Style Secret: Textural SurfacesNo stainless steel or minimalist tile here — French country surfaces call for visual depth and wear their imperfections proudly. Cloak the walls in plaster, stucco, stone, or a blend of all three throughout the house. When it's applied with a practiced hand, a thick layer of drywall mud can be a less expensive solution to these pricier materials. If you choose simply to paint the walls, consider a glaze or other treatment that will keep them from feeling flat. For the floors, slate and limestone, natural wood and tumbled earthen tile all strike the right notes.New-world chic: The range hood in this kitchen is covered in tiny mosaic tiles — a riff on convention, but it works because it approximates the rough look of a more traditional French country surface. The raised detailing on the backsplash enhances the sense of dimension.
