Collecting
Mitten Season
On such a snowy and icy day, it only makes sense to talk “mittens”. And I’m not just talking about any old ordinary mittens. The mittens I wish to tell…
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Big On Style: A Connecticut Townhouse Tour
My dear friends Chris & Dave live their businesses; Dave heads up Visual Merchandising at Ethan Allen, and Chris heads up DC Kingswood, a fabulous lifestyle vintage goods shop within…
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Grey…Gris…Greige Container Gardening
Inspired by weathered wood, baskets, concrete planters, clay pots, galvanized and painted wood buckets all have a couple things in common: They make great containers for planting and cut flowers,…
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Loody Lady
Loody Lady is the name I know her by. For years on eBay I have coveted her gorgeous antique European textiles, and have added items – from French linen sheets…
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A Connecticut Creamware Collection
While I have my corner Cabinet of Curiosities, my dear friend Marta has a gorgeous 18th c. corner cabinet filled with an enviable collection of creamware. Guarded by a Staffordshire dog,…
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The Art Of You
“Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.” – Oscar Wilde I couldn’t agree more! What does the art you surround yourself with say about…
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Paris Match
As a designer and artist, I love artwork. Whether new or old (in some cases very old), the art that I find is usually unframed. While some would be dissuaded…
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An Adirondack Inspired Country House Tour
I’m thrilled to announce that Nora Murphy Country House Style, Winter 2017 is here! Within its pages, take a tour of my dear friend’s, Valerie and Tim’s, wonderful, woodsy Adirondack-style…
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An Artist’s Table
For my latest segment on WFSB’s Better Connecticut, as their new Lifestyle contributor, I had a great time designing a holiday table with a beautiful autumnal look that’s just perfect…
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Reader’s Choice
When I designed The Coop’s library wall, I knew I wanted something simple, strong and utilitarian – like the shelving from a century-old general store – and something large enough…
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It’s The Cherry On Top
There’s a spot in my kitchen, on the counter right next to the stove where I always lean a favorite framed antique print. It’s an unexpected touch that adds a…
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Lost & Found
This may look like one of those 5,000 piece mind-boggling puzzles, but it isn’t. It’s just a sampling of all we have discovered around the property of this old 1767…
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The Mini Midas Touch
The Summer Room (formerly known as the parlor/sitting room) is one of the smallest rooms in Connecticut Country House. No matter the size, this wee space still packs a pretty…
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Life’s Little Snippets
Go ahead. Peek inside. Look around. From every angle, you’ll see something different. This new, lidded seeded glass jar is the perfect catchall for displaying special little tidbits. Old photos,…
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Copper Love
As a year round, die-hard gardener, I can’t resist a vintage copper watering can. Any shape. Any size. I am not shy about owning more than one. Having an assortment…
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A Lighter Hearth
Switch out the contents of your hearthside wood basket with driftwood this summer. I just love the light look of the sun-bleached silvery gray color and the sea-worn smooth texture.…
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She Sees Seashells
When in Nantucket, I love to wake up early, grab a freshly brewed cup of coffee, a bucket and head out the door for some beachcombing. This is a peaceful…
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Rock & Roll
The kitchen garden is starting to burst with fresh herbs at Connecticut Country House. I find that the best way to make short work of chopping them up is by…
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My Brimfield Blues
When I went to Brimfield a couple of weeks ago, I can’t tell you why, but I was attracted to everything blue. From the gorgeous saturated inky blues of hand…
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Country Living Fair Pass Giveaway
I’m so happy to announce that I’ve been invited to give a live demo at the Country Living Fair in Rhinebeck, NY on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.…
Keep ReadingBaskets At Hand
For me there’s nothing more honest and authentic than the weathered, timeworn quality of country baskets. There’s a wonderful sense of comfort in living with the old splint, distressed paint,…
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Sweet Collection
I’m always on the lookout for adding to my collection of painted wooden sap buckets. These humble containers are my easy, go-to vessels for adding bold pops of color to…
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Image Is Everything
Forever in search of images that capture “a moment,” I love digging into boxes of old photographs at flea markets and antique shows. Last year at Brimfield, armed with an…
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Vintage Flatware Find
When I’m out and about at antique shows, flea markets and tag sales, I’m always on the lookout for stray dishes, bowls, and silverware. I’ve found great bargains on incomplete…
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Fishin’ & Dishin’
One of my most cherished collections, these vintage fish plates are pure joy to build a table setting around. Each one, hand-painted and unique, depicts in beautiful detail, assorted fish,…
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