COOL TO THE TOUCH: 7 DECORATIVE PIECES IN WHITE MARBLE

It's cool, icy surface makes marble a  material of choice these days, for it embodies the natural world and beauty that goes along with it. Both functional and decorative objects benefit from the stone that looks modern and timeless all at once. Ahead, some picks to lighten your living room and kitchen and keep you feeling and being cool.

Photo courtesy of Made Goods

Photo courtesy of Made Goods

A beautiful lotus blossom shape makes Made Goods marble bowl and enticing centerpiece. When filled with a low arrangement, its shape really shines.

Photo courtesy of Gracious Style

Photo courtesy of Gracious Style

Classical lines on Alexa Hampton's urn-shaped Burt Table Lamp for Visual Comfort give it the ability to sit well in a traditional space that calls for some interesting forms

Photo courtesy of Steven Alan

Photo courtesy of Steven Alan

It's nonagram shape makes me love this marble trivet from Fort Standard.  It has just the right amount of fanfare, and I would even consider leaving it out for a sculptural moment. 

Photo courtesy of Garde

Photo courtesy of Garde

One of the chicest "warm modern" stores around, Garde in LA carries really unique finds from a global viewpoint. Take, for example, Michael Verheyden's small marble tray with high sides.  Its pared-down design is great for depositing "stuff" by the front door.

Photo courtesy of Tom Dixon

Photo courtesy of Tom Dixon

The beloved British designer Tom Dixon keeps on churning out the hits. When his heavy-on-the-brass accessories range launched, he set even more design hearts on fire. His Mortar and Pestle of marble and brass deserves a permanent place on the counter, for it is a work of art unto itself.

Photo courtesy of West Elm

Photo courtesy of West Elm

As the ideal surface for serving cheese, West Elm's mixed material mango wood and marble pedestal stand provides presence and height. 

Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel

Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel

Get the added surface area from a bi-level serving Rigsby piece from Crate and Barrel. Marble slabs supported by an iron frame provide the piece with the ability to serve small and large hors d'hoeuvres