I don't understand why a modern outdoor countertop would be keeping with an antiquated look/feel. Was the kitchen ever outside? IMO butcher block is the most appropriate for a working class kitchen of old followed by soapstone.

Any type of satin or matte finish quartz is going to have issues with staining/discoloration (especially black it turns out). Stick with materials that would have been available - as @Addition suggested, butcher block or soapstone.

As far as the colors, I like the direction you are headed with the green cabs, the brass fixtures, the black counter mixed with the lighter counter with subtle veining. Although, I would do the opposite, putting the black countertop on the perimeter and the lighter countertop on the island.

Wow, what an interesting project! Not long ago there was someone who was remoldeling a mortuary into their home, and now a nun convent. I would love to see pictures of the space!

Adding, agree that soapstone would be perfect, and then a real stone (marble or quartzite). That is if you want to have a realistic historic look.

this tag "heritage" came up somehow.....here's a couple....I like the tall oak storage cabinets..do you have a spot for that ? function aspect w quality material. Counters? maybe a combo of stainless sheet with butcher block.

Heritage · More Info

Heritage · More Info

as far as configuration.....this would be more in line I think......

Piedmont Residence · More Info

soapstone would be beautiful and I bet the nuns would love it and treat it right! Lots of subtle veining choices depending on variety. Could do butcher block on the island maybe

Green cabinets/brass fixture...you don't REALLY understand the idea of simple lifestyle, or what it might mean to be 'true to the convent'. The countertop would be laminate, just sayin.

My immediate thought is soapstone for this project. It can have the look and feel of having been there forever and is hearty enough to withstand almost anything you do to it or put on it.

As an added bonus I think it would look spectacular with your cabinet choice.

Of course other elements have to work with it as well. Your overall style, your flooring choice, window and trim styles etc.

Here is a link to some colours available and note that they show both the natural colour and after it has been treated with oil. Both treated and untreated are foodsafe - it is a matter of preference.

And here are some samples of soapstone with dark green cupboards so you might get an idea of how it would look in your space.

Personally if I was choosing soapstone I'd put it everywhere, on the perimeter and the island. However, if you want to coordinate a different colour for the island maybe consider the soapstone for the island as a "centrepiece" star of the show and something else on the perimeter cabinets. Could be a white quartz type product or granite in a light colour with veining in a colour to coordinate with the soapstone.

Riverbend Guest House - Green With Character · More Info

Dunedin Road · More Info

Vibrant & Cheerful East Nashville · More Info

I agree with the comments about using butcher block or soapstone. I too would love to see the finished result!!

Wait, I am confused. Is this 1922 convent being repurposed into your own personal home or are you remolding this kitchen for the nuns to use?