This is my new kitchen layout. I've selected a dark gray island base and white shaker style cabinets. I'm hoping to add a wood element to the shelving to the left of the sink. My question is what countertops would add some dimension and style to this room. I've reviewed several options. I love soapstone (black) for the cabinet countertops, but not sure that will flow with the island - might be too dark. I am limited because I have young kids and can't do marble island top.......or can I. Quartz looks great in photos, but it just doesn't jive with me in person. Should I do a white marble or quartz top? I loving mixing elements, but worried this is going to look too busy. Would a butcher block top warm it up? I love the idea of adding black or dark hardware and some brushed brass light fixtures.

What do you mean by dimension and style? Do you want your counter to be the focal point or the "star"? You should pick what you want to be the star as too many of them in the kitchen are no different than too many cooks in the kitchen...

If you are doing different cabinets on perimeter versus island, I recommend choosing one countertop to tie things together and avoid things getting too visually busy, unless you are going for a more eclectic look. I think this can work better in a large space versus small where it can just look a bit crowded (like you moved an island in there from somewhere else for more counter space). Then a butcher block island can look interesting, like a separate piece of furniture - but it is a different look.

Personally, I would not do marble and I don't have kids, but others will feel differently. I am kind to my counters but they still take a lot of wear, and I can't control guests setting a wine glass down. I want to enjoy my kitchen, not fret about leaving marks on the counters - others however appreciate the living finish of marble much more than I and don't fret either!

I like quartz a lot. It is quite "life resistant" assuming a polished finish - just don't set hot pans on it but really it is good practice not to do that anyway. But otherwise no sealing needed, stain resistant (I have seen stories of very white quartz staining, so don't want to say stain proof) and comes in so many colour, pattern, and finish variations.

Quartzite can be a great option too, very durable and can be absolutely beautiful, but make sure you are getting true quartzite and not marble, etc.

Thanks Rai Kai, helpful input. With regard to dimension and style - I'm was trying to avoid an "all white" kitchen because at times it can feel sterile. I wanted to add the dark gray island to anchor the space and give it some more color. My whole issue is counter tops -- I'm really confused with that one and keep going back and forth. Thanks for reminding me what I want to be the "star" or focal point - I think the island in this case and the floating shelves. This space will open up into my dining room so perhaps less is more because it could get very busy with too many things going on at once.