Watch the shine on the floor. There is a reason for non slip and matte finishes...However, you could easily make a border or a tile pattern insert having an area rug effect/ border, using small tiles that would mix two finishes. Mix it up- it adds depth and another layer of interesting textural possibilities. Marble is very porous and requires sealing once a year- f.y.i. Marble stains- shampoos, perfumes, oils and as we all know- wine.... stains. Try a Corian- that has the same effect and is no maintenance...the man made products are getting more realistic...do not count them out- porcelain tiles are also really great! Ceramic- I hardly use anymore...as ceramic is only a surface colour. I would also try to get a Carrara marble look- white/ gray/ taupe and you are set to accent with whatever you like. Have fun!

for an uptown look- how about a marble mosaic from newravenna.com? or for a funky hipster look- a patterned cement tile with a gloss finish such as our - http://cletile.com/moroccan/handmade-cement-tiles/