10 Stunning Soapstone Countertop Colors To Inspire Your Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen remodeling is all about seeking inspiration and exploring your options. For those considering countertops, soapstone offers both timeless elegance and impressive functionality. And, with biophilic trends bringing natural elements into kitchens, what better time to explore stone surfaces?
This non-porous material ages like fine wine, gradually darkening over time. Still, soapstone is more than just a pretty surface. For the savviest shoppers, when picking the perfect countertop material for your kitchen, usage patterns are a key factor. Soapstone is largely damage-proof; the material is extremely heat- and chemical-resistant, hence why you might want to consider soapstone countertops if you cook a lot.
The only common misconception is that soapstone has limited variations. While its coloring straddles a predominantly monochrome range, each piece has a distinctive individuality, from green tints to dramatic veining. Keep an open mind. Practical yet aesthetic, these stunning soapstone countertops might inspire your kitchen remodel.
1. Green soapstone
It's no secret that green is trending, but the bigger question is how to incorporate it. For those seeking soapstone countertops, variations in verde are a beautiful avenue to explore — it's even possible to heighten color intensity through mineral oil applications. Retailers commonly source this material from India or Brazil. Look for "rainforest green" or "green soapstone."
2. Pietra Viva soapstone
Choosing the wrong material is a costly mistake to avoid when renovating your kitchen. That goes for color, too, though. Darkened soapstone is polarizing — you love it or hate it. For those in the latter camp, Pietra Viva, famously linked to Italy's Lombardy region,has an unusually light appearance. Its rippling black veins stretch beautifully across a bright-white base. To an unknowing eye, this slab of Pietra Viva soapstone might even pass as marble.
3. Black Barroca soapstone
There is nothing wrong with keeping it classic. This black Barroca soapstone takes a traditional approach with understated white and gray veining. Barroca is an ideal option for homeowners who'd prefer minimal veining, but don't be fooled by the simplicity. The Brazilian-sourced stone embarks on quite the color-changing journey: starting as a light gray, it slowly accrues a darker hue.
4. Colonial soapstone
The ashy-gray Colonial soapstone is a light-colored countertop choice. It takes its name from its origins in Vermont and wider New England, where it was used extensively by early U.S. settlers. Soapstone was reliably used around fireplaces and stoves for centuries. Fast-forward to today, and it's still performing beautifully in modern kitchens.
5. Old Dominion soapstone
How serene is this blue-grey effect? Old Dominion soapstone is a beautiful product of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia. The Alberene Soapstone quarry was founded in 1883 and right now is the only producer of American soapstone. Old Dominion's unique veining comes from a blend of calcite, quartzite, and talc, creating a distinctive look with an underlying blueish hue.
6. Brown soapstone
Forget the monochrome myths; did you know that soapstone is available in brown? Brown has ascended as a trending kitchen color, and this variety could add an earthy quality to your remodel.Texture is the biggest differentiator here. Are you envisioning a rougher finish, like the pictured slab, or something sleeker with a polished finish?
7. Light gray soapstone
Why not keep things light? Pale-gray soapstone adds an airy touch to kitchens with creamy or white tones. That said, it's important to research the reality of kitchen countertop materials. Soapstone gets darker over time. To maintain a lighter appearance, choose paler slabs and minimize oxidation (which darns the material) by reducing the frequency of oiling.
8. Noire soapstone
Noire soapstone is the epitome of "wow factor." This type is jet black with high-contrast white veining — adding the ultimate black cat energy to any modern kitchen. Noire is sourced from Rajasthan in India and is recognized as one of the hardest varieties of soapstone available.
9. Alexandria soapstone
Monochrome is one of the black kitchen designs for an edgy yet timeless space. The trick to darkening this Alexandria soapstone is regular oil applications,but, even at an initial glance, its natural darkness is evident. The jet-like quality is a striking contrast against white kitchen features, like this sink.
10. River Blue soapstone
It's easy to see the gleam of this polished River Blue countertop. There is an age-old hack of using white kitchen designs for a timeless space, and this soapstone leans into that lighter appeal for homeowners. The veins are grainy, with streaks and speckles of grays and blacks, adding a subtle natural variation to a predominantly pale surface.