Nora Murphy: COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING Book Review!

The wait is nearly over for Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING to launch! I adored Nora’s previous book, Country House Style which treated us to so many exceptional home tours. The author changed her address since the first book and now calls home a beautiful Connecticut country house. So many of us have anxiously awaited glimpses of Nora’s home to see just how she infused life into the spaces! Order your copy today to enjoy a treasure trove of inspiration…

Staircase in Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #americanfarmhouse
A new country decorating book has arrived…hello lovely indeed.

Photography: DuAnne Simon

NORA MURPHY Country House Living (Rizzoli, 2024)

Is a country house simply a place, or can it be a more relaxed state of mind?

If your aesthetic preference is country style, even an urban apartment can adopt the look with inspiration here.

Cheerful blues in Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #americanfarmhouse
That lamp! The turtle! Photo gallery of New England farmhouse and also country interior design.

In fact, even if American country style is not your favorite, you are still likely to score helpful design ideas from this new title from Rizzoli!

Warm & Welcoming American Country Decorating Book

Nora Murphy’s new home across the river from Essex, Connecticut is as delightful as you might imagine. A few of my favorite elements?

Coastal accents on stairs and bird prints in Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #americanfarmhouse
François-Nicolas Martinet eighteenth-century French engravings at the top of Nora’s stairs.

First, the way Nora prominently displays her collection of François-Nicolas Martinet eighteenth-century French engravings at the top of the stairs. I am ever rotating the art at the top of my own stairs, never quite satisfied. Seeing the architectural interest of these beautiful framed prints is inspiring!

White pantry in Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #americanfarmhouse
Nora Murphy’s pantry is the coziest nook with glorious natural light streaming from a window.

Second, she quite unexpectedly used a bright cool white (Benjamin Moore SUPER WHITE) for all of the walls, ceilings, trim, and doors for a fresh, clean, coastal backdrop for her collections to pop.

I selected something similar with Benjamin Moore White OC-151 in our last house, and it’s an effective way to unify a home and create tension with the warmth and aged finishes of vintage and antiques.

Dining room with white painted floor in Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #benjaminmooresuperwhite
Benjamin Moore SUPER WHITE painted walls, trim, ceiling, and floor for a heavenly cloud of loveliness.

Third, I LOVE LOVE LOVE that she painted the dark stained oak flooring in her dining room white! What a delicious surprise it is to see it gloriously floating and contrasting with her gorgeously textural dining room furniture and accessories.

Nora Murphy Country House Living’s Humble Rustic Elegance

Within NORA MURPHY COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING, you’ll be treated to a range of home tours where eight homeowners interpret country house style uniquely.

Primitive fireplace in Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #americanfarmhouse
Primitive country decorating wonder…in case you love old American country houses!

A range? You’ll discover a pastoral 1732 center-chimney colonial in Connecticut nestled in spectacular gardens.

Moody blue library in Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #americanfarmhouse
Oh how handsome you are, masculine and moody blue!

An 1840s Greek Revival in the Hudson Valley filled with romantic Victorian ephemera.

Bath with Schumacher Pyne Hollyhock wallpaper and clawfoot tub in Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #pynehollyhock
Is Schumacher Pyne Hollyhock wallpaper ever a bad idea? *shakes magic-8ball* #MySourcesSayNo

A cozy cottage on the coast of Maine rich with local details.

Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #americanfarmhouse
If you’ve always wanted a shop, maybe a cabinet like this will satisfy.

These aren’t Nora Murphy designed houses; they are the work of the homeowners themselves.

White barn with turquoise blue door in Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #americanfarmhouse
Who could feel depressed approaching this cheery door?

Farmhouse Style, New England Charm & Homes With Authenticity

You can’t miss how all of these spotlighted homes share commonalities though.

Canopy bed in romantic bedroom in Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #americanfarmhouse
Where ageless and timeless intersect.

Collections, antiques, history, and sumptuous comfort are prized in each.

Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #americanfarmhouse
It would be difficult to ever leave this country bath!

If you admire American country style, you’ll be in heaven as you are treated to hundreds of design details and oodles of examples of how to live with and celebrate Americana.

Country Decorating, Houses With Character & Nurturing Interiors

And if country casual style is not your favorite decorating approach personally, I can imagine you still finding inspiration from such beautifully photographed spaces.

Fall splendor at the front door in Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #americanfarmhouse
All of the country feels and the New England autumn feels with this gourd-ous view!

As someone who has been snapping photos of interiors for many years, I can tell you it demands great skill when rooms are smallish or short on natural light.

Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #americanfarmhouse
Coastal collections in a country house are lovely indeed.

Old country houses tend to have those qualities so what a challenge to find that lovely light and that magic angle! Well done, DuAnne Simon!

Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #americanfarmhouse
Whimsy always belongs. Life is too short for fussy decorating rules and design seriousness.

And well done, Nora Murphy! As a homebody who never tires of celebrating the beauty of life at home, I’m so grateful to have your warm voice, trained eye, and creative energy reflected on these pages.

Soft neutral living room with hydrangea in Nora Murphy COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING. #newenglandstyle #americancountry #americanfarmhouse
Hydrangea petals and a mix of neutrals in a space where rich texture provides all the color I need!

The eight lovely stories revealed in Nora Murphy’s COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING compelled me to gaze at my own country home with fresh eyes.

Snacks for the alpacas on the farm - Hello Lovely Studio. #alpacafarm
Michele of Hello Lovely

How will I infuse more lifegiving joy, simplicity, and personality into spaces here calling out for revival?

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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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
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2 Comments

  1. Pamela
    February 28, 2024 / 7:12 am

    Oh my! Are those alpacas or llamas? SO acutely. This country style I am always drawn into deeply. I’m a clutter bunny so it suits me so well. Love this post. Thank you.

    • Michele
      Author
      February 28, 2024 / 4:56 pm

      So happy you liked it – the book is a real triumph with so much character and soul. They are alpacas at a nearby farm, and their owner warned me that at least one of them wasn’t fond of me in spite of my feeding them – hahahaha – I was oblivious. 🙂

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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