhouse - Nancy Fishelson design; Helen Norman photo; styling @jlufkin for Country Living magazine. #americancountry #allwhitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nancy-fishelson-helen-norman-country-living-mag-008.jpg)
5. Steer Away from Faux When Possible
Authentically old furnishings and objects trump replicas.
![White New England farmhouse - Nancy Fishelson design; Helen Norman photo; styling @jlufkin for Country Living magazine. #americancountry #allwhitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nancy-fishelson-helen-norman-country-living-mag-007.jpg)
Natural fibers and construction materials are going to age better and elevate the look.
![White New England farmhouse - Nancy Fishelson design; Helen Norman photo; styling @jlufkin for Country Living magazine. #americancountry #allwhitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nancy-fishelson-helen-norman-country-living-mag-005.jpg)
When the goal is authenticity, sometimes this means the process takes time. You need not live with an empty room, but do try to upgrade to the real thing over time.
![White New England farmhouse - Nancy Fishelson design; Helen Norman photo; styling @jlufkin for Country Living magazine. #americancountry #allwhitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nancy-fishelson-helen-norman-country-living-mag-004.jpg)
6. Wabi Sabi Wonderful
When imperfect finishes, objects, and moods are welcomed, humility and character contribute a sense of effortlessness.
![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)
Furnishings and design elements have energy and can add to yours.
![White New England farmhouse - Nancy Fishelson design; Helen Norman photo; styling @jlufkin for Country Living magazine. #americancountry #allwhitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nancy-fishelson-helen-norman-country-living-mag-003.jpg)
![White New England farmhouse - Nancy Fishelson design; Helen Norman photo; styling @jlufkin for Country Living magazine. #americancountry #allwhitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nancy-fishelson-helen-norman-country-living-mag-001.jpg)
7. Blue and White and Country
These hues love each other like best friends in a country house, and for me, the combo is quintessentially American.
![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! Here are haint blue ideas.
![Rachel Ashwell Official Shabby Chic - blue cushion on a chippy white vintage desk chair. #officialshabbychic](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/001-shabby-chic-blue-cushion-white-chair-officialshabbychic.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://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image-3.jpeg)
![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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