Soapstone is a great idea. Rustic style can be dark. Greens look good with natural wood. If rustic is too dark for you, try searching the pictures on Houzz for cottage style. That might suit the house and be a lighter look.

Whidbey Westside High Bank · More Info

The only thing I dont like is the color of the island. Paint the island black. The kitchen looks very well made!

Great kitchen. I'm excited to see how it evolves. The current counters are dark and the room looks very light. I don't see how soapstone will darken the look. Soapstone comes in many colors though, are you thinking blacker or more grey? Also, what are the light sources next to the kitchen? It looks very bright, especially given the dark ceiling and only two lights. Where is the rest of the light coming from?

A few simple steps to update:

New cabinet hardware - no cup handles.

New lighting and stools.

Remove corner appliance garage, it looks dated.

Make updates to existing hood or get a new one.

I'm not suggesting that any of these inspiration pics below are what you want to do but there are some good lessons to take from each of them that could apply to your space.

I like that the wood is limited to the ceiling. You may want to consider painting the wood on your walls and just keeping the ceiling unpainted wood. Limiting soapstone to just the island could get you the countertop material you like without darkening the whole room. The bold contrast of the white with large black hardware is very attention grabbing and would certainly guide the eye away from any country charm details of your current kitchen.

Gull Lake Home · More Info

Do you want to keep the ceiling all wood, or paint it all except for the beams? Some people feel very strongly about painting wood. Don't know what camp you are in. Also notice that these cabinets have a very glossy finish so even though they are a dark color, the reflect and bounce the light around.

Scenic Drive Project · More Info

I'm not suggesting you paint your cabinets granny smith apple green. But this is a good example of how you can think outside the box and break the mold in a cabin kitchen.

Maine Home · More Info

Lastly, I immediately thought of a Whitney Parkinson kitchen when I heard modernize and soapstone. I think this kitchen nails it as far as having a few traditional elements yet looking very contemporary. It feels light too even though there are some heavier, darker elements. https://whittneyparkinsondesign.com/jewel-renovation

First that is NOT a Modern home. Not even remotely close. It is a rustic cabin. You have to accept that it will always be a rustic cabin. You can clear finish the floors, but they will turn the classic traditional amber pumpkin pine color that is so prized. That is why the previous owners whitewashed them. You can remove moldings and have the cabinets painted, but it will not change them from being traditional cabinets, placed in a traditional design. New counters on traditional cabinets, in a traditional home, will never ever say "Modern".

You will have to spend a significant amount of money here to make this into something it isn't'. Then it will always look ill at ease, clothed in the home in which it exists.