What color soapstone countertop are you installing?

Grey
We will wax it so it's relatively dark

With your rustic floor and cabinets I would recommend a subtle rustic subway (there are painted ‘brick’ looks out there) kind of like this:

I don’t think a pristine shiny subway is the right direction for you. If you look at ‘soapstone counter’ images herein you will see it’s paired with a quiet backsplash like a plain subway. Yours could have a bit more texture. Avoid glass and bright white. You’ll want a color tone that is a lighter version of your cabinets.

And I’d loose the valance and replace the pendant over the sink with a flush mount. One that doesn’t hang down more than this:

Given THE FLOORING....... already textured, and already rustic ? "Soft white" is a color. There is no gleam, whatsoever in the kitchen. The minimal shine on a ceramic subway is almost necessary, if a lighter splash is desired. The counter top is almost matte . The sink is copper and will patina. I didn't say glass.....did I? No.

Otherwise, stay with the simple matte feel and run the soapstone UP the splash. More "more" and anything suggesting "brick" is not needed.

Jan I wasn’t responding to you specifically. My comment was typing while yours was. I don’t mind a subway personally. I just question the cabinet finish. I love soapstone counters and they do work here. I’m seeing lovely porcelain subway that looks like a very subtle brick from Emil Ceramics. It could work here with the soapstone for sure.

Thank y’all so much for your suggestions
There is so much out there it gets overwhelming

please post what you ended up doing, thanks!