What do you think the focal point of your bathroom is? Bet you never thought of your bathroom in that way before. If you have company over frequently, decorating your bathroom may not be such a bad idea, after all and the best place to start is the sink. Many homeowners choose to design their entire bathroom around one feature. Often times, it is something like a soapstone sink or the vanity.

The vanity, sink and counter area are the main areas you should pay particular attention to most when designing or remodeling a bathroom. Your bathroom vanity, counters and sink are important parts of your bathroom décor, more so than you believe. You’ll have to make decisions on colors, materials and designs.

If you are going to install a bathroom vanity to coincide with soapstone countertops then you will be spending a little more on the cabinet. End in the end, the price is definitely worth it. A beautiful vanity looks great with a smooth and warm soapstone counter. It truly would be the centerpiece of any bathroom design.

Always do your research. Before you go making any changes or ripping apart your bathroom, it is a good idea to decide what type of cabinet and soapstone counters you want. My advice is to write down a list of what is important to you. Think about details such as how much space you have now compared to how much you would preferably like. How do you want everything to match with one another?

When you are shopping for a soapstone counter or bathroom cabinets, ask as many questions as it takes to make you feel comfortable with your choice.

Don’t forget to shop for any hardware items such as knobs, handles, and faucets. You don’t have to match these to your old themes. You can even start your own theme around the color of the soapstone sink or counter. Some bathroom hardware like door handles can be found in second hand shops or antique stores. Sometimes these older pieces look better than new hardware.

Your budget may be an issue as well when it comes to choosing a bathroom vanity and the accessories needed. Some hardware pieces are available for less than a dollar, but others can cost more. Stick to the budget you came up with and shop around until you find what you are looking for.

Remember, your bathroom is a busy room, so above all you are aiming for the perfect blend of style and functionality.

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.

Many think of it simply as a rock; if they only realized how incorrect they are about this stone. Soapstone is a wonderful material perfectly suited for the interior of a home.  It’s soft and warm to the touch feel makes it a must-have for your kitchen.  Can you picture having a soapstone counter which is smooth, slippery, and silky while also being nothing short of breathtaking?

Soapstone is a traditional and old fashioned natural stone that combines a warm and inviting look with the functionality for today’s modern kitchen. Charming, rustic, and rich soapstone sinks have been used for centuries in our homes. It is a simple and subtle stone giving off a feeling of grounding and harmony.

So, what exactly can soapstone be used for? The question should be where to start?  Soapstone has a multitude of different kitchen uses.  Because of its heat retention, soapstone stoves are big sellers as well as fireplace hearths, wood stoves, masonry fireplaces, and pizza ovens.  You also don’t need to look to hard to find kitchens designed with a soapstone sink, a soapstone counter, island tops, and even soapstone shower stalls. Since, this is such a soft stone, it is very easy to carve and work with. There aren’t too many places in a kitchen where you can’t use soapstone.

Taking one look at the brilliant colors of soapstone counter and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice among new homes.  It’s rich and beautiful, conveying calmness and serenity. What kitchen wouldn’t want that?  The colors range from a light ash gray to smoky blue-grays and even a rich, charcoal black. You’ll find that many soapstone stoves have flecks of green and blue scattered throughout which looks brilliant in contrast to the veins twisting throughout the stone.

You’ll often find a soapstone countertop available in either a honed or matte finish. Since soapstone is a soft stone, a polished or shiny finish is not possible.   Along with being heat resistant for items right out of the oven, like pots and pans, soapstone is also quite stain resistant to hot grease and oil once sealed with a silicone-based chemical. A soapstone counter has a cool polished surface that makes it ideal for rolling out pastry dough.

One last benefit of adding soapstone to your kitchen is its durability.  Soapstone can last many lifetimes if treated with the proper care.  It is a soft stone, softer than other natural stones. However, it doesn’t burn, isn’t porous, won’t stain, and acids won’t etch it, either. If you are looking for a traditional rustic look for your kitchen, take my advice and try soapstone.