Classic Country Style (A Visit to The Little Shop)

If you’re a fan of interior designer Nora Murphy, you have to see where I visited!  Recently, I made a stop in the charming town of Chester, Connecticut to shop in Nora’s boutique, The Little Shop!  Today, I’m sharing photos of her beautiful store filled with classic country style items…vintage and new!  Come take a peek…

 *For your convenience, please note that this post contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase after clicking my links below, I will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you).

Nora Murphy’s Country House – The Little Shop:

Classic country style mixing new and vintage…

As a huge fan of Nora Murphy, I had been dying to stop by The Little Shop.  I’m happy to say, her fabulous store exceeded my expectations!  

The Little Shop storefront exterior - Classic country style

 

As you step inside The Little Shop, you’re greeted with a variety of vintage and antique treasures…along with a few new items mixed in.  Of course, everything was styled beautifully.

mirror over antique chest with neutral home decor - classic country style

 

Right away, I spotted merchandise I had recently seen on her website and Instagram pages.  For instance, I remembered when this bamboo shelf arrived in the store… Yes, I sound like an obsessed fan!  How cute are those dog pillows?

Bamboo shelves with white dish collection behind a round table with white wing back chairs - classic country style

 

If you’re looking for spring ideas, this seating area should inspire you.  I love the way she mixes old and new.  From the fresh green ferns to the white slipcovered sofa, I was ready to buy it all!  

White slipcovered sofa with rustic coffee table and fern artwork on wall - classic country style

 

For anyone looking for unique glassware, these shelves were filled with beautiful pieces…perfect for entertaining.

Glass shelves with colored glassware in front of window - classic country style

 

Not only was the merchandise beautiful but the store itself was so inviting.  From the wood floors, to the lighting and the decorative corbels, Nora’s design style was carried throughout the spaces.  Even natural wood elements like the tree branches added to the unique character of the store.

Store interior with rustic branches, antiques and wood floor - classic country style

Classic Country Style with Coastal Vibes:

If you’re familiar with Nora Murphy’s style, you know she decorates with a variety of coastal finds…

In The Little Shop, you’ll find several sailboats, woven baskets, plenty of shells and nautical pieces.  While I was admiring the coastal items on the table, Kimberly, the design manager told me that this is the exact table from Nora’s previous home.  If you’ve read her book, Nora Murphy’s Country House Style, you might remember seeing it.

Antique table and bench with sailboat and wicker decor - classic country style

 

For a small store, Nora makes the most of every space without letting it feel cluttered.  On the walls, she hung vintage maps and beautiful artwork to enhance each of the vignettes.  

White cabinet with two lamps in front of large map - coastal and classic country style

 

Being located near the Connecticut coast, I wasn’t surprised to see several whales throughout the store.  In fact, Kimberly pointed out a series of whales an artist carved out of driftwood from different areas of New England. Such a unique idea that would make a great gift…Too bad I forgot to take a picture of them.

Sailboats, American flag and coastal items on shelves

 

Needless to say, I had the best time browsing through the store and chatting with the design manager.  She told me that people travel from across the country just to shop in the store.  I can totally understand why.  With the popularity of The Little Shop, the merchandise changes often.  Already, I’m thinking about my next trip there to see what’s new!

Framed book cover of Country House Style on wall

My Purchases from The Little Shop:

Something vintage and something new…

Of course, I wasn’t going to leave this amazing place without purchasing something!  As soon as I walked in the store that day, I spotted a beautiful vintage tray table.  When I mentioned to the design manager, Kimberly that I was adding green to my home, she suggested the table…so I guess it was meant to be.

Round botanical tray table with black bamboo legs

 

The round tray actually lifts off so I think it will be pretty versatile.  For now, I’ve placed it between my two seagrass chairs in the living room. I love the way it adds character and a little more green to the space for spring and summer.  Over the years, I’ve switched things around in my living room and here is another way I’ve decorated this spot. 

Round botanical tray table between two seagrass chairs

 

To take home more of Nora Murphy’s classic country style ideas, I bought her latest book, Country House Living.  For the past couple of years, I’ve been devouring every page of her first book, Country House Style.  As expected, her newest book is just as lovely!  Kimberly told me that Nora would sign my book if I bring it back next time I visit.  Apparently, she’s often in the store…but not on the day I visited.  Well, I guess I’ll have to go back!

Country House Living book on cane coffee table - Classic Country Style

What a great place to shop!

Classic Country Shopping – Visit The Little Shop:

The next time you’re in southern Connecticut, plan a visit to Nora’s store…

1 Main Street, Chester, CT
Wednesday – Saturday 11 – 5
Sunday 12 – 4
Closed Monday – Tuesday

If you’re not close enough to visit her store, you can shop her website!..

To bring some country house style to your home, visit NoraMurphyCountryHouse.com (where you can also buy signed copies of her books).  Also, visit her Instragram – NoraMurphyCountryHouse where she shares her latest treasures and decorating inspiration!

Have you been to Nora Murphy’s store?

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Classic Country Style Decor - A visit to Nora Murphy's Store The Little Shop

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4 Comments

  1. That is a lovely store! I had not heard of this town before (despite heading to Essex right down the road several times!). When I googled it, I expected to find it at the complete other end of the state.

    1. Yes, I wasn’t familiar with the town either. Now that my younger son goes to college in Connecticut, I will be exploring more!

  2. This looks like so much fun!! I have not read either of her books, but I am very inspired by her style. The table you bought is beautiful, and look perfect where you placed it! Thank you for the link to her website and Instagram account; I am off to do a little shopping myself!!

    1. Yes, it was a fun shopping experience! Definitely check out her website and Instagram. She’s so talented!

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