Whilst the form of a bust is somewhat outmoded now, there are great ways to make the material work in your home. This table by American designer Billy Cotton is on the list of dreams-never-to-come-true, priced at an eye watering US$38,000, but always to be enjoyed for its elemental minimalism. The juxtaposition of smooth marble with rustic forged bronze, and mirror-finished stainless steel is stunning.



I've been seeing some gorgeous kitchen looks that are making me rethink my Ikea counters and cabinets. This is a great example of how to use the material in a contemporary setting, without compromising the warmth of a family home. Plants soften the cool white and grey tones, and the textured honeycomb metal splashback is a gorgeous contrast.



Similarly, in the bathroom, plants, soft fabrics and vintage accessories such as a chandelier are a combination that brings this ancient material into 2014. Embracing eclecticism and personality renders any room new and interesting, like this bathroom from adoreyourplace.com.



Occasionally seen as ostentatious, marble is now so accessible – it's not all about classical columns and staircases, it can be as simple as a new surface in your bathroom to make it work. This bathroom space and sink found on The Design Chaser is pared back and beautifully serene, with hints of a Japanese influence. The geometric shapes complement each other for a crisp contemporary look.



For more Japanese design, you only have to look at Naoshima, an island in the inland sea 3.5 hours by train from Osaka, for more inspiration. In the outstanding structures by Tadao Ando that form the Bennesse Art Museum and the Chichu Museum are exquisite examples of the use of marble. On a recent trip to the latter space, I was instructed to remove my shoes and change into slippers to walk on the polished, tiny white marble tiles to enjoy the Monet works on display. Every detail has been thought of to experience serenity in true Japanese style.



On a smaller scale, it can work in any home and on any budget. Try accessorising for an on-trend look without the fuss and expense of a full interior overhaul. A clock is an easy way to nod to the trend, and it will work in almost any room. These were found on Trend Land from Menu Danish Design Company. Simple, practical and stylish, they are everything Scandinavian designers do with particular expertise.



Alternatively, a marble tray (this one via Stylizmoblog) can hold candles on a coffee table or condiments on the kitchen bench for a quietly attractive space organiser; and the planter plays with pastel pink, the queen of the sorbets, ensuring you tick off 2 items on the hottest trends for Spring.



The fun thing about the patterning is that it's not restricted to the rock. If you like the idea of playing with marble, try bringing dyed fabrics into your wardrobe. This striking shirt from Mr. Porter is the gentleman's way of asserting style savvy, and the women's top, skirt and jacket is taken from the SS15 London Fashion Week, courtesy of the flair of designer-to-watch, Christopher Raeburn.



And for some more purely decorative ideas, this sculpture is surely appealing to the Australian beach lover. It was created for the Belgian Marbles show produced by the Reena Spaulings gallery in NYC. Image via Remodelista.


On the Rock crystal and Carrara marble glasses by UK designer Lee Broom.

Perhaps part of the appeal, in a time when most people enjoy the idea of resisting conformity in design, is that however hard you try, you will not be able to make exactly the same product twice when using marble, or a marble-effect. Enjoy its hypnotic patterns, its feeling of luxury and incorporate it in a way that fits with your lifestyle, whether it is through the smallest accessory for your bookshelf or for slipper-clad feet in your hallways. And raise a toast, Lee Broom style, to the timelessness of marble.