I planted Sea Holly from seed, thought it looked nice in the picture, and of course, the name, Sea Holly, sounded nice. I was standing near the flower bed where I had planted it, one day, and I thought, did an animal die under my giant hosta, or something? Couldn't figure it out, until I finally went over and smelt the Sea holly, OMG, it really stunk. And it's not that pretty either, I'll soon be getting rid of it, I hope!

I wish I could change the name of this thread I started three weeks ago! I would call it "New countertop Loving it!" Its been ten days since I posted the first photos and revealed the identity of my stone. I got to enjoy it for only a few minutes on a gray day before the contractor enveloped it in butcher paper so work could continue around it. On Wednesday evening I prepared to celebrate Thanksgiving by unveiling the stone. Since then I have enjoyed many happy hours with it. NYC has been blessed with a sunny holiday, and the stone is even more beautiful in a kitchen drenched with sunlight. It also photographs better, though the green still looks washed out. Ive posted new photos, including some close-ups. Cloud_swift predicted I would be even happier with my stone after living with it a while. In fact, it grows on me by the hour. To walk into the kitchen now is literally thrilling. I never know what to expect, as it changes with the light, always surprising me with how blue it is, but sometimes more green, sometimes reminiscent of stainless steel, and as the light fades, quieting to a rich dark gray. Aunttomichael -- "soapstone lover" -- got it exactly right: the effect is both serene and intense (which I think is true of soapstone as well.) Before this experience I knew literally nothing about stone. Now I learn from Theresab1 that Im a member of the (very exclusive!) "Azul Macaubas Club" though I agree with Cloud_swift (she of the glorious azul do mar) who calls it the "Quartzite from Brazil Club." While my stone is indeed quartzite from Brazil, I, like Mindstorm, find it hard to believe it shares the same name as Theresab1s amazing stone, which Mindstorm describes as "almost onyx-like in its translucent whiteness with streaks of blue" As she notes, mine is nothing like that! Not at all white or even light-colored. Its predominantly blue with a lot of pale green. In a single slab, the blue ranges from a deep, rich blue to greenish-blue to pale blue to deep lavender a shade Cloud_swift noted in azul macaubas slabs she saw. The only photos Ive seen of anything similar were a variant called Azul Imperial. Theres a lot of interesting information at www.bluemacaubas.com. The most important thing Ive learned, though, is that you dont choose a stone by its name unless you are willing to settle for an arranged marriage!

I think it was the most recent episode of fixer upper where chip used a power chisel to remove "hand scraped" engineered hardwood from concrete. He said it was a most dreaded task. You're not the only one who doesn't like that style. I'd bite the bullet and remove them now with something less trendy with more longevity--medium tone oak, perhaps. Absolutely no grayed out wood tones or youre right back here in 5-10 years.

Nothing will make it "right" . Big deal......a circular entry. The walls defined it! and EVEN if you do something to call attention to the floor? That is too large and not well done. It's an example of why we say: Design is editing.......: ) As in do you NEED it? Maybe not lol You need "grandeur" To pull off grandeur. That most resembles the shower floor in a lake house. I'd have my sledge out soon.. I can say it would drive me nuts.