I think the cabinet door style and accessories (hardware/lighting/rug) are probably more important in achieving a transitional/contemporary look than the soapstone. I believe soapstone can go either way.

thanks...just at the point where I'm second guessing everything right now.

I agree w/ happytobehome. I've seen soapstone look perfect in the most traditional of kitchens in 100 year old houses, and in very contemporary spaces. My kitchen is transitional-leaning-contemporary and I think the soapstone is perfection with it.

Because I have cherry shaker cabinets, I could make my kitchen look relatively traditional with just a few changes: hood, barstools, lighting, faucet, possibly backsplash.

Here is mine for a look at soapstone in transitional space:

{{!gwi}}

Anita

I don't think it matters but if your floor, cabinets and countertop are traditional (3 significant elements in a kitchen) it is going to be hard to pull it back towards transitional with just accessories. Most of the kitchens I see here with soapstone read traditional IMO.

I think the cabinetry door style will be a stronger influence.

Soapstone is a very traditional material, however, I have it in my own kitchen with a slab doorstyle, edge pulls, and a sheet glass backsplash.

My kitchen is transitional. I flirted w/Soapstone for awhile (trying to convince my DH that it was worth the extra $$), but in the end I decided the SS was too traditional/informal for my kitchen.