Category: Home

Garden State Soapstone ™ and Your Home

Garden State Soapstone ™’s Home Blog:

If you’re making changes to your home, the first stop should be Garden State Soapstone ™. We specialize in natural stone countertops, as well as tiling, backsplashes, and fireplaces. Our inventory contains numerous varieties of soapstone, slate, wood, and marble. Customers may choose their own slab, and visit our showroom to learn more.

Check out our blog for more tips on home renovations, remodeling, and maintenance.

Serving NJ, NYC, NY, in addition to surrounding areas in PA, DE, MD, and CT. Visit us at our North Brunswick showroom.

Thank you for choosing Garden State Soapstone ™!

Enhancing Northeastern Patios: Balancing Pest Control and Beneficial Insects

Tuesday July, 2023

Creating a harmonious outdoor space involves not only aesthetic considerations but also addressing the presence of pests like mosquitos and wasps. However, it is equally important to encourage beneficial insects that contribute to a healthy ecosystem. We hope you’re enjoying your outdoor oasis this summer, so here are some tips to control pests while protecting… Continue reading Enhancing Northeastern Patios: Balancing Pest Control and Beneficial Insects

Fall Must-Haves for Your Kitchen

Thursday October, 2022

With shorter days and busy school schedules, fall is when everyone wants to relax and get their homes ready for winter. Beautiful weather has us dreaming of foliage road trips and spending time outside in cozy layers. If fall is your favorite season, make sure you’re including these things in your kitchen for a full … Continue reading Fall Must-Haves for Your Kitchen

5 Tips to Prep Your Home for The Holidays

Tuesday October, 2022

The holiday season can be an excellent time to make new memories with loved ones. Still, it can be stressful if you’re unprepared and disorganized (or have a judgmental aunt that will check for any sign of dust). You won’t have to spend hours doing damage control when you should be having fun if you… Continue reading 5 Tips to Prep Your Home for The Holidays

Start Getting Organized for Back to School

Tuesday September, 2021

Back to school season is here, and you might be attempting to reorganize the mudroom or kitchen once again. This year, think of ways you can simplify your organization instead of adding more components that won’t be used. Work with your family’s habits, when possible, instead of forcing a routine that doesn’t fit your daily… Continue reading Start Getting Organized for Back to School

4 Things to Consider for Your Outdoor Renovation

Wednesday June, 2021

It’s time to get outdoors and maximize your space at home! Once the weather warms up, everyone in the NJ, NYC, PA, DE, MD and CT area remembers how much they love being outside! Take advantage of the entire season with an easy-to-maintain outdoor patio built with VALONGO BLACK™ slate tiles, soapstone or slate counters… Continue reading 4 Things to Consider for Your Outdoor Renovation

Spring Organizing for Your Kitchen

Tuesday May, 2021

It’s almost summertime, and you’ve probably done your spring deep clean of your kitchen. Make your summer a little simpler by organizing a few areas of your kitchen, too. Then you’ll be ready for all the fun home cooking and outdoor grilling summer brings! Organize Your Appliances Even if you cleaned inside and outside your… Continue reading Spring Organizing for Your Kitchen

Get Your Dream Farmhouse Kitchen with Soapstone

Tuesday April, 2020

If you’re considering a farmhouse style kitchen in your home, soapstone creates the perfect rustic texture you’re looking for. In fact, when you scroll through images of “farmhouse kitchens,” you’ll see several soapstone counters and sinks throughout. What elements of the farmhouse style makes it a perfect match for soapstone? Large, Apron-Front Sink When you… Continue reading Get Your Dream Farmhouse Kitchen with Soapstone

Non-Toxic Cleaners for Your Home

Wednesday April, 2020

When you install soapstone countertops in your home, you eliminate the need for harsh sealants and cleaners. Are you ready to move away from these cleaners in other aspects of your cleaning routine? Pull together a few simple ingredients to protect even your bathroom from bacteria and soap scum. Vinegar & Baking Soda: Powerful Cleaners… Continue reading Non-Toxic Cleaners for Your Home

Going Green in 2020: Sustainable Kitchen Resolutions

Tuesday January, 2020

No matter your stance on environmental issues, we can all see the benefits of a greener, healthier home. What better time to start than 2020? Set your home up for success and efficiency in the new year (and new decade!) with these simple tips. 1. Remember Reusable Shopping Bags If you’re sick of shopping bags… Continue reading Going Green in 2020: Sustainable Kitchen Resolutions

Prepare Your Kitchen for the Holidays

Monday November, 2019

The holiday season is easily the busiest time of year for most families. Between Thanksgiving, school concerts, and corporate holiday parties you might feel like you’re not getting a lot of time at home. But you’re probably spending some time in the kitchen. Whether you pull out the baking supplies to make cookies for your… Continue reading Prepare Your Kitchen for the Holidays

The Rise of Mixed Materials in Modern Kitchens

Saturday October, 2018

The new millennium has brought with it a penchant for mixed materials, as much in fashion as in interior design. Uniform and cold minimalism have given way to an era of greater expressivity, in which styles and materials are freely blended for greater vivacity. The warmth of wood has made a big comeback, but once… Continue reading The Rise of Mixed Materials in Modern Kitchens

Slate Countertop Guide: Care and Maintenance

Friday August, 2017

Slate Countertop Guide: Care and Maintenance As a natural stone, slate is one of the easiest countertop materials to maintain. For those of you considering slate, we’ve compiled some important information as a slate countertop guide. On the Surface Unlike marble and granite, slate does not need to be sealed. However, organic oil can polish… Continue reading Slate Countertop Guide: Care and Maintenance

Press Release: Slate Countertops in Homes Across NJ, NYC

Friday May, 2017

Slate Countertops Appear in Homes Across New Jersey The latest slate news from Garden State Soapstone ™. North Brunswick, NJ – As the centerpiece to a kitchen, countertops reflect a unique part of a home. More frequently, homeowners are moving towards natural stone when renovating their homes. Jay Tauber, of Garden State Soapstone ™ in… Continue reading Press Release: Slate Countertops in Homes Across NJ, NYC

Natural Home Design in 2017

Monday January, 2017

Home Design in 2017 Natural is Back As 2017 gets into full swing, home design trends move towards functionality, minimalism, and natural materials. On Improve Net, natural stone makes the list again, along with butcher block countertops. Soapstone: Your Go-To Soapstone has repeatedly been named as a go-to material lately. We’ve mentioned the history and… Continue reading Natural Home Design in 2017

Why Homeowners Need to Know About Soapstone

Thursday December, 2016

Soapstone is the Perfect Material for Homes Soapstone is becoming more and more common for households. It’s a natural stone that seems to fit perfectly with every style and every design. Neutral tones with subtle veining characteristics add an element of timeless elegance that doesn’t draw attention to itself, but never goes unnoticed. Because no… Continue reading Why Homeowners Need to Know About Soapstone

Why Slate Countertops? 10 Facts

Thursday August, 2016

When it comes to countertops, slate is growing in popularity. It’s no surprise: slate is a consumer-friendly, natural stone that’s quarried locally. With a variety of colors from grey and green to red and mottled purple, it presents a wide range of selections for home renovations. Here are 10 facts about slate countertops you should… Continue reading Why Slate Countertops? 10 Facts

Home Tour: New York City Soapstone

Thursday August, 2016

Renovating Your Home with Soapstone: New York City Last week, we took a tour of homes throughout New Jersey. However, Garden State Soapstone ™ beautifies homes beyond the Garden State. We’ve served customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic, from Connecticut to Maryland. This week, we’ll take a tour of homes in New York City, updated with soapstone… Continue reading Home Tour: New York City Soapstone

Tour: New Jersey is all about Soapstone

Saturday July, 2016

Improve your Kitchen with Soapstone: New Jersey Tour Garden State Soapstone ™ has improved homes throughout New Jersey, New York City, and Pennsylvania. Those who have been following us for a while know that we’ve recreated kitchens with slate, marble, and wood, but it’s our soapstone that makes us special. This week, we’re inviting you… Continue reading Tour: New Jersey is all about Soapstone

Maintaining Marble in your Kitchen

Saturday June, 2016

Marble In Your Kitchen Marble is beautiful and timeless. It brings a soft elegance that brightens up any room. Plus, the growing interest in texture has lead to an increased demand for honed, long-lasting, natural stones. Many of our clients are wary that this material might be difficult to maintain. Though it’s one of the… Continue reading Maintaining Marble in your Kitchen

Soapstone and Glass Knobs: Sustainable & Decorative

Tuesday March, 2016

New: Soapstone & Glass Knobs We’re so excited about our new soapstone knobs that we had to write a blog post. If you’ve been thinking about adding soapstone to your home, soapstone knobs are a great place to start. Or, if you already have soapstone anywhere in your home, show it off with these knobs.… Continue reading Soapstone and Glass Knobs: Sustainable & Decorative

Heart of the Home

Friday November, 2015

No matter how big or small, every home needs a kitchen. The kitchen sets the tone for the rest of the home. It provides experiences for anyone who enters and uses the space. It’s the median place of congregation for family, roommates, friends. Even the beloved family pet knows where to go to get fed.… Continue reading Heart of the Home

Soapstone Video: Template & Install

Sunday November, 2015

New Video from Garden State Soapstone ™ Check out our newest soapstone video: featuring countertop removal, template, and installation for a home in Monroe, NJ. Garden State Soapstone ™ Video: Learn More Have a question about soapstone? Contact Garden State Soapstone ™, Slate & Wood Countertops.

‘Tis the Season (For New Countertops)

Sunday November, 2015

The Perfect Time for New Countertops It’s November 1st. Halloween is barely over. What’s the rush, right? Wrong! ‘Tis the season for new countertops. If you’re giving the gift of countertops for the holidays, act now. Here’s how: Send us your project details (Dimensions, Layout, Location) Schedule a visit to learn more Choose your material… Continue reading ‘Tis the Season (For New Countertops)

A Survey of Renovations

Friday October, 2015

Houzz Survey of Homeowners & Renovations A recent Houzz publication surveyed the percentage of homeowners across generations, their goals for renovations, and the most common renovations. Last year, 58% of surveyed homeowners were renovating. Of course, this says a lot about the clientele on Houzz, but just what are these renovation trends? Interiors and Professional… Continue reading A Survey of Renovations

Cooking with Soapstone

Thursday September, 2015

Cooking with Soapstone For our last blog post, we talked about outdoor kitchens, and why they’re perfect for fall. This time around, we’re going to talk a little more about soapstone as a cooking tool. This exciting New York Times article, which came out at the beginning of the month, details how soapstone can enhance… Continue reading Cooking with Soapstone

Trending for Fall: Outdoor Kitchens

Thursday August, 2015

We all know that outdoor kitchens increase the value of your home while providing a modern, outdoor space. And it’s no surprise that soapstone is the best material for the project. Its thermal, impervious qualities are perfect for year-round enjoyment. Our #1 reason to have an outdoor kitchen? Because spending time outside is not just… Continue reading Trending for Fall: Outdoor Kitchens

HGTV Green Home: Enter to Win!

Monday May, 2011

Green Homes with HGTV HGTV has an opportunity for you to win their Green Home of 2011. It’s a custom built, modern prairie style, fully furnished, eco-friendly home located in Denver CO – worth almost $700,000. The home also includes local artwork and funishings, and engineered hardwood flooring. Enter twice a day through June 2, 2011! Enter… Continue reading HGTV Green Home: Enter to Win!

Designing For A Different Generation

Tuesday May, 2011

Homes and the Generation Gap An article written by Anita Shaw, titled Bridging the Gap, reminds kitchen and bath designers that each generation has a different personality and specific needs. Below are the highlights: Bridging the Gap By Antia Shaw May 2011 Many different issues and elements influence which trends rise and fall and which products… Continue reading Designing For A Different Generation

Dining In Style…Sea Style

Tuesday May, 2011

Dining in Style, Anywhere. Below are some pictures from Architectural Digest that show how you can dine in style, even on your yacht! Read more about dining on the sea: Click here for the full article. Dining on Your Yacht The Kathleen Anne, a 128-foot Feadship yacht owned by a Scottish couple, includes three levels… Continue reading Dining In Style…Sea Style