We have soapstone counters, with medium stained wood cabs. Our kitchen has plenty of natural light. We also installed three layers of electric lighting…recessed, semi-flush, and under cabinet. The key to any kitchen, is a good lighting plan. From what I can see, you’ll need to up your lighting, no matter what counter and backsplash you choose.

Your kitchen has a cottage-y feel. Soapstone is a perfect fit. Just be sure to test for hardness. You’ll want a very hard variety, like Stormy Black, Anastasia, or Belvedere, which is what we have.

I agree with the others. Soapstone would look great in there. I aslo agree you need more lighting.

I'd choose soapstone with a white subway tile backsplash

I suggest the soapstone, it will look very nice with your white cabinets. Perhaps it's how the picture was taken but it looks like you can improve the lighting. For the backsplash I would opt for a white tile, there are many shapes to choose from.

Thank you so much everyone for your input, it’s much appreciated. I guess the soapstone is the winner!
I had not realised that the lighting was not adequate, I will be adding more recessed and under cabinet lights for sure.

You might try some white Corian countertops with white subway tile as a backsplash, or marble countertops and use the countertops as the backsplash. Here are some current kitchens we have designed that you might be interested in:

The A-Frame · More Info

Summer Storm Kitchen · More Info

Jefferson Street Kitchen · More Info

Corrigan Road Kitchen · More Info

A white veined marble, or even a soapstone, could work in your kitchen. Please look at a few designs of ours to see what countertops and backsplash we used:

Gem in the City · More Info

Gem in the City · More Info

Elegance in the Country · More Info

If you decide to go black and want to save $$, consider honed Virginia Mist/Jet Mist granite, instead of the soapstone. Similar look for less $.

@chloe00s posted right before me. Definitely look at Virginia Mist granite in addition to the soapstone. You might also fall in love with dark green soapstone….

Just make sure to redo your lighting before you shop for anything new. Great job on the cabinets!

Hi Suzanne. Did you end up getting soapstone? Would love to see. Your ceiling is pretty!

Thank you! Actually I’m embarassed to say that the old counter is still in for now. I started a new job and it has taken all my energy so I moved the counter to the back burner for a few months. I will deginitely post pictures when the new lighting and counter are in.