Materials
The most natural surroundings are created using original materials: solid wood, stone, earthenware and limestone. These are the four pillars on which this style is based. Exposed beams on the roof, structural elements (such as fireplaces and windowsills) made of stone, clay or terracotta floors and limestone covered walls are the most common elements.

But if your house doesn�t have these original elements, you can always try the following tricks:

� When it comes to painting the walls, choose a lime-based or matt plastic-based paint, preferably white. If you like colours, indigo or cherry are the most appropriate shades.
� Make some false exposed wooden beams made from three planks attached to the ceiling (or else ask a carpenter to do it for you). This is a good way of visually lowering the ceilings if they are very high.
� As for the floor, if you can�t put authentic earthenware tiles (which are expensive and require a lot of care), install rustic stoneware or solid wood parquet.

The textiles
You will only find floral textile patterns in the English country. Unless you want to recreate this style, choose smooth textiles made of cotton or linen for your curtains.
� Never place roller blinds; hang the curtains from wooden or forged iron bars, preferably with rings or pegs.
� Use checked or lined tapestries in green, red or the whole range of ochres, including beige and earth colours.
� Attractive side table covers are particularly appropriate to rustic-style living rooms. Choose them to contrast with the other textile materials in the room.

The furniture
The main premise is comfort. A rustic ambience is synonymous with sitting in front of a good fire with a book in hand. The furniture you choose should follow this criteria.
�  Find a large sofa with soft cushions and place over it a woollen cover decorated with coloured squares or a single colour.
� An armchair for reading, a side table and dining table made of oak or chestnut (better solid if you can afford them) with matching chairs are all essential.
� Thick carpets, pictures with vegetable designs, lampshades made of textile materials and objects (stones, tree trunks) found out in the country are ideal accessories.