trailrunner, I'd just like to pull up a stool to the counter in the first picture and start "sampling" . . .

I did both that you mentioned -- subways and 1x1 glass tiles. I used Daltile 4x8 Matte Arctic White, and Sumi E Ogari Natural 1x1's

Our SS is veiny, so we didn't want anything to compete with it -- the 1x1's work with it. Post pictures of what you chose!

I got a big sheet of glass and painted it the wall color on the back (low iron glass)--again so as not to compete with the soapstone. With white cabinets a white tile would work the same way.

We used both 3x6 subways (Horus Art Tile-Broadway Crema) and 1x1 Oceanside Glass Mosaic (custom blend)

Just a word of warning to have your installer be careful of the caulk line as we are still dealing with caulk smears showing on the soapstone . . .

We haven't installed yet, and have cherry cabinets, but we are planning on using a calcutta marble stacked tile (the tiles are probably 2"x8" or so, staggered). I like the idea of using marble with the granite (whether with stained or painted cabinets) -- feels like a natural combination to me.

I have soapstone and off white cabinets - I did WInchester subway in the Sudbury color -

This is so exciting. New Counters and new backsplash.

Where to begin... Which way to go... Everything you
suggessted sounds lovely.

Here are a few ideas to add to your collection of thoughts.
Enjoy the journey.
~boxerpups

Check out Trikeenan tile

Long Subway tiles

Susan Jablon tiles

Victorian Kitchen

From Apartment Therapy

Hand made glass blue

Lagrant 2

Thank you, thank you! The painted wall is gorgeous, and all of the backsplashes and kitchens are absolutely beautiful - just stunning. Now I have some ideas to go on :)

Trailrunner...how about that bread recipe?

I did beadboard and I love it. I used Farrow and Ball Estate Eggshell paint (same finish as my cabs, but in the same color as the wall). It cleans beautifully. IMO, it is one of those small things that really makes the room. AND, it didn't cost very much, especially compared to tile.

Ihaven't even confirm or ordered soapstone yet but I'm loving some of these backsplash choices. I know I'm using some Trikeean in a separate spot. I think, for my style, I like long modern subways mixed with some glass tile. So much fun choosing!

I don't have a picture of the installation, but after much hand-wringing we went with a 1x1 Rainforest green/brown marble. We worried about it overpowering the soapstone, but it really goes beautifully.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rainforest marble

I'll be doing white subway tile with light gray grout. I think that's a classic look.

leela and sabjimata: don't want to hijack:) you are sweet ! It is just my old Challah...you can probably search as I have posted it a lot...the other was banana nut bread that I had tripled I think and used the rest to make a few muffins.

I love looking at all the beautiful choices for backsplash. Nice nice choices...I am sure you will find something great patty ! c

Oh seriously trailrunner you are just trying to make me jealous with your fry cooker and gorgeous baking...years ago I saw my first pic of your kitchen and haven't had a teaser in a while....you just renewed my LOVE of your kitchen and cooking prowess.

I have no backsplash on my soapstone counter either.....

I have been waffling a lot about the soapstone/backsplash issue myself. I'm making myself crazy! We have a beautiful hand-glazed beveled subway tile picked out in a light olive green. Our cabinets will be white, raised panel fronts. I keep going back and forth between soapstone and Bianco Romano granite (if we did that, we'd likely do antique white cabinets as opposed to white-white). I'm about to flip a coin. =(

I also have just a painted wall for most of my backsplash. I do have a 2" high beaded soapstone splash going all the way around, and over the cooktop I used copper:

I think the beauty of soapstone (obvious from everything so pretty posted in this whole thread) is that there isn't much that doesn't look good with it!

What a perfect post! Thank you everyone for posting all of these ideas. I am in the planning phase but white cabinets and soap stone are part of those plans. And possibly that bead board or painting as a first option while I live with the kitchen for awhile. Gotta clip this thread!

Suzanne

Honeychurch,
Do tell about that copper!!! What, where, etc.

Sorry if this is a hijack--but it is from a place in TX called Marbleized Copper, they treat it with heat and then seal it. It is the one thing we knew we wanted in the kitchen way back 18 months ago when we first started thinking about a remodel---all of our other choices changed except for that!

Here is a link that might be useful: Marbleized Copper