Absolute black granite will not be much of a distinction from the soapstone. If you want variety, then choose something that will actually contrast with and complement the soapstone. I have all soapstone counters, including the island. I oil/wax the perimeter and have left the island natural. After four years, there's virtually no difference between the two.

I will be the "Dissenter"!
(No disrespect intended, just another "Point of View).

I was on my way to a car show last Saturday. I passed a Honda and Acura dealer on the way. Every car was black white or gray in the lot, both used and new.

Mother Natures gave us "Cones" for color vision, something She was not so "Generous" with, as far as the other animals go.

I hope you enjoy your soapstone and black granite, and most likely white painted cabinets. You will have lost of company, just listen for the "bleating sounds", and while you're at it, SAy Highya to Bo Peep, (I don't see her much as I'm a leader, not a follower)!

Gary

I should have type. You will have Lots of company.

Gary

Actually, they're cherry cabinets and I'm likely going to go with a multicolored backsplash.

If I had the money, I'd go with some recycled glass or something along those lines, but I don't.

What I'm hearing is that whether I go with the black granite or not, it's going to look fairly similar. What are some other materials/colors that might work to add some variety? Like I said, I'm working with a designer because I don't trust my own sense (I know that I'm easily swayed by what I see and what I see is what's popular). I'm certainly open to other ideas.

Actually, they're cherry cabinets and I'm likely going to go with a multicolored backsplash.

If I had the money, I'd go with some recycled glass or something along those lines, but I don't.

What I'm hearing is that whether I go with the black granite or not, it's going to look fairly similar. What are some other materials/colors that might work to add some variety? Like I said, I'm working with a designer because I don't trust my own sense (I know that I'm easily swayed by what I see and what I see is what's popular). I'm certainly open to other ideas.

I agree with catbuilder. Soapstone and black granite will be very similar and I don't think they would compliment each other. Either do all soapstone or use different colors.

I don't particularly like granite either so I chose soapstone for the big island (6x8, I think) and my husband wanted stainless steel on the perimeter counter tops. We have two small cabinets between the kitchen and dining room and used marble on those.

I guess I'm a little confused about wanting to ''break up'' the soapstone. Why would/should it be overwhelming to have it in all the areas you have mentioned? One of the reasons I love our soapstone so much (so yes, I'm biased) is that it is so interesting. Even after 3 years I still see things that look new to me.

Our soapstone is unoiled; we have it on the perimeter and the island. We have a bar area that is natural cherry, like our cabinets are. We have thought about oiling the island and leaving the perimeter unoiled, just for a change, but we really like it the way it is.

A white marble would be stunning. I also like wood with soapstone.

[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Princeton Design-build Firms Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Austin General Contractors Redbud Custom Homes

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Roswell General Contractors Clark Harris

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[Traditional Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by Chanhassen Design-build Firms Knight Construction Design : Chanhassen, Minnesota

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I think your designer is wrong. Breaking up the soapstone with another black stone is...well...strange.

It would look like you ran out of soapstone.

If you love soapstone (so do I) and have always planned to use it in your entire kitchen, then you should. Sounds like your designer doesn't "get" the soapstone look.

We did wood with soapstone, and really like that combo. I also think marble (or a white granite/quartz) would be lovely too. I do find it helpful to have multiple materials for several reasons:

- Love our soapstone for its heat and stain resistance, but it scratches/chips horribly. It's very helpful to have an alternate option for tasks where we don't need the soapstone benefits and there is a damage potential. (Not sure if marble would really serve that purpose, but surprisingly the wood is great for it.)

- I do like having some aesthetic contrast--all soapstone on multiple walls an an island is a lot of soapstone!

- It saved money in our case to use an alternate material.

I agree that the black granite will look too much like (but not exactly the same as) the soapstone--I wouldn't mix them.

You say you are doing a multicolored backsplash. What does that look like? That could add enough "variety" in a relatively small kitchen. I think all soapstone will probably look just fine.

I agree with rosylady... Combining the two similar stones will look like to you're trying to match but failing.
If you feel that a different stone is necessary I'd go truly different such as wood or marble. But then you might cringe with every drop of red wine spilled or lemon wedge left on the bar. :(
I've got quarter sawn oak cabs and all soapstone with a green slightly patterned backsplash. If I ever get the tile guys back to finish the job, I'll have a different backsplash on the bar. Maybe the backsplash of the bar would also be a better place for you to make a distinction.

If you want all soapstone, then that is what you should get. You can vary the look by doing the island in a different color/stain or as suggested, vary the backsplash material.

Wow, the marble is beautiful. I don't know, however, that I'd be able to afford it.

Thank you all for your thoughts; they are immensely helpful.

I'm headed, with my GC, today to visit the fabricators' location to see what remnants they have (the sizes needed for island and bar could be taken care of with remnants). So, we'll see if any strike me as complementary to the soapstone. If not, I'll stick with the all soapstone because part of the reason I like the soapstone so much is the *feel* of it, not just the look.

Again, thanks so much for your thoughtful replies.

I am putting soapstone on the perimeter and reclaimed wood (wormy chestnut) on the island. Nothing is installed yet, drywall is just going up on down-to-studs reno.

We've got soapstone on 2 perimeters and green marble on the other perimeter and the island. I did it to add some color and another unique stone in the kitchen. My range and hood are green also. I have soapstone in the utility room, great stuff!

I agree with everyone else. Soapstone and Absolute Black are going to look weird. All soapstone would look great, as would something that clearly contrasts such as wood or something very light.

Would soapstone accented by 'brown graphite" on the island look weird?

Would soapstone accented by 'brown graphite" on the island look weird?

{{!gwi}}

Would soapstone accented by 'brown graphite" on the island look weird?

Personally, I think any stone other than white marble would clash with Soapstone. For my complimenting contrast, I used Mesquite on my upper counters above the Soapstone counter and backsplash. Both have similar natural wild graining/veining and characteristics, but any wood goes well with Soapstone!

We've had soapstone and carrara marble for a couple month snow. I like the combo and the way they complement each other. FYI--the marble was cheaper than the soapstone.

We've had soapstone and honed carrara marble for a couple months now. I like the combo and the way they complement each other. FYI--the marble was cheaper than the soapstone.

I agree with the others; either stick with all soapstone or get a different stone that provides a contrast.