By Kathryn Kingsbury
Madison Magazine
Special To Channel 3000

1. Do Over

Recycled glass tiles let you combine an ecological conscience with design flair. Available in just about every color under the sun - from translucent kiwi green to iridescent eggplant - these tiles are tough as nails and easy to clean. Not just for kitchens and bathrooms, the tiles are at home in foyers, around fireplaces, and as edging throughout the home. $20/sq. ft. for flooring and walls; $20-$75/ sq. ft. for countertops and accents. Available at Eco-Friendly Flooring, 441-3265, www.ecofriendlyflooring.com; Tile Art, 2701 Monroe St., 255-8453, www.tileartdesign.com.

2. On Solid Ground

You wouldn't normally think of decorating your house with the stuff sidewalks are made of, but take a look at a cutting-edge concrete countertop or floor and you're likely to experience design envy. Concrete can be cast into almost any form, stained in just about any color, and finished to be as smooth as silk or as rough as a five o'clock shadow. You can even have the designers embed old mementos and objets d'art into the surface. Most concrete surfaces are low-maintenance and easy to clean, and they hold heat in the winter. Prices vary depending on the complexity of the project and usually include installation - countertops average $100/sq. ft. while floors range from $2.20 to $8/foot. Counters: Order through several local showrooms, including Concrete Reality, 608-776-3340; Flooring: Decorative Concrete Systems, 437-8848.

3. Put A Cork On It

The outer bark of the cork oak tree provides the natural beauty of wood plus thermal and acoustic insulation. Because cork absorbs pressure, it's perfect for exercise areas and rooms where you spend a lot of time on your feet. Unlike other wood floors, it is highly resistant to scratches. Good news for the eco-conscious: no trees are cut down to provide cork floors. Harvesters peel off layers of cork from the living tree once a decade, leaving the plant unharmed. Designers have only begun to consider this durable wood for work surfaces. $3 to $8/sq. ft. Available at area showrooms.

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