Posts Tagged ‘Nora Murphy’
A Cut Above
One of the most impactful transformations made during Project Refresh was creating fresh new cotton denim outfits for each piece of upholstery. My dear friend Sally Newhart – who I…
Keep ReadingNo Trick. All Treats.
I’ve been a Sea Bags girl for many years. Handcrafted from recycled sails on the working waterfront in Portland, Maine, I just love that they once had a life on…
Keep ReadingGray Is The New Black
While pops of black add a modern, graphic note to the freshly painted white rooms of Connecticut Country House, touches of warm gray, a wonderful neutral, add a soft sophistication…
Keep ReadingReader’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…
Keep ReadingIt’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…
Keep ReadingCountry House Bounty of Summer Soup
As I sat with my seed catalogs in the bitter cold of January, my thoughts were of warm late summer days and reaping the rewards of my carefully crafted orders.…
Keep ReadingGood Things Come To Those Who Wait
Tumbling over the stone wall in front of Connecticut Country House is one very happy Sweet Autumn Clematis. When I admire the drifts of tiny, snow-white blooms, it’s hard to…
Keep ReadingWest Side Story
From early spring into late fall, we crave spending time outdoors. The patios at Connecticut Country House serve as natural extensions of the interior spaces. My approach to arranging these…
Keep ReadingSnip It. Snip It Good.
It was love at first sight and snip! Whether I’m giving my rosemary topiaries a haircut, just snipping a couple of fragrant branches to cook with, or adding a touch…
Keep ReadingCountry House Oven-Dried Garden Tomatoes
From ear to ear I grin. Daily. I love this time of year. Each trip to the kitchen garden reveals something ripe and ready to be picked. The tomato crop…
Keep ReadingStyle Snippets for Country Living
I’m incredibly honored that Country Living magazine featured an article based on the simple style snippets that I presented at their 2016 Country Living Fair in Rhinebeck, NY. For those…
Keep ReadingBack to School
I swear that it was just yesterday that I was welcoming August, and now, in what seems like in the blink of an eye, it has come and gone. Murph…
Keep ReadingScented Small Spaces
This all-American vintage fruit-picking bucket gets a lovely French twist with the addition of small pots of lavender. Lined with a disposable foil loaf pan and tucked in so not…
Keep ReadingLife’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,…
Keep ReadingFanciful Forms
My decorating motto is “Keep it simple”. Marrying unusual forms can make an everyday common spot a little more interesting. I love the scale and graphic nature of this hand-lettered…
Keep ReadingSage Advice
This antique French hanging basket gets a makeover with every season. At the moment, Russian sage is making a big ethereal statement in the gallery. Brimming with elegant silvery green…
Keep ReadingMy Coat Nook Look
A small, sun filled space near the entryway and right off the Family Room, is our go-to spot for keeping what we need to head out the door. Because the…
Keep ReadingGrow Arugula
My arugula crop is a kitchen garden success! Planted in early spring, the seeds have sprouted and the dandelion-like leaves have provided a peppery bite to our sandwiches and salads…
Keep ReadingA Whale Of An Idea
Grouping items together that share a similar theme is a simple way to create an impactful display. In The Coop, our master bedroom, using a classic whale motif, I’ve paired…
Keep ReadingGarlic Roasted Garden Tomatoes
At Connecticut Country House, we welcome tomato season every year with open arms and mouths. Freshly picked tomatoes from the kitchen garden are quickly incorporated into all manner of deliciousness.…
Keep ReadingLittle Nautical Napkin Rings
Rope napkin rings, reminiscent of a sailor’s knot, will give any table setting an understated nod to the sea. I love the warm natural color and texture of the stray…
Keep ReadingBaby Boxwoods In Window Box
Uniformly clipped baby boxwoods, lined up in an old wooden window box, blur the line between inside and out. Placed in the large bay window of the family room, it’s…
Keep ReadingSimple Summer Centerpiece
Sometimes the simplest of things makes the most beautiful seasonal statement. Summer fruits like nectarines, peaches and melons keep it colorful and fresh! Make the most of summer! Love, Nora
Keep ReadingQuick Shrimp On The Barbie
While my husband Rick, a.k.a. Murph, reigns supreme over the barbecue year round, in my mind, the technique of grilling, combined with the flavor of grilled foods, perfectly captures the…
Keep ReadingSpirit Of The Sea
I’m a big fan of a Portland, Maine company called Sea Bags. It started a few years ago, with a bag that I bought while vacationing in Cape Cod, MA.…
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