Thank you so much Pluckymama. That is a great help (and you are right, they do look great). I am off tomorrow to see a few more slabs of SS (Minas and Beleza) and will take another look at the Nordic Black. The Mumbai Grey SS that I took a sample of is doing the same watermark thing you are experiencing (and wow, the mineral oil only holds for a day at most). Soapstone International has told me it has to do with the finish (which they 400 grit, but that sounded kind of crazy considering). As I was thinking about the watermark issue, I just wondered if anyone has tried carnuba wax? I say this because it is used on cars (stay with me), and on the glossy coating of candy (like M&Ms). My thinking? Food grade, OK. And if it buffs to the point that it protects car exteriors, it is obviously durable.

Waynette, Home Depot will be initiating such a data storage system in a few weeks. It always has had the option to store your data if you requested it, however, in the near future, all sales will be recorded by your phone number. I have no problems with BM products other then there high prices. During my 4 decades of contracting, BM was my primary paint company. BM has high prices, as does SW, but at least BM gets high ratings from the national rating companies, something that SW does not always. I always consul those contemplating having work done, to ask the contractor to state exactly which paint he intends to use. DO NOT simply accept SW or BM, but ask specifically what label he intends to use. All the major manufacturers make really good paint, but they also make that infamous "contractor grade" stuff that so many new homes get stuck with. THEN CALL THE PAINT STORE and ask where on the quality scale his paint stands. If he is not using top of the line paint, find another painter. He is looking out for his bottom line, not the quality of your paint job! AT least as far as residential work goes, the price of the paint is only a few percentage points of the total bill. You are paying for labor. Hopefully, honest, quality labor. During my contracting years, I was selling a complete service. The cost of the paint and getting it to your house was part of my service and included in the bid.. Often, a BM color fan would be left with the customer for them to choose colors in advance, or at least get an idea of what they might want to use. Finally, be wary of any painter who asks for money up front. If he doesn't have good credit standing down at the paint store, he is living close to the edge. NEVER make final payment until you are completely satisfied.

@celerygirl thank you so much! it's nice to have a visual. too bad you can't see my front door but the color is polo blue by benjamin moore. Do you tink it's a good idea to paint the window trims in polo blue?

I think people go to Ruggables.com. I've used local places as there is Ikea and a lot of furnishings stores w rug departmnts and good deals on runners/mats etc. I would get an Asian motif w multiple colors and a pleasing pattern. You dont have to get the "real thing" in silk/wool...these are found in durable polypropylene blends . Otherwise a green tone to blend with white cabs/black handles and red toned stain on the floor. dont worry about matching the counter .....Home Depot website offers many sizes in lots of options and you can pick up at store..and easily returnable if you dont care for it. This should not be that difficult.