All My Favorite Interior Designers Keep Using 'Soapstone' Countertops in Their Projects — But What Actually Are They?

Designers predict soapstone will experience a significant resurgence in popularity in 2025, largely due to a shift away from light neutrals and all-white tones in interior design. This natural stone, which ranges from dark gray to black with hints of moody blues and greens, offers a unique aesthetic with its natural gradient and movement. While it has been used in homes for centuries, its distinct properties make it a compelling choice for modern kitchens and bathrooms. The growing appeal of soapstone stems from its ability to balance beauty with durability, addressing common concerns associated with other popular countertop materials. Unlike marble, which is prone to etching, or quartzite, which can stain easily, soapstone is notably resistant to both stains and heat. It is also nonporous, antibacterial, and scratches can be readily repaired, making it a highly practical option for high-use areas like kitchens. Furthermore, soapstone is considered a more sustainable material compared to some synthetic alternatives, aligning with current preferences for natural and environmentally conscious choices. Despite its durability, soapstone is a naturally softer stone than granite, and while it resists etching and stains, it can scratch more easily. However, these scratches can be buffed out with mineral oil, which also enhances the stone's natural dark color and helps it develop a rich patina over time. The material's limited natural color palette, predominantly dark, might be a drawback for those seeking lighter countertop options. Several design strategies highlight soapstone's versatility and aesthetic appeal. Embracing its natural aging process, where it darkens and develops a rich patina, can create a warm and timeless look, especially when paired with aged finishes and brass fixtures. Soapstone also harmonizes well with other natural finishes like wood, making it suitable for grounded or rustic aesthetics, such as in mountain homes. Its heat resistance makes it an ideal choice for busy kitchens, as it can withstand hot pots and pans without damage and ages gracefully, making it family-friendly. For historic homes or farmhouses, soapstone offers a period-relevant option, particularly in regions where it was historically abundant. The stone's natural undertones of blue and green can be accentuated by pairing it with cool-toned cabinetry. Conversely, its dark hues provide a crisp contrast against classic white cabinets, creating a dynamic yet welcoming kitchen environment. Given its historical use, soapstone lends a sophisticated and nostalgic elegance to any space. While it can be a significant investment, using soapstone in high-impact areas, such as a home bar or a central kitchen island, allows it to become a striking focal point. Its unique dark natural stone movement can also echo and complement movement found in other design elements within a room, such as patterned wallpaper in a bathroom, creating a cohesive and visually interesting space. #SoapstoneCountertops #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #HomeDecorTrends #NaturalStone #DurableMaterials #InteriorDesign #CountertopMaterials #HomeRenovation

The selection of countertops plays a pivotal role in kitchen design, often considered shortly after cabinetry. While cabinets typically lead the design process, countertops profoundly influence the overall aesthetic and functionality of a space, dictating choices for backsplashes, lighting, and even flooring. Designers emphasize that countertops act as a central element, positioned at eye level, which makes their material, pattern, and texture significant in shaping the room's atmosphere. Designers generally view the wide array of countertop materials available as a benefit, allowing for diverse design possibilities. Options range from various natural stones like granite, marble, quartzite, and soapstone, to engineered materials such as quartz and commercial-grade concrete, and even wood butcher block. Advances in quartz manufacturing have made it increasingly popular, as it effectively mimics the appearance of natural stone while offering enhanced durability. Clients' preferences are evolving, with many seeking materials that combine aesthetic appeal with practical considerations like low maintenance and resistance to heat, cold, scratches, and stains. Functionality is a key driver in countertop selection, with designers initiating discussions by understanding how clients intend to use their kitchen surfaces. This involves evaluating a material's ability to withstand daily tasks. For instance, designers might recommend durable options like concrete for perimeter counters and more elegant, yet still robust, materials like soapstone for focal points such as islands. Soapstone, in particular, is valued for its elegance, durability, and ability to develop a unique patina over time, which appeals to clients seeking a timeless or historical aesthetic. Beyond durability, the aesthetic impact of countertops is crucial. Designers often leverage countertops as artistic elements, using materials with stunning colors, dramatic veining, or unique textures to create focal points. Examples include a Palomino quartzite slab with geode-like patterns that complemented a mid-century home's aesthetic, or a Delirium quartzite with deep purples, greens, and blacks designed to echo an existing art piece. Book-matched slabs, especially in materials like Sea Pearl quartzite, are used to create striking backsplashes, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Color choices also significantly contribute to the overall design. Some designers favor dark, contrasting materials like leathered Titanium granite to complement white cabinetry in cottage-style kitchens, bringing a natural, earthy feel. Others embrace modern materials like Dekton, which can resemble rusted metal, offering a contemporary edge when paired with simpler elements like white Shaker cabinetry. The use of waterfall edges on islands further showcases the unique characteristics of these materials. Current trends indicate a strong demand for quartz due to its durability, low maintenance, and expanding range of colors and patterns, especially those that mimic natural marble and granite. Clients are also increasingly requesting matte and satin finishes over high-gloss, polished surfaces for both natural and engineered stones, signifying a shift towards more subdued and textured aesthetics. Incorporating unexpected textures, such as leathered granite or rough concrete in an otherwise stark white kitchen, is a design technique used to add warmth and visual interest. Wood, particularly walnut and butcher block, is also gaining popularity, offering natural warmth and versatility, with custom butcher block options allowing for unique designs and material mixes tailored to specific client needs and preferences. #KitchenDesign #CountertopMaterials #InteriorDesignTrends #QuartzCountertops #NaturalStone #Soapstone #Quartzite #DesignFunctionality #KitchenAesthetics

The article highlights the increasing importance homeowners place on kitchen countertops, as evidenced by a 2022 Houzz online survey. While quartz and granite remain popular, the market offers a diverse range of materials that blend aesthetics and functionality. This overview showcases several kitchen projects, each featuring distinct surfacing materials, demonstrating how designers incorporate them to achieve specific design goals and meet client needs. Selah Ewert, a senior interior designer at Norman Building & Design, used Brazilian Fossil quartzite for an island to create a striking focal point in a contemporary kitchen. The quartzite's dramatic geometric patterning and bold coloration, complemented by a waterfall edge, influenced the selection of Anigre wood cabinets and other natural elements to ensure a cohesive design. For the perimeter, a neutral Silestone White Zeus Extreme quartz was chosen, allowing the island to stand out. This project underscores the use of natural stone to introduce unique artistic elements into a kitchen space. Cameron Weaver of Weaver Construction restored a home with Mid-Century Modern design, incorporating soapstone for both the island and perimeter countertops. The soapstone slab, featuring hints of blue, gold flecks, and light/dark clouds, provided movement and character. Oiling the stone deepened its color, coordinating with window trim and contrasting with white cabinetry. The use of a waterfall edge further enhanced the stone's natural beauty, aligning with the home's original architectural style and integrating modern elements with a historical tribute. Barbi Stalburg Kasoff of Stalburg Design utilized Enigma Spyder quartz for a kitchen with gray perimeter cabinetry, aiming to counteract a potentially stark aesthetic. The dark, earthy, red-based quartz, combined with black pendant lights and custom green island cabinetry, introduced warmth and a homey feel. Flecks of gold within the quartz synchronized with gold-lined pendants, adding layers of texture and richness. This design illustrates how engineered quartz can achieve a natural, sophisticated yet family-friendly ambiance. Valerie Helgeson of Design Directions transformed a 1920s bungalow kitchen by removing walls and incorporating Metro Quartz Unique Calacatta quartz countertops. This marble-look engineered surface offered durability and stain resistance while maintaining the home's period feel. An arched island edge improved seating and safety for children, demonstrating thoughtful design for both aesthetics and practicality. The quartz complemented other elements like white oak accents and custom green cabinetry, ensuring a timeless design that respects the home's heritage. Nar Bustamante of Nar Design Group selected Cosentino Dekton Rem sintered stone for a kitchen with abundant natural light. The Dekton's UV protection prevented discoloration, while its subtle veining, replicating Calacatta Lincoln, offered a gentle contrast to white cabinetry. The suede finish of the surface was chosen to minimize glare from large windows, creating a comfortable working environment. Bustamante highlighted the material's thin profile and polished edge, achieving a play on texture and sheen, and its stain resistance made it practical for additional areas like a wine bar. Reid Brawner and his wife, lifestyle blogger Shalice Noel, used Neolith Calacatta Luxe sintered stone for their home renovation. The stone's dramatic veining, mimicking luxurious marbles, integrated traditional and modern elements. Its polished finish provided a luxurious feel and was easy to clean, a practical benefit for an active family. The reflective quality of the surface also helped distribute natural light. The design incorporated a transitional modern foundation, with accents throughout the kitchen referencing the stone's veining and minimizing the appearance of the range hood. Jessica Pleasants and Okan Oncel of POP Architecture incorporated stainless steel for the island and bar countertops, along with Glassos crystallized glass for the perimeter and backsplash, in a Manhattan apartment renovation. The stainless steel, chosen for its durability and ease of cleaning, featured brass rivets that added warmth, while the Glassos offered uniformity and a pure white property. This project showcased a mix of materials to add visual interest and depth, maintaining a sophisticated yet functional design that honored the building's heritage. Jenny Roush Newman of West End Cabinet Company used Curava Savaii recycled glass countertops, featuring embedded seashells and clear glass, for a coastal-inspired kitchen. The material's color palette softened horizontal surfaces and complemented painted walls and subway tile. This choice provided a unique, aesthetic solution that also offered practical benefits, such as concealing crumbs, fitting the homeowner's desire for a light, airy, and inviting design theme. Courtney Kizer of Architectural Squared highlighted a custom walnut island with Caesarstone Ocean Foam quartz for the perimeter and main working surface. The walnut element, made possible by structural changes, became a central feature, adding warmth and unique flair. The quartz maintained a clean neutrality, allowing the wood and other colorful accents, such as a multi-toned green backsplash, to stand out. This design combined the warmth of wood with playful elements, inspired by the Baja peninsula. Michelle Krochmal of Filament Architecture Studio utilized Wilsonart Blackbird laminate for a vintage-inspired kitchen, reflecting the client's preference for 1930s-1950s styles. The dark laminate, with a Leno Weave finish, grounded the kitchen and coordinated with checkerboard flooring, while a metal trim detail maintained historical authenticity. This choice demonstrated how laminate can offer a distinct vintage aesthetic and express individuality, proving its relevance beyond modern material trends. Alberthe Buabeng of Albie Knows selected Formica Bleached Concrete Everform solid surface for her galley kitchen. The material's durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal were crucial for a high-traffic area that served multiple functions beyond cooking. The neutral colorway supported a black and white design with warm wood accents, achieving a luxe, cozy, and minimal aesthetic that aligned with her design ethos while accommodating a busy family lifestyle. #KitchenDesign #CountertopMaterials #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #Quartzite #Soapstone #EngineeredQuartz #SinteredStone #LaminateCountertops #SolidSurface