We seem never to tire of European country inspired interiors and sensibilities, yet we also leave plenty of room in our Hello Lovely hearts for American country style. What is it about the simplicity of unfussy white interiors anyway? No matter what you call this style (if you’re a certain age, you marvel at how ‘farmhouse’ replaced ‘country’ and ‘modern farmhouse’ replaced ‘modern country’). I hope Decorating With the Simplicity of Unfussy White Interiors and American Country Style guides your schemes.
Decorating With American Country Unfussy White Interiors
1. For White Interiors, Let Texture Be Your Color
Tone on tone is not foolproof. To avoid its pitfalls, think the simplicity of beaded board, tongue and groove, handmade tile, or wall coverings such as grasscloth.
Stunning ideas for adding natural, organic touches to a country space? Behold the work of Steve and Brooke Giannetti at Patina Meadow. They choose color palettes that feel impossibly serene dreamy yet earthy, organic and warm. (Peek at Patina Farm.)
Instead of Old World style plaster walls for their American home, they skimmed walls with a thin layer of Kal-Kote. Now that’s simplicity when no paint is required! (But labor intensive at the start!)
Tongue and groove panels add age, charm, and texture for rustic yet clean and classic American country looks.
2. Choose the Right White Paints
It helps to know paint colors designers deem trustworthy repeatedly. Nancy Fishelson recommends Benjamin Moore WHITE DOVE for a reliable white paint color, and this consultant concurs.
When I am looking for a white for an aged look or with 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 for projects was Tucker Pale Gray.
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:
I’m crazy about how Nancy interprets country style without clutter or fuss!
It’s easy to see why she is a favorite designer of designers…
3. Check out This Checkered Pattern
CHECKERED FLOORS, gingham and buffalo check everything are never not having a moment.
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:
It is amazing how a checkered floor can be humble and folksy…
and also so classic.
If you need a good American country house primer, order Nora Murphy’s book!
Find it RIGHT HERE.
4. Layering White Interiors With Favorite Objects
Spare schemes require restraint and thoughtful curation, but you can also rotate your favorite art and accessories.
About the charming entry (below) in Nora Murphy’s former home, she says,
“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.”
Choosing art and treasured objects meaningful to family members just may be the most important element for getting American country right.
Bonus points when those personal treasures show their age, wear, and patina!
5. Avoid Faux & Cling to Natural
Authentically old furnishings and objects trump replicas.
Natural fibers and construction materials are going to age better and elevate the look.
When the goal is authenticity, the process may take some time. You need not live with an empty room, but what you can do is upgrade with the real thing over time. This patience with decorating is more European than American for sure! Americans want it done yesterday!
6. The Simplicity of Imperfection
When imperfect finishes, objects, and moods are welcomed, humility and character contribute a sense of effortlessness.
Quirky, one-off, asymmetrical, weathered, and laid back design elements become friendly companions on the journey.
Furnishings and design elements have energy and can add to yours.
7. If Blue Accents are Essential to Your Decor Scheme
These hues love each other like best friends in a country house, and for me, the combo is quintessentially American.
Even painting the ceiling blue can bring unexpected cheer! Here are haint blue ideas.
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
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
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