French cottage design is characterized by simple, functional forms with an emphasis on natural materials like stone, wood, and thatch. Typical features include steeply pitched roofs with deep overhangs to protect against rain, plaster or whitewashed walls, small windows placed high on walls to let in light while preserving warmth, and floors of stone, brick or tile. Interior spaces in French cottages tend to be small and divided into defined areas for cooking, eating and sleeping rather than wide open concept layouts.