I think soapstone is timeless and could be used in almost every style. I personally love the way it looks.

You don’t say what style you ARE going for. That would be helpful. Anyway, soapstone goes in any style kitchen. Here are some contemporary kitchens:

Thanks @Shannon_Wisconsin. Yep, I suppose that would be helpful. Unfortunately, I’m not really sure what style it would be. Maybe transitional?? I don’t want something that comes across as too dark and rustic, but also not the stark contrast of all white cabinets with black countertops of the farmhouse. Maybe keeping the soapstone gray and not oiling it and then mixing with white or natural cabinets?? Again, I’m not a designer by any means so I’m just looking for some inspiration of how to combine soapstone into our new kitchen.

Have you read the pros and cons of soapstone and are you sure this is what you want?

It is often in rustic, farmhouse kitchens because it isn't going to look perfect. The imperfections go well with a rustic feel.

@Jennifer Hogan thanks for the input. Yep, I‘ve been researching the pros and cons extensively and discussing with our fabricator. I really like the softness and feel, but am still trying to decide for sure if we are ok with the patina. Part of the decision will be if I can find the overall look of the kitchen I want with the soapstone incorporated. I think I prefer the unoiled look.

Try these for ideas...

I originally wanted soapstone for our rather eclectic kitchen, but we couldn’t find it affordably where we live (or slabs we liked either) so we ended up with leathered steel grey granite. I love my granite and would totally purchase it again, but I feel like the soapstone would’ve also been beautiful. Anyhow, our kitchen isn’t rustic or farmhouse so I thought I’d show you.

I'm putting in soapstone in my remodel and we are definitely not country or rustic, more boho funky traditional.

I regret my decision to go with granite instead of soapstone in my build. I was concerned about the durability, but my current countertops make me wince every time I put down a glass or plate. I really dislike the sharp cracking sound they make, like I am about to break my fine china. If I had to do it again, I would go for soapstone in a heartbeat, and just refinish as needed.

Check out the many photos of Virginia Mist or Jet Mist granite in Houzz. I also originally liked the look of soapstone, but found this granite and liked it even more. We have a gloss finish, but also saw a slab that was in a matte/honed finish.

I have soapstone and I love soapstone. There is no substitute for its texture and feeling of softness. That said, if what you really want is a medium gray, I.e. the color of un-oiled soapstone, then I would advise going with a honed granite instead. Keeping soapstone its natural medium to cinder gray is a lot of work. Even though oil splatters can’t actually penetrate your counters they will still cling to the surface with a will. They are quite noticeable against the medium grey, as is the olive oil ring from the bottle that needed a better wiping down. Removing them takes a sponge, a degreaser like Blue Dawn, Citrasolv or simple Green, and a little gentle elbow grease - daily. Most of us probably settle for oiling our soapstone counters to a darker charcoal gray rather than trying to keep their initial color. You can certainly go with soapstone, but for a transitional kitchen I could also see honed silver mist granite and pale wood cabinets as being pretty gorgeous.

We live in a contemporary home. We fell in love with Soapstone as well as the cabinet maker who was also the fabricator. We’re also fans of cork flooring. We kept our original upper cabinets and replaced all the lower ones.

Very rich looking. I would put a wood panel on the dishwasher for a more cohesive base cabinet look and not detract from the soapstone.

We live in a traditional center hall colonial. The 70 year old floors have patina so the soapstone fits right in!

Thanks everyone. The pictures are super helpful.

@Kristin S beautiful kitchen. As of yesterday, we are planning white perimeter cabinets and a stained island. If I do the soapstone, I’m thinking maybe just on the island and doing something lighter on the perimeter cabinets (with the sink).

@Rosenhaus Design Group thanks for the picture. That is great to see soapstone used well in so many different styles.

@skmom very pretty. Your wood island is gorgeous too!

@Marigold that hard, cold feel of granite (and quartz, quartzite, and marble) is one of the biggest reasons I drawn to the soapstone.

@chloe00s thanks for the suggestion. I’ll take a look at pictures of those as well for inspiration.

@jad2design thanks for that input. I do prefer the lighter look, but also realize that most likely I’d end up oiling them, so deciding if I’m ok with the darker color is what I really need to figure out. I stopped by the stone yard yesterday, and the honed granites might be a possibility. They seemed to be a bit warmer and softer like the soapstone. I think the decision is to go with white perimeter cabinets (and possible a whitish or light gray countertop) and a light-mid stained island. The decision is is what countertop on the island.....soapstone or ???

@quadesl The soapstone looks very nice in your home. I like the cork too....another natural material I’ve been intrigued by.

I used to sell cork. Cork is quiet. It is soft. It will oxidize darker than original color. Gouges or scratches will show the original color. Saved tiles left in the box will be the original color so they won't match the existing color if you need to make a replacement. Vinyl tile in a cork pattern is a perfect visual substitute and wears better.

@Rosenhaus Design good things to consider regarding cork!