Apavisa flooring, available at Artistic Tile
 
  A collection of Lees sustainable rugs

For interior finishes, the au courant material is most definitely marble. The stone is found in such a variety of patterns—from the random gray veining of Carrara to the strong striped appearance of Marmara to the densely figured Travertine—that it suits virtually every aesthetic. A porous material, untreated marble will acquire a soft patina; if that is not compatible with your design style, it must be treated on a regular basis to keep it stain-free. It’s worth noting that before you fall in love with any natural stone, have your architect or builder verify that it is available in the quantity needed. Quarries are subject to the whims and limits of nature, and the supply of a particular stone can occasionally be exhausted.

In high-traffic households where maintaining living stone just is not feasible, an excellent alternative comes in the form of quartz-based surfacing. This durable material does not require sealing to protect against discoloration, and it’s also scratch- and scorch-resistant. It’s available from showrooms and home centers in designs that convincingly mimic granite or marble, as well as in solid colors.

Glass is coming into its own as a counter surface and can be applied to walls, too, creating an eye-catching space. Acid-etching or sandblasting glass panels produces a translucent, slightly textured surface that diffuses light in a modern, appealing way. Polished sheets of tempered glass can be painted on the back side in an original way to add color to a room.

Aboff’s
Transform your home’s interior with a sophisticated palette developed specifically for art collections. The Guggenheim Color line by Fine Paints of Europe replicates hues used in the museum’s galleries and selected paintings. 352 Montauk Hwy., Wainscott, 537-9700; aboffs.com

Artistic Tile
With a striking copper-tinged finish and a unique shape, tiles from Apavisa are sure to spice up any room with their handcrafted look. 1500 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, 516-365-1259; artistictile.com

The Carpetman of Southampton
A lush three-quarter-inch pile height makes the Sonado Brown area rug soft underfoot; woven nylon makes it durable. Karastan’s fresh interpretation of a classic floral motif is suited to a variety of décors. 633 County Road 39A, Southampton, 283-0885; thecarpetman.net

Country Carpet & Rugs
From delicate vines to soothing ocean swells, the natural motifs and rich colors of the What Moves You collection from Lees are echoed by the sustainable sources of the cut-and-loop carpet fibers. 207 Robbins Lane, Syosset, 516-822-5855; countrycarpet.com

Custom Cool
Redefine any room with bespoke luxury carpets and textiles from this Quogue-based firm. Each piece is made in Nepal or India using traditional weaving methods and fair-labor practices. 44 Quogue St., Quogue, 516-413- 6313; customcoolrugs.com

Southampton Masonry
Reconnect with your home’s brick and mortar... or gravel, natural stone, and a variety of pavers. The multi-showroom facility also offers thousands of tile samples ranging from porcelain to glass as well as stunning mosaics. 1540 and 1576 County Road 39A, Southampton, 259-8200; 225B Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton, 329-2300; 338 Montauk Hwy., Wainscott, 537-6353; southamptonbrick.com

Urban Archaeology
Mixing slivers of jewel-like glass tile into an iridescent ikat-like pattern, the Pamir mosaic from New Ravenna Mosaics adds an unabashedly glamorous touch to a backsplash or wall. 2231 Montauk Hwy., Bridgehampton, 537-0124; urbanarchaeology.com