I would do soapstone everywhere, hands down! It's timeless, and, in my opinion, the finest countertop material there is. What negatives have you heard about it, btw?

Soapstone requires no sealing, ever, because it's non-porous. And it won't be damaged by hot pots and pans.

Are the floors already stained? Are you going to pick your tile after you have chosen the granite.

https://countertopinvestigator.com/soapstone-countertops/

I like the granite with movement for the perimeter and butlers area if these are my choices. Black for the island.

I love the dark charcoal counter top!

I WOULD DO THE BLACK ON PERIMETERS AND EITHER FUSION OR THE GRAY AND WHITE ONE ON ISLAND

I like the one with all the veining

I would go with the first photo (gray stone). The second one is nice as well. I would probably not choose the third one since I would get bored of it pretty quickly

This one on all the surfaces. Less movement and will make the backsplash choice easier, maybe. Love the soapstone look.

I like the second slab from the top. Looks understated and classy.

I don't think you need to change the counters from the island to the perimeters.

I would go with all soapstone. Fusion is beautiful, but way too busy and seems to clash with your fireplace.

Soapstone. hands down. They used it in chemistry labs for centuries. how delicate can it be?? you oil it and it comes alive. with repeated oiling, it builds up a shield so spatters won't matter. I like the gray/gold movement one for the smaller area pantry. (the same that Jodie picked)

About The Material

Soapstone is a natural product quarried from the ground in blocks, like marble and granite. But unlike either of these stones, it’s non-porous, which makes it completely stain resistant. Soapstone is an inert material and impervious to chemicals, acids and heat — so there are no household products that will harm it. It’s durable like granite and marble, but it’s more forgiving under stress, soapstone has a tendency to dent rather than chip or crack. Soapstone is recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a suitable surface material for contact with food.

http://vermontsoapstone.com/caring-for-soapstone/

The last one with the movement is stunning. That would be a show stopper. And look great with your fireplace.

The black or soapstone would be more subdued and classic.

The white with gray is my last choice. I would toss that out of the running.

Jannie, the soapstone is an amazing counter top surface. You have options but I agree as the whiter granite choices do not compliment the space. Your kitchen is going to be amazing so please post photos when it is completed. Best of luck and have fun with it.

Here's a great idea that you might still have time to do if you like...

Your electrical outlets are under the cabinets. No unsightly plugs on your beautiful new backsplash.

I do have to say the flooring is awesome! For the island I would do a lighter color ten the darker color for your main counter top around then a lighter backsplash.

Ken

"Any thoughts?"

Yes, your island spans too far without steel supports. Last paragraph of page 3, please.

Steel supports in the island are planned for

I agree with the soapstone. All countertops had to be granite, now they all have to be quartz. There are other great stones that are durable and unique. I have the dreaded marble and I love it!

" Soapstone is an inert material and impervious to chemicals, acids and heat — so there are no household products that will harm it. "

Spread some toilet bowl cleaner with hydrochloric acid in it on the soapstone, set the jug on top of it overnight, and get back to us, please.

joseph, do you just love bird-dogging me or what? if you have a problem w/that quote, take it to the company in which I copied from and left the link to, below it. Perhaps they have a list of chemicals for you to peruse. pretty sure common sense would dictate that the home owner limits these chemicals to simple cleaners and such, not the chemicals used to make meth or replicate stomach acid.

Beth H.:

The quote said "no" household products. It didn't say "most" or "some". In English, these are known as "qualifiers". I'm not "bird-dogging" you, I'm bird-dogging the inaccurate language unapologetically.

Can you post photos of what you ended up with? ;-)