We’re seeing designs rich in natural materials. It’s a trend that will continue. Most people select either marble or porcelain in large 24 inch-by-24-inch tiles that they can lay close together and make the grout lines disappear. They’re choosing these materials for the Mediterranean, earthy kind of feel that you can get with soft-toned, tumbled marbles like travertine and saturnia. These come in light beige, creamy milk tones. They have a buffed rather than polished finish and offer a really clean look. The larger pieces are laid on the diagonal. The kitchens open onto the dining rooms and family rooms and the marble continues throughout the house, creating a nice, big open room feeling