A few ideas for updating countertops, backsplash, flooring and more.

Though each tile can shine on its own (with foil accents), Luminous Beam marble mosaic tiles can be arranged in four different patterns, including chevron, burst, square and diagonal stripe.

Stafford Tile & Stone, 5234 Magazine St., New Orleans, (504) 895-5000, staffordtile.com. Luminous Beam Calacatta tile by AKDO, call for pricing and details.

Created using natural quartz aggregates, organic pigments and enhanced polymer resins, Caesarstone countertops are nonporous, making them resistant to scratches, stains, cracks, chips, mold and mildew.

Singer Kitchens, 231 N. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, (504) 486-0067, singerkitchens.com. Caesarstone quartz countertops; call for pricing and details.

Inspired by the exotic wood of New Zealand, this porcelain floor and wall tile captures the natural beauty of wood in a thoroughly modern way.

Lowe’s, lowes.com. Artmore Tile Peruvian Collection porcelain wood look tile, $6.79 per square foot.

For a countertop in need of repairs, this refinishing kit offers a new way to cover over laminates, wood, MDF and particle board — for a durable, semi-glossy stone surface.

The Home Depot, homedepot.com. Daich SpreadStone Countertop Refinishing Kit, $125.

Quicker and less expensive than installing real tile, an adhesive backsplash can give you a pretty, low-commitment and often reversible upgrade to a kitchen or bathroom wall.

Amazon, amazon.com. In Home peel-and-stick faux marble hexagon tile (2.6 square feet), $26.99.

Botanical accents set the mood for summer.

Add a little extra cool to your table with dining chairs in hues of blue and green. 

Place setting ideas to make your tabletop even more welcoming.

Chandeliers and pendants will give your space heightened appeal.

News Tips: newstips@theadvocate.com

Other questions: subscriberservices@theadvocate.com