Thanks SO much, everyone! I am really in love with my kitchen for the first time in 6 years. I made my kitchen custom without having to buy a new home. I'll get back to you on the color of the green (I have the colors in the basement...) I LOVE not having that island. The kitchen was simply too small for an island. It was obtrusive and clustered. I never used it to cook on, so I didn't lose any "prep" space. I felt that I couldn't move in the kitchen before. With two dogs and two kids, it was difficult for me to move when everyone came in to visit. And my loyal labs never leave my side, especially while I'm in the kitchen! I found a great painter who saved me thousands on new cabinets. I love the job he did painting my cabinets. They are awesome. My original cabinets were cherry and they are made by Merrilat--the Classic style. My contractor made the soffit/hood cover. I wasn't thrilled with having to make the two glass cabinets shorter than the rest of the cabinets, but I think his idea turned out quite well. It was the only solution as I had to vent through the top of the corner cabinet and cabinet to the right of the stove. I was so glad I was able to give away the cabinets they tore out to a family who purchased a foreclosure home that had no kitchen. I was able to sell the stove and cooktop to a lovely young couple who were renovating their kitchen and my granite slabs were all in one piece and will be reused in another home. Thanks for the suggestion on the red valance. I'm SO not a curtain kind of girl, though. I'm working on a red rug in front of the sink. Speaking of the sink, it was pretty easy for the contractor to install. It's not undermount; it's flush with the soapstone. I LOVE having one large sink. And I have quickly gotten used to not having a garbage disposal. I couldn't have done it without such awe inspiring kitchens posted on here--especially some posted by boxerpups. Now, let me go and get that paint color for those who asked.

I definitely got some funky rings and watermarks especially in the beginning, but interestingly mostly around the sink, and not other areas. I have Minas, which is pretty soft...and I recently graduated from the oil to the wax because I found the oil dissapated more quickly. I still get some spots around the sink where it comes in contact with soap and that cuts through the wax. My ss was finished to 80 grit...per my (soapstone only) fabricator. I know others here have had it as high as the 300s...but then it can be a 'fussier' finish from what I understand. I have been tempted to take the grit up slightly higher (like maybe 150) to acheive a smoother finish. But I'm a chicken in the end. Not sure about the sticky part - it's especially odd if you used the same product on your other soapstone surfaces. You can definitely let it go gray by using just about any dishsoap and a sponge to remove much of the wax. That would take some elbow grease though! Keep us posted.

I have never oiled my soapstone, which was installed several months ago. The island has remained the same color as it was when it was installed. . The counters were also that color, but they have darkened a bit. I don't really care - I love the variation. Here is the island - in virgin condition.(I don't know why that one spot looks pink - it isn't) at the right, work area towards the sink. You can see that it is darker around the perimeter of the sink. I could lighten it, but can't be bothered. The bit in front of the sink was already dark when it was installed. I think the fabricator had oiled that spot, but who knows? It could just be the stone. Once in a while, to lighten it, I clean it with baking soda and a sponge. But it will never again be as light as the island. As far as I am concerned, the dings (yes, there are already dings) and the varied color are a big "so what?". My soapstone makes me sooo happy...and I don't ever intend to oil it. It will get enough oil from my hands, from food, from the olive oil bottle without my help. Go for it!

Love all your choices. My only suggestion would be to do a different backsplash behind the range because the grooves design will trap the splatters from the cooktop. A stainless steel panel backsplash behind the cooktop which meets the hood will add sparkle and shine, is practical for that area, and is very reasonably-priced. There are also stainless steel backsplashes for behind the range that come in patterns - quilted (for that diner look), tile pattern, all sorts of looks - just google "stainless steel backsplash". Or just do the standard stainless steel panel for simplicity and a clean look. You could also use your soapstone as a panel behind the cooktop. That will look sharp, but add $$$.