I think the fade potential comes from two things; whether the color is from natural earth pigments or chemical pigments (earth is the most stable) Where synthetic colorant is mixed with earth pigments is probably where the biggest surprises can happen. And is the vehicle of the paint itself is of the highest quality, is will have more UV blockers and not subject the colorant to as much exposure. The UV resistance fades over time, but front doors seem to get recoated on an accelerated schedule anyway. My anecdote is from the next town over; they painted their imposing brick Victorian city hall a dark wine red, and it has now faded to a dusty plum ! Casey

Thank you mj! I do love to bake and even though it is only the 2 of us I get carried away and then freeze for later :) My soapstone has one tiny chip in it from dropping a glass out of the cabinet. I forget it is there except when I wipe the counter. I have never oiled my stone. It has darkened naturally over time from all the use. I can see the difference as there is a piece of the same stone next to the ovens for a landing zone and it has remained very light. The stone in my sunroom has also remained light w/o oil. My soapstone is Green Mountain and looks exactly like the example on their website. Not many veins . It has proven to be very durable. I love it for kneading bread and rolling out dough as well as pasta etc. I think it is a perfect countertop choice but there are lots of threads here with differing opinions. I do believe that you have to have a quality product/install. Makes all the difference. I hope you will post pics of your baking soon !! c

Hi Mojo, Very nice painting, all are quite lovely. I agree with Jenn on the sponged on yellow background. It looks like you had a white background and then just sponged on the yellow over the white. Try blending the colors on the sponge before sponging on your project. Practice on paper first. Something solid would be more eye catching to bring your look inwards at the beautiful blue bird and flowers. Maybe around the edge of the light blue, a dark blue color as if it were like a matte in a picture frame. Maybe even consider extending your greenery to come down from the top of the window into where it is now and a butterfly or two hovering in the yellow/white area (yes/no??). I love the Chocolatier one, very beautiful. I think the words show up better without the black behind it and again, agree with Jenn as to where it is going to be placed. I think the lace top is perfect. As your words are French, I think the lace adds a French romantic look to it. You are a fantastic painter Mojo, you got what it takes girl. Jenn - I too looked at your site, very beautiful transformations in your furniture and other items. Love that guest tray and purse. I adore that foot stool also. You've done a fantastic job on your projects. Sal

not to throw you a total curve, but the reason the Hawaiians and missionaries used koa, mango, and other exotic woods is because they stand up to the humidity (I'm on Oahu). You see a lot of teak around the island - also used on boats as it does not swell - but its color is lighter - and often more Scandinavian in design. Rattan used a lot and I love the look, but impossible in my mind to keep really clean looking over time as dust and crumbs fall in. Pacific Craftworks on Oahu sells custom cabinets made from mostly darker colored woods in Viet Nam - another tropical place - that should hold up to Hawaii weather (no affiliation) - some looks like mahogany but different wood. We used them in our master bath and the prices weren't bad. The dark woods are traditional but too much can make the room feel heavy. Hawaiian homes were influenced by missionaries from New England, cowboys, Balinese, Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, Europeans, and plantation owners. So we don't have a purely beach feel - the white rattan look is more East Coast. Tropical is the darker, wider strip, rattan. Here it is all about moss rock, exotic woods, flowers, surfboards, waves, turtles, pineapple, dark sea blues and green foliage mixed with white, cream, and woven mats. If you stick to the white (which will look clean, fresh, and airy) make sure they are quality boxes to hold up to the humidity. For the Hawaii vibe decorate with a few koa or monkeypod (less expensive) chairs, coffee table, or a bowl on your counter, bring in the light and the air and avoid kitsch. Your koa fan will tie into those accents. The one you have chosen is very modern looking and I understand that fewer blades (3 to 4) move more air than 5. Traditionally locals used lots of fans to move the trade winds and homes were designed to pull in the trades. Don't fall for a kitschy fan if it doesn't function well. Suggest any fabrics have local tropical flowers (ginger, heliconia) in large, lush prints. Your inspiration Kauai cottage has beautiful accent pillows that illustrate this - the upholstery is beige but the pillows have heliconia and tropical leaves to bring in color.