I think subway would be fine.

I am a lover of white subway tile, it is so versatile and classic. You could always use a darker grout to help make the tiles pop, and use colorful countertop appliances to bring some color in. My old kitchen had white subway tile, white cabinets, grey quartz counters, which sounds like it could be bland, but we brought in color with small appliances and things like dishes, artwork, etc.

if you think subway will be too plain, then get something else you like. everyone is on the subway train lately. busy granite, use subway. dark countertop, use subway. white cabs and countertop, use subway. Plain countertop, you guessed it, use subway! You have the perfect scenario to use something different because of the soapstone. if you wanted to do more of an industrial, simple look, then go for it.

I like the carrara above. or you could use the beveled carrara subway.

here is what the white subway would look like

does it look bad? Not at all. it looks nice. just a little ho-hum. IMO.

here are some others, not ho-hum.

IMO white larger format subway tile in a stacked pattern would be perfect and with that island counter that will be the star keep the backsplash as simple as possible

The slab is FAB! The soapstone will be the best supporting actor in a counter top role! And the backsplash will help keep everything light and well light. I would keep the backsplash simple, elegant, unobtrusive and ever-so shiny to help keep the spot light solely on that stone!

This kitchen was MADE for white subway tiles - either stacked or running bond pattern. Either way it will look perfect.

I completely agree w/ cancork floor- white subway tile will be great! I really don't think the backsplash should steal the show! If it does, it detracts from all the other elements of your gorgeous kitchen!

that stone will be perfect for the island. soapstone for the perimeter is perfect. if white subway is the contender, then do a larger one, 3x12 or so, and maybe a herringbone. it will look fab next to the black soapstone and won't take away from the island piece.

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LOVE your cabinets, the marble for the island, and the soapstone...this is going to be stunning! Have you thought about installing everything except the backsplash since that would be easy enough to do after the fact?

I would not take it up and around the windows.

Soapstone and subway tile. You can pop color with accessories.

Tile around the window, yes. Great look.

These are also a wonderful alternative to subway. No problem with the subway though. Either will look fabulous.

Tell me if these kitchens are too much white? Nope.

Why is there a gap between the fridge and the counter/cabinets?

IMHO, countertops with patterns look better with a plain backsplash. Maria Killam makes a good point about loving ALL of your finishes in your kitchen....

http://www.mariakillam.com/loveyourinstallation/

that 'other' is Super White and it's a Dolomite. (at least that's what it looks like from your photo). this is a bit more high maintenance as it's marble's first cousin. did they advise you of such?

got the same one for my bathroom vanity (I lucked out and got a remnant)

I like the idea of making a statement. I would install something like our Shield tile to really make that statement. Or something similar. Good luck !

Subway will be nice but you have an opportunity to make a much bigger impact...

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yes, it's not as bad as marble. it's between marble and granite as far as the staining/etching issue goes. sellers try to sell it as quartzite, and it's not.