Could you please post more photos? I think soapstone is appropriate and a beautiful choice as long as you know it's a little termpermental.

Amen to Shaker -- soapstone is a great choice, but you should know a little more about its properties... Soapstone comes in far fewer colors than granite and marble, and seems to be the current hot trend in kitchen remodeling. Just like granite and marble countertops, soapstone countertops are durable surfaces that do not crack easily. Soapstone has varying densities; the softer variety is used in making smaller structures like vases and goblets while the harder variety is used in making heavy-duty structures like fireplaces or countertops. Soapstone is usually dark greenish-black, although lighter green-gray slabs are also common - which would look great with your olive green island - although, personally, I would choose a slab that's a bit more of a black tone to add some contrast. Soapstone is porous, and must be sealed with mineral oil to reduce staining. Soapstone is priced comparably with mid-range granite: $90 to $150 per sq ft. Not a cheap surface, but a beautiful accent for your island.

I am using the tile on the right hand side of the tile picture. The black laminate countertop in the picture had a lot of gold in it and it did not look good with the copper sink. I would like the wood stove to be a focal point in the kitchen. Granite countertops are so lovely I think they would overwhelm the style of the wood stove. The sink will be under the kitchen windows and that counter length is about 18 feet. The chimney will be behind the wood stove. I was thinking of using Wilsonart Golden Romano or Formica Golden Mascarello on the perimter countertops with soapstone on the island or if the budget won't permit that then use Formica Black Walnut Timber. Is the granite look the right style to go with on the perimeter cabinets?

Soap stone is lovely and just requires a bit of regular attention. I'm not a fan of countertops with a lot of black in them but that doesn't mean its a bad decision. I find that although they don't show the dirt - you can't tell if they are clean. Dirt is disguised but it's definitely hard to know it's clean unless you run your hands across it regularly. Just a thought. It looks like it is coming together really well. I agree with Dream House. Love the stove!

Your finish selections are beautiful. How large is your island? Soapstone is nice. If the island is small, look at the remnants at the stone yard first. Have you considered using a giant butcher block wooden counter top for the island? Soapstone sometimes has a green or purple cast in the light. Make sure that you are buying a specific slab that you select in person.

My husband is not a fan of dark countertops either so black is not an option for the perimeter cabinets. The island is 37" by 63" and is right across from the stove. If I put soapstone or a wood slab on the island what do I put on the perimeter that will go with the copper sink and not look too formal.

Frankly your photos show some great choices and solid decision making. Your kitchen is going to be beautiful no matter what you pick as I think you have a rather discerning eye. That said, we all need to run things by each other. Focus on picking something you like with your copper sink and do the opposite in colour on your island. Try a solid surface somewhere like quartz/ceasar stone with little going on. Take a risk and be daring on the island perhaps as it seems this is a project for a home you plan on being in for a while! Post pictures when it's done. Can't wait to see it!

Hi again, thank you for the photos. My suggestion is a man made quartzite for your perimeter. They wear like granite but are much more "regular" in appearance than natural granite which tends to be "busy." There are so many options in ceasarstone, silestone, etc. The only drawback is price, but if this is a home where you'll be for the long term, it's an investment that I think will make you very happy. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Whatever you choose, make sure it doesn't "fight" the brick on the wall. They should compliment each other.

Thank you for the comment on the brick, I hadn't thought of that! Thank you all for your comments - Back to looking now . . . Happy Thanksgiving!