The amount of light in the room (natural and artificial) will make an enormous difference in whether the room will seem too dark with the dark counters. The fact that you have limited uppers and a lot of white wall space will work in your favor.

But please, post pics, because anything I speculate based on your verbal description is likely to be off base.

If you love soapstone I think it will look beautiful! Especially with an open concept and not that many uppers which I think tends to darken kitchens. Look at DEVOL kitchen pictures, many have dark counters (I think they are using limestone a lot but similar idea) and darker cabinets (either black or this pretty black/navy color). If you like their kitchens you will have an idea. They are gorgeous.

Following.

//secretly pulling for soapstone//

When you think your kitchen may be dark, think about how you can get more light in there. A bigger chandelier, more ceiling lights, more powerful bulbs, larger windows, etc.

the soapstone will be fine. you don't have to oil it if you prefer to keep it a 'duller' dark gray color. do a light backsplash and make sure you have the best lighting, and it will be fine. it won't make the area look like a cave. lack of light does that.

there is a quartzite out there that would look beautiful w/blue/gray cabs. this is leathered Cielo Blue.

leathered or honed would give it this matte looking finish.

Fantasy Brown would be another choice you could go with.

and there is always the Virginia Mist granite, honed,,,,similar to soapstone but w/the durability of granite.

Great suggestions!

I’ve installed possibly too much LED recessed and under-counter lighting in the kitchen and plan to get some softer pendant lights over the peninsula as well. Hate working in dark, shadowy kitchens. There is one small window in the kitchen, but the kitchen is connected to a dining room with French doors and huge windows. The house has pretty decent natural light. The kitchen is small though.

if your only question is about the soapstone, you should be fine. if you want over-all help, post a pic of the area.

Sounds like the soapstone would work with the amount of light and lighting,and the lack of upper cabs and planned-for light tile. All that said,wood would be my second choice,too. Good luck!