SecondHalf, hi. I meant to answer your RI fabricator question, but now don't see the thread, so I'll post here. We used Minas Granite (though I think they are changing their name to Black Diamond Granite). I know they work with granite and marble, but don't know about soapstone. The owner, Geneci Silva, was very patient, sending us to several stone importers until we finally found the stone we liked. Then he stored it for us until we could get started. Once we were ready for countertops, he was out to template within a few days and the counters were ready within a week. We needed an l-shape with a sink and cooktop cutout + runnels on both sides of the sink. We wanted a curved end to the peninsula part of the L; he and his operations guy spent about an hour with me, laying out how the curves should look for the best appearance. Together we also laid out the counters on the stone (it took two slabs) so that what I thought was the best part of the stone would be in the most visible places. Geneci and the ops guy also listened to what I wanted for the sink cut out and the runnels. That part turned out just perfect. From GardenWeb Photos They are a small operation and don't have high tech equipment, such as lasers for measuring or computer-driven cutting. I don't know how important that is to you. We used some of the remaining granite for a buffet top and for various surfaces for the bathroom that we also were updating. Again, Geneci was very sensitive to time issues and getting the material to us so that the bathroom work was not held up. The company is listed as being in Providence, but the fabrication shop is in Assonet (Exit 11 on Rt. 24). If you'll email me, I'll send you Mr. Silva's phone number.

I don't know about Rainforest Green granite, but I am pairing Turquoise granite with Jucca Soapstone. Turquoise is a pretty uniform mixture of bluish green, black and white so it doesn't have the kind of movement that your Rainforest green has. If there is any way you can find a soapstone at the same place you got the granite, have them place them next to one another so you can get an idea of how they look together. You said you are thinking of a quiet soapstone, so I assume there won't be an issue with too much movement in the soapstone. Just make sure the coloration in both stones works together.

Sorry I missed the questions and thanks for bumping. Marble - It was sold to me as carerra (I never know how to spell it!), but I've been told that's not it, given that its coloring is primarily white and not gray. It has gray and brown veining. Whatever it is, I love it. It is 3cm. It's holding up well, but is developing the patina I expected. We weren't careful on moving day and big, heavy boxes full of kitchen supplies were dragged across the marble (my parents did it; how could I yell, "not on my marble!" when they were so graciously helping us move in?) and there are places where you can see drag marks when the light hits it just so. And DH allowed the A/V installer to use the island top as his work station one day; it's pretty dinged up where he was working. Hubby's response, "You wanted it to have a patina." Well, yes, but not intentionally! No staining yet; a couple of etch marks, but nothing drastic. The biggest shock is that I have a crack in the marble, where I took a heavy stock pot full of a double batch of chili off the Berta, turned around & plopped it on the marble. I don't know if it was the heat, the weight, or both, but CRACK! It's about four inches long running into the marble from the edge. Geez! I don't think marble is normally susceptible to cracking, so I don't know why mine did. Sharp Micro Drawer - We love it. It's the best micro I've had and it's very convenient for us under the counter, though my parents' first comment was , "You know your kids someday will be cooking their toys." Thank you; that's why it has a kid lock. I purchased it online from one of the appliance places that is discussed with frequency on the appliance forum. I don't remember which one ... just who ever had the best price at the time. I would suggest getting the manual open and close. We went with the style that you have to push the button to open and close. That's not intuiative, especially for guests who always grab for the handle. Sink to Fridge - I don't know the measurement offhand and I'm writing from work (shhhh!) so can't run and measure. It doesn't feel cramped to me. There have been times, though, (i.e., Thanksgiving) when I've had too many dirty dishes that I wanted to wash by hand that just didn't fit in that space, so I used the island behind me. Day-to-day it is plenty of room. DH has asked numerous times if he can set up the coffee maker in that space (since it's right next to the fridge, which is right next to the pantry). It would be a very convenient place for the coffeemaker, but I need that space free. The fridge is counterdepth. It's a GE Profile. Love the fridge. We continue to enjoy the kitchen immensely and are cooking more than we ever have!

kimbydewolf - I am considering the same things! I want soapstone on the perimeter and a navy island, so I was trying to figure out what would look best. I thought butcher block with a navy island looked gorgeous. I am also considering pietro de cardosa as an alternative to soapstone and thought about maybe having pietro as an island countertop, but worried that there was not enough contrast between the grey and the navy. I ordered white cabinets. I love color but don't want it all to be blue bc I worry about styles changing. I do think navy is very classic, though. I welcome ideas and thoughts!