Our new and improved granite slabs arrived this week, and unlike our previous trip to the stoneyard, this visit felt like love at first sight. We chose two slabs of Pashmina—warm, veiny, and with just the right mix of light and depth—and immediately started imagining them in the kitchen. In the photo below, Sherry is getting friendly with the stone as we plan how both slabs will be cut and arranged.
The best news of the week is that the countertops will be delivered on Tuesday. That timing works perfectly for us because our Home Depot installer is scheduled to return on Wednesday to reconnect the plumbing and make the final adjustments. With those steps completed, our kitchen will finally feel finished.
We’re savoring the moment between slab delivery and installation. There’s a particular kind of anticipation that comes with waiting for countertops: the kitchen layout has been set, cabinets and appliances are in place, and all that’s needed to transform the space is the stone. It’s that final layer that ties everything together visually and functionally. Until the install, we’ve been spending time photographing the slabs, comparing veining patterns, and confirming which edges and seams will look best once the pieces are set.
There’s also the practical side of preparing for countertop installation. We’ve cleared the work areas, removed remaining items from the cabinets and countertops, and made sure the installers will have unobstructed access. We double-checked measurements and reviewed the planned cutouts for the sink and cooktop so everything will fit exactly as intended. It’s a relief to have the timeline aligned—delivery, then installer, then final plumbing and hookups—so we can avoid delays and extra coordination.
Beyond timing and logistics, part of the excitement is imagining how the new stone will change the feel of the room. Pashmina’s soft tonal variations should complement the cabinet finish and backsplash we selected. The lighter veins will add contrast without overwhelming the palette, while the darker swirls bring a sense of depth that should make the counters feel both elegant and durable. Granite also promises longevity and heat resistance, which is reassuring for a busy kitchen where hot pans and heavy use are common.
We’re also thinking ahead to maintenance: sealing the granite to protect against staining, using gentle cleaners to keep the surface looking new, and avoiding cutting directly on the stone to preserve the finish. These small habits will help the countertops stay beautiful for years to come and are worth considering before day one of using the new surfaces.
Until the countertops arrive and the installers do their work, we’ll be here taking one last look at our slabs, making final decisions about seam placement, and daydreaming about our first meal prepared on the finished surfaces. There’s a satisfying sense of closure on the horizon—once the plumbing’s reconnected and a few final touches are made, the kitchen remodel will move from a long-running project to a space that feels truly complete.
So for now, we’ll keep pausing to admire these photos and imagining how the light will hit the granite in the morning. We can hardly wait for Tuesday and the moment when the new counters finally go in.