From the Floors Up

Frequently Asked Questions About Soapstone Countertops

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Soapstone is a naturally mined stone often used as a countertop solution. This quarried stone comes in a variety of color, hardness, and purity. It is typically dark in nature and adds warmth to the atmosphere where it is installed. Lower talc soapstone is used for countertops. It is an extremely dense and nonporous natural stone. It is nearly impossible for stains to penetrate this countertop. But if you are a little unfamiliar with soapstone countertops and want to learn more, you came to the right place. Keep reading to see all of the FAQ’s we receive about soapstone countertops.

Do I Need to Seal My Soapstone Countertops?

Unlike granite and marble, this natural stone is nonporous. It is not recommended to seal soapstone. However, it is recommended to oil your soapstone-this can allow the aging process to look more natural throughout the entire countertop.

Can Soapstone Scratch?

Yes, soapstone can scratch. Avoid cutting directly on your countertops and use a cutting board. Typically, you can add mineral oil to hide scratches. If the scratch is deep, you can sand your soapstone to remove it. Then reapply your mineral oil to have consistent aging throughout the stone.

Is Soapstone a Good Countertop?

Yes! Soapstone has many benefits that other natural stones simply do not have. It is nonporous, which means it will not stain and needs less maintenance. Unlike marble, it is also not prone to etching with acidic cleaners or foods. Soapstone is extremely dense, making it difficult to chip or break. Though it can scratch, it can be repaired. Also, the density of the stone makes it anti-microbial, and bacteria will not reside on your countertop.

How Do I Clean My Soapstone Countertops?

Soapstone is very simple to clean because it is nonporous. Simply use soap and warm water to clean. You can use a sponge or a dishrag to wipe down your surface. The antibacterial factors will prevent foods from creating unwanted bacteria on your countertop. You can never apply to much mineral oil as well. If you want to add mineral oil, simply apply with a rag evenly over the counter.

Soapstone is a low-maintenance and high-performance countertop that looks terrific in any home. While it may not have the variety and color of granite or marble, this stone comes with many added benefits. If you have more questions about soapstone countertops, let us know in the comment section. For more insight on other countertop solutions and maintenance, make sure to subscribe.

Small Apartment Living Bathroom Décor Ideas

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One of the dilemmas that apartment renters face is personalizing their space. You want your apartment to feel like home, but without your personal touch, it just feels like a housing situation. Some rooms, like the living room and bedrooms, are large enough to allow you to add some creative flair. However, most leases will limit you on what you can do to your space. With paint and flooring not typically being investments that you can do, you need to begin to think more creatively. Yet, smaller areas, like bathrooms, can be very challenging to add that creative flair. If you want to tailor your space to you, here are three rent-friendly tricks you can add to your space to make it more like home:

Shower Set

Having a matching shower set can be an easy way to give some style to your bathroom. Find a set with matching towels, face clothes, and bathmats for a consistent look. Plus, they can come in all shapes and sizes. A uniformed look in your bathroom can show you care about your space and take pride in it.

Shower Curtain

To take your bathroom to the next level, find a shower curtain that best expresses you. There are tons of fun designs and great patterns. Just select a shower curtain that helps set the overall theme of your bathroom, whether it be woodland animals or florals, your bathroom curtain to set the tone for the whole space.

Minimal/Functional Décor

In smaller spaces, less is more. Your best route to go is incorporating functional décor pieces. Get matching trash cans, toothbrush holders, and soap dishes to help enhance your design while staying functional. Adding function to your décor can allow them to serve more than just an aesthetic purpose. If you want to go a step further in your apartment, you can even change your outlet covers and drawer handles. Just remember to save the originals and switch them back out before you move.

Do not let a rental property prevent you from expressing yourself. Simple investments can go a long way in the grand scheme of things. What elements do you incorporate in your bathroom? Can you think of other tricks to use? Let us know below in the comment section and for more tips, make sure to subscribe!

How to Correctly Use Accent Lighting

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There are three types of lighting to use in your home: ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. While all three are very important when designing your space, accent lighting has a special place among the three. Accent lighting is used to highlight focal points in the environment. It can be used more than once in a room and helps create the room’s ambiance. Knowing how to use accent lighting correctly is vital to enhance your rooms theme and overall aesthetics. Here are three rules of thumb to remember when applying accent lighting:

Accent Light Your Focal Points

Accent lighting’s primary purpose is to highlight points in the room. Your accent lights will attract attention, so make sure you are drawing it to the right areas. Giving a room more visual impact through accent lighting can allow your focal point to become a strong influence in the room. A solid, well-lit focal point is a key element to any interior design theme.

Apply Backlighting and Recessed Lighting

When lighting is recessed or backlit, it creates a level of a mystic-this ambiance is great for adding subtle yet practical accent lighting in your room. Backlight behind pictures, cabinets, entertainment stands, and television. Add recessed lights in your room on dimmers to help make the lighting adaptable throughout the space.

Less Is More

Going overboard on accent lighting can take away from the power they have to offer. While accent lighting is good, less is more. Know how to apply dimmers to help enhance the space. Your ambient lighting should be used to illuminate the room and to make a dramatic impact.

Incandescent Lighting

While fluorescent lighting is great for lasting longer, it is not ideal for accent lighting. The true, warm color incandescent light has to offer may be more beneficial for your room; however, this comes down to application. In some areas of the home, even LED can make powerful backlighting and help the design. Make sure you consider what lighting option is best for your home.

Use accent lighting in your home to enhance your space. The more you can nail this down, the more powerful your design will become. For more insight on interior design, make sure to subscribe.

How to Maintain and Clean Your Countertops

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If you are anything like us, once you invest in your countertops, you want to get the most out of them. Your countertops’ longevity is directly correlated with your maintenance and upkeep. Since not all countertops are created equal, no “one” remedy handles everything, but knowing how to clean each type of countertop will help you get the most out of your investment. To help, we explored different countertops and various remedies to help you keep them clean and lasting as long as possible. Let’s take a look!

Laminate

Laminate is a great, affordable countertop solution used in many homes today. The surface is nonporous which makes it easy to clean. It will not need to be sealed or refinished like some countertops. A simple way to clean laminate is with a homogenous blend of water and vinegar. You can use this to get the shine to come back. To remove dirt, simply wipe with a rag to remove debris.

Granite

Granite is a durable, gorgeous countertop option. If you have granite, cleaning it is essential. Try to avoid glass cleaners regularly because this can dull the shine in the counter. You should consider having your countertop sealed annually. Depending on the countertops’ use, you may need to have frequent sealings. Granite is a natural element, and it can be stained. Try to remove spills immediately to prevent penetration into the countertop.

Quartz

Like granite, quartz countertops are very durable; however, they are more flexible. This is an added benefit making the surfaces hard to chip or crack. Because quartz is non-porous, you do not have to seal them. Quartz is a very low-maintenance countertop solution, and it should be noted that direct sunlight can cause discoloring. If you have the opportunity to block UV rays with blinds or shades, remember to do so.

Butcher Block

Butcher block countertops are coming back into the market for their natural aesthetic appeal. Butcher block is typically oiled. To clean, remove dirt from your countertops. Pick a food-safe oil but avoid walnut and culinary oils because these can oxidize and build of the surface. If you have a coating on your surface, this should be sanded off before application. Apply a mineral oil and allow it to absorb. You can then add a conditioner as well to prevent cracking to the wood.

All countertops have pros and cons, but you should be able to decide which is best for you and your lifestyle. Remember to consider the maintenance requirements to sustain your countertops for longer. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe.

Nine Ways to Improve Your Master Bathroom

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Master bathrooms can be an escape from the busyness of everyday life. After a long, hard day of work, there is nothing quite like a relaxing bath to help you unwind. If you are looking for ways to create this calming oasis, we have nine ideas to help you improve your master bathroom. Let’s take a look! 

Stunning Chandelier

Set the tone for elegance and luxury with a sparkling chandelier in your bathroom. A chandelier radiates class and beauty while adding to the room’s overall decor. If a chandelier is not within your budget, try to make all of your light fixtures match. It is a simple and less expensive way to add luxury without breaking the bank.

Gorgeous Tile Work

There is no doubt that tile can transform an entire space. Adding beautiful tile to your master bathroom can transform it into a luxurious retreat. If it is within your budget, consider adding heated tile floors. Imagine the indulging warmth your feet will feel as they step out of the bathtub.

Nature’s Appeal

Plants can bring life and beauty to any space. Be sure to buy some fresh flowers and plants to place around your master bathroom for a chic look.

Delicate Features

When you are selecting your fixtures for the bathroom, look for delicate designs. Swirls and curved handles can add a touch of simple elegance to your space while being decorative enough to add style.

Skip on Wallpaper

Instead of using wallpaper, consider adding a rich, deep color to your bathroom walls. Navy blue or plum purple are colors of elegance and royalty. A master bathroom with these colors takes charge and allows the homeowner to get creative.

Elegant Color Palette

While choosing a color scheme, be sure that all of your colors are harmonious with one another. Limit yourself to three colors during the design process. Also, make sure that one of the three colors is a neutral tone. If you are looking for extra elegance, you may want to consider doing your entire bathroom in black and white.

Extra Storage

Having extra storage in your bathroom can instantly improve its functionality and usefulness. Try hanging a cabinet above your toilet to store your toiletries for optimal storage. Plus, try and keep your countertops clean for a well-kept look.

Go Vintage

Claw-foot tubs and antique mirrors can be the finishing touch that your master bathroom has always needed. Search vintage thrift shops and discover unique finds that you can use in your master bath.

Treat Yo’Self

Maximize on your bathroom’s relaxation by adding spa-like features into the space. Dim lighting, candles, and relaxing music can be just what your bathroom always needed.

What are your thoughts? How do you feel about these upgrades for your bathroom? Let us know below in the comment section.

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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