There is a new trend in interior design and it is soapstone. Designers have once again started installing this dark gray stone in kitchens again in the form of soapstone counters, sinks and stoves. A nice alternative to other stones, such as granite and marble, soapstone more to offer and is popular with homeowners looking for something different.

There are two common varieties of this useful stone. Artistic soapstone, too soft for most home-related projects, is used more in sculptures and art. Then there is architectural grade, which is the type of stone used for interior design projects. Did you know that the ancient Sphinx of Egypt is made of soapstone and has withstood time and weather for thousands of years.

There are a number of benefits of soapstone which make it so requested. This is due to its inert nature and its resistance to stains, water and chemicals or germs. When it comes to good kitchen hygiene, you can’t get much better than a soapstone countertop. As a matter of fact, it is probably the most stain-resistant and easy to maintain surface in your home. Its heat resistance coupled with its ability to block stains makes soapstone a highly desirable material to put in your home.

Caring for and maintaining kitchen items made from this practical stone such as soapstone sinks, is actually quite easy since almost nothing penetrates its surface. There are several maintenance options, depending on your preference:

• Let the natural patina of your soapstone mature over time. You can get away with doing nothing more than keeping the surface clean and germ free.
• You have the option of applying a mineral oil periodically, approximately ever four to six weeks. This keeps the finish of your soapstone countertops lustrous. The color does not change as dramatically over time.
• Apply a stone sealer to your soapstone counter. Soapstone is inert, meaning nothing will penetrate the surface. Sealers have less of an effect on it than with marble and granite. However, depending on the sealer, it can alter the color of the stone and keep it looking dark and lustrous for several years without the need of applying mineral oil. Other sealers can leave the natural color but still provide the benefit of not needing mineral oil.
• If your soapstone counter is scratched, you only need some sandpaper to repair it. Deep scratches require rough sandpaper like 80 grit. Work your way up to 220 and finally to 300 to 400 grit until the surface matches your original soapstone finish. For less severe scratches you can typically just use the smoother 300 or 400 grit sandpaper to polish the surface and remove the scratch.

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.