Decorating & Design
Tired Of Granite? Try This Dramatic Natural Stone
Updated on May 18, 2022
Dark, dramatic and refreshingly different, soapstone is trending for good reason. It stands up to heat and stains, but develops a gradual patina like marble. Plus, it looks beautiful in both kitchens and bathrooms, as either a striking countertop or statement sink. If you find yourself tempted to go over to the dark side, check out our roundup of inspiration shots from the H&H archives and designer portfolios. You’ll find that soapstone has a way of stealing the show.
Soapstone is an attractive choice for warming up modern and industrial spaces. In this kitchen, stylist Nicola Marc used soapstone counters and plenty of rustic wood to temper an array of stainless steel appliances.
In the Scandi-style kitchen of retailers and young parents John Baker and Juli Daoust-Baker, soapstone counters provide a welcome hit of contrast against the light wood cabinetry. The nonporous material is also resistant to bacteria build-up, making it perfect for this busy family space.
Soapstone is a natural pick for a kitchen backsplash, since most slabs boast attention-grabbing veining. In this New York State home, interiors stylist Amy Beth Cupp mounted a deep grey and white piece of soapstone, effectively drawing the eye to the kitchen’s showpiece Lacanche range.
In this kitchen designed by Summer Thornton, a mid-toned grey soapstone counter with subtle white veining is a nice middle ground between the dark shelf and crisp white wall tile — demonstrating the ability of the material to bridge light and dark design elements in a space.
Bathrooms are also ideal spaces to play with the on-trend stone. We’re smitten with the long counter and curb backsplash in this fresh bathroom by Texas-based designer Martha O’Hara. The slab’s moody color, interesting texture and visual weight help anchor the otherwise airy room.
Topping just the kitchen island with a thick, striking piece of soapstone is another low-commitment, but high-impact option. This light-filled kitchen from Greensville Soapstone proves again how perfectly the material pairs with black-framed windows and doors.