Were you aware of the importance of countertops and their influence over the total design of your kitchen?  It’s true. One of the most common reasons a homeowner would remodel their kitchen is due to lack of usable counter space. Remodeling your kitchen with a brand new countertop gives the whole room a facelift.

Since we’re discussing countertops, there are a few qualities you want to pay attention to more than anything else such as a durable surface which won’t stain, a facade that can stand up to heat and something which will over all enhance the surrounding decor.  Also factor in durability, maintenance, and price along with the look, tone, and feel of the material.  Choosing which stone to use can answer some of those questions for you. Choosing between Texas soapstone, granite, or slate, for example, is similar to choosing what type of wood you want for the floors or kitchen cabinets.

Homeowners are quickly discovering the appeal of Georgia soapstone for their countertops and sinks. This is because a soapstone countertop has a more interesting grain than granite. It also has a warmer look and feel which makes it seem more like slate. Soapstone slabs are softer than granite and, unlike granite, are not polished to a high-gloss finish. Instead it has an earthy look and feel that no other solid surfaces can match.

You may not realize it, but California soapstone is a wonderful choice for counter tops. Here are just a few reasons why a soapstone counter can truly last forever:

• It’s non-porous
• Soapstone is a very dense stone that can weigh up to 20lbs per square foot
• It is one of the few stones warm to the touch
• It will not absorb stains or liquids
• Requires no special cleaners
• Not affected by acidic materials and requires no sealing

Because of soapstone’s heat resistant qualities is a no brainer that soapstone stoves also make a perfect compliment to you’re your new kitchen countertop made from the same stone.  Since it is non-absorbent, any spills won’t ruin your countertop. Soapstone cleans easily, especially once a mineral sealer has been applied and unlike other countertop materials, any scratches can be easily removed by buffing with fine steel wool.

If you’ve ever used a product made from soapstone, you’re familiar with the warm feeling it emits and you know that with every use, the soapstone becomes more and more lovely.

Thinking of creating a new patio in your backyard?  You should. A great outdoor living space starts with a perfect looking patio. Planning your deck, garden or patio is the most essential part of any outdoor project.

My advice is to put some of your own personality into your patio design. There is nothing wrong with stepping out the box a little.  Use materials that you normally wouldn’t think of such as flat stones for the patio flooring.  Add vibrant colors with plants and flowers. Add a built in BBQ or soapstone fireplace instead of the portable stainless steel item that everyone else on your street has.  Dare to be different.

The first step towards designing a perfect patio for your home would be to choose the appropriate ground surface. The flooring should try to be in sync with the rest of home’s style.  We are big fans of the concrete flooring to match the soapstone countertop.  It is a functional yet stylish look that more and more home designers are going with.  A patio made of Georgia soapstone tile adds unique beauty and elegance to any outdoor living space.

If you are planning on building an outdoor kitchen to your patio, soapstone countertops are ideal for grill islands, outdoor food preparation and serving areas. California soapstone does not stain and is not harmed by hot pots, citrus, wine, acids or chemicals like other stone materials.  At Dorado Soapstone, we carry an inventory of just about any size soapstone blocks or soapstone slabs you would need to get your project started just in time for your summer cookouts.

Another fun possibility is to acquire unusual garden accents for the patio. These can be found at anywhere from garage sales to estate auctions. An outdoor bench or can be restored and turned into a conversation piece on which to place potted plants. The same is true of old garden tools, such as wheel barrows or rakes. All they would really need is a new coat of brightly colored paint.

It doesn’t take much hard work to get an outdoor dining and cooking space to look like one you would see in a fancy home and garden magazine. You know what that means too, don’t you?  The less time it takes you to design a perfect looking patio means the more time you’ll have entertaining and laughing with your guests.

Decorating your home does not only entail the interior only.  What about your patio? How else are you going to entertain guests during the summer months if you don’t have a patio?  Far too many homeowners forget that their backyards and patios are also extensions of your home and perfect for spending time outdoors and also a great place for quality family time together.

The ideal patio is part functional, with a grill or maybe soapstone stove, and part cozy and inviting thanks to some simple decorating ideas. When you want to dress up your patio, the rule is to try and choose patio accessories which fit your style, purpose and budget. Patio accessories and furniture are available in a wide range of colors, materials, designs, patterns, and pieces.

Try to think of your patio as basically an extension to your home.  I advise homeowners to keep the same theme or design from the interior to the outside, but there is nothing wrong with going for something completely different as a stand alone design. How about creating an outdoor patio with a luxurious feel by adding an outdoor stove or countertop made from California soapstone?

The natural stone of soapstone is a great-looking stone which is more commonly found in the insides homes such as stoves and fireplaces because of its ability to retain warmth.  Minnesota soapstone draws in the heat as the fire is burning and radiates it back out in the surrounding area for hours, even after the fire has gone out. However, fireplaces and stoves aren’t the only place where you may see this stone used outdoors.

If you’re seriously thinking about redecorating your outdoor living area or patio, soapstone blocks make solid pathways and can be handsome additions. Plus, its heat retention abilities come in handy again during the summer evenings.  Any heat gathered by the soapstone during the day from the sun or surrounding air radiates warmth back out as the day begins to cool. I’m sure you’re guests will appreciate a little warmth on a cool night as they are hanging waiting for their hot dogs to cook on the grill.

Basically, it is just as important to make the exterior of your home a real part of your home as you would with the interior. Never overlook the outside of your home. It is after all what people see first.   Besides for all you know, your outdoor patio might just turn out to be your favorite part of your home.