Just in case anyone checks back I think I found what I love the most. A really nice girl at United Tile helped me out so much. I almost gave up going there because I never got much help. Anyhow, she let me take home sample boards that have been grouted. I can't believe how much this has helped my decision. My mom and dad came over, bless them as they came over ASAP, and right when they walked in they said "that's the one" pointing to the Walker Zanger polished calacatta. They said it just does so much for the kitchen and I totally agree. The 4x12 samples I have are honed which I thought I liked but much prefer the polished as it adds some warmth. I almost threw out the idea of marble. Thank goodness I had a free day to drive to this store! And the girl said if I know a contractor I'll get contractor's price-my brother is a contractor! Yeh! In these picks you will see beveled subway (my 2nd choice), thassos marble (a little too plain), glass subway (way to contemporary now that I see it grouted and too much shine), and the calacatta is the one with the most veining. I sure hope this helps anyone else out there with soapstone unsure of what to do. beveled subway (left) calacatta (next to beveled) glass far right (too glossy and more blue in person-very cold) thassos to the left

I love the furniture you've picked out. It will look bright and cheery and just the feeling of the inspiration pics you've posted in your other threads...once you paint! Paint the darn room already! :) My last house had muddy mauve and no natural light (houses on three sides and a big porch on the other). As soon as I painted, it changed everything. Even my mood was better. And if you have a front porch, I suggest you paint the porch ceiling blue. It made a big difference looking out my window and seeing Martha Stewart's Porch Ceiling Blue. Almost as good as being able to see the sky. :) Let your room evolve. Don't feel like it has to be "done" right away. Take your time finding art and accessories that you love. You're doing great and you're going to have a lovely space to enjoy.

it's so gorgeous, isn't it? i will make a few changes for my home, such as we are considering leaving off the center doors, since this will be the main dish cabinet. also i may add lower cabs and use my antique marble slab as a counter, with shelves above it for the dishes. i already know what i'll be putting in those shadow box side doors, and it will not be mono chromatic. still, the doors and cabs will be a cream colour to go with the marble, and the preimeter cabs around the kitchen will be darker with a lighter counbter. i love jerusalem gold limestone and would love to use that for counters, but the fragility of it worries me. i'm very pleased with my design, now to work on colours and materials--the fun stuff!! thanks for your encouragement, i must elarn to upload pics--it's the terminology which baffles me.

I take the photo with my iPhone, than to put it up on the forum I use the Photobucket app from the app store ( you do need a photo bucket account which is free if you don't have one already). It let's you upload the photos and if you click on the the little "I" it shows you the codes to post your photos. You need to copy the HTML code. Then you can come on to the forum and paste the code in you message and your photo should be showing. I use the preview to make sure the photo shows. Hope that helps. :)