Here's another that I liked, very different from the TB. It's very pretty in person and looked nice with the SS, but not sure if it's too taupe.

{{!gwi}}

If I were to do granite with soapstone (which I don't think I would do unless the ss is totally without veining), I'd choose #2 because it seems to have more of the tones of the soapstone. That said, I personally don't think shiny granite goes with matte soapstone particularly well.

Thanks needinfo. I'm still considering a walnut countertop for the island. Just need to convince DH.

Most of the matte or leathered granites that I've seen are very dark, and in a previous post I was discouraged from doing a dark granite with the soapstone (I was looking at nordic black leathered).

I love the honed marbles, but I don't think they'd be practical for us, we do a lot of canning, too much acid, they'd etch in no time.

DH's opposition to wood on the island is that he doesn't like the look of 'wood on wood, too similar'. I don't want to paint the island, but maybe I can figure out a way for a nice contrasting stain with the cherry perimeter?

Just a thought: what if you stained the island very dark, and put a cherry top on it that matches the perimeter cabinets? That gives you contrast between the island base and top, and also between the island top and perimeter soapstone. Might satisfy your DH's reservations.

Ruby, I like that idea. I think he's coming around. Our last conversation on the topic was very encouraging. I want this kitchen to be something we both love.

Thanks for the idea!