Upgrading the value of your home is easy when using luxurious granite or marble tiles. Not only do they enhance the beauty and enjoyment of your home, but granite or marble floors and countertops also are a "must have" for many people when shopping for a new home. However, the best news is that you can purchase these tiles at your local home improvement store or a flooring business and easily install them yourself; thus saving yourself a significant amount of money.

Exquisite Patterned Floor
When looking for a way to upgrade a small space such as a hall, foyer or floor of a powder room, consider granite and marble tiles. You can use them to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece by selecting various sizes and colors of granite and/or marble tiles that you lay in a pattern. Create the look of a beautiful rug with a solid marble or granite center and a beautiful basket weave or Greek key styled border. Or, you can either make your own or purchase a pre-made decorative floor medallion made of granite and marble tiles that serve as a stunning focal point.

If the above ideas seem to lavish for your needs, the classic checkerboard pattern of black and white granite tiles will always be popular. If you want to add some interest when installing a checkerboard pattern, installing your tile on the diagonal can make a small space look larger, according to HGTV.com
Modern Mosaic Backsplashes
According to HGTV.com, backsplashes used to be a standard 4 inches high and were used to prevent water and grease from damaging the area behind a stove or sink. However, they are now decorative focal points in both bathrooms and kitchens.

One creative idea is to create a mosaic backsplash using random broken marble and granite tile pieces. Not only does this look deliver a high-end designer style, but it also can save you a significant amount of money. When shopping for granite and marble tiles, ask if the store has any broken or damaged tiles that you can purchase at a drastically reduced price. Many times the stores will give you a great deal as most shoppers view these tiles as not usable.

Tile Trivet
Another innovative idea for using granite tile is to take inspiration from one of those "as seen on TV" products---a granite food warmer---and make your own handcrafted version for yourself or to give as a gift. Because granite and marble are excellent conductors of heat, you can heat it in your microwave when you need a trivet that will keep food warm. However, make certain you do not heat your tile for too long and glue on some rubber bumpers so that you do not damage your countertops or furniture. You can also use 100 percent wool felt bumpers.

And according to lumberjocks.com, this can make for great housewarming gift for a friends or family who are remodeling their kitchen. Just politely ask for a single tile, make your trivet with a beautiful wood frame, and return it to them for a trivet that will perfectly match their new countertop.