I’ve long been drawn to classic materials and charming architecture, and soapstone has always been a favorite of mine. Early on, we used soapstone around the stove in our English Tudor, though the kitchen’s existing tile floors led us to choose wood countertops for warmth and cohesion. The wood counters were gorgeous, and our bathroom’s marble also captured my heart.
When it came time to choose counters for our current home’s remodel, I wanted organic, timeless materials again. This is our forever home, so the decisions mattered. Natural stone may not suit everyone’s taste, but for us it felt right—something that would bring pleasure for years and age gracefully.
We chose marble for the perimeter countertops some months ago, but debated what to use for the island. Soapstone was our first thought, then we considered wood or butcher block. After the wood floors were installed, we loved them so much that we decided to let the flooring be the primary wood statement in the room. That brought us back to soapstone for the island—and it felt absolutely right. Once we committed, excitement for the kitchen returned. I’ve learned that when a decision isn’t clear, it’s best to wait rather than rush.
This iconic beach house kitchen inspired many of us with its classic, soapstone-like counters.
Soapstone endures, as does marble. In New England, soapstone has a long history around fireplaces and in kitchens, and in Europe both materials have been celebrated for centuries. I’ll never forget the beauty of marble counters and tables in European cafés—the soft patina and lived-in look of real stone is incomparable.
That sense of history and patina is exactly what we wanted for our home. I aim for a cozy sanctuary that reflects life and family stories, not a pristine showplace. We will care for our stone, but we won’t live in fear of it showing signs of use. The marks and wear tell a story and deepen the character of the home.
Professionals at stone yards and designers often caution against soapstone and marble because they will develop patina and change over time. That warning makes sense—many homeowners expect materials to remain flawless. But for us, the evolving beauty of natural stone is a feature, not a flaw.
In the U.S., many people prefer surfaces that stay showroom-new, so materials that age can be unsettling to them. It’s important to know your goals and ask the right questions before committing. Alternatives like granite or engineered stone can mimic soapstone’s appearance, but I’m excited about the natural aging and character real stone develops. Soapstone is also heat resistant—an advantage over quartz—and it can be repaired and refreshed in ways some manmade materials cannot.
We used quartz in our previous homes, and while it’s attractive in its own right, it didn’t develop the same patina and wasn’t as easily repaired when it was damaged. Those differences helped confirm our choice to return to marble and soapstone in this home.
We’re thrilled to have soapstone and marble becoming part of our kitchen. These organic materials already bring warmth and personality to the space and will continue to become more beautiful with time. I’ll share more about living with and caring for them once they’re installed and we’ve had a chance to enjoy their wear and character.
More Posts about Our Kitchen Remodel:
My New Kitchen Floor Plan + Parents’ Addition and Exterior Elevation
Our New Kitchen Design Mood Board (and five questions that helped me make decisions)
Adding Character in a Kitchen Remodel: The Tale of Our New Range and Faucet
Kitchen and Dining Room Renovation Update! Projects Have Begun!
Kitchen Renovation Update: Floors, Cabinets, Sink, Hardware and More