I don't have time to post photos, but in a nutshell, most things that contrast with black will go well. Dark colors such as navy and brown will get lost in the background. Glass and crystal also get lost. Look at using whatever your accent colors are, or go opposite them in the color wheel.

In my kitchen with clear finished maple cabinets, I have navy, cobalt and stainless "permanent" fixtures. I painted my breakfast room a soft yellow and have a few yellow accessories in the kitchen. I have other accent and serving pieces that are bright (think mexican salsa plates) and those look fabulous. White looks wonderfully elegant, even cheap pieces.

As an example, yesterday my neighbor brought me over a large bunch of lilacs in a clear mason jar. It looked pretty blah on the counter, but when I transferred the lilacs to a tall white vase, everything came together and really popped.

Study decorating books and how to articles faithfully, pay attention to the home dec TV shows and you will begin to learn to visualize. It worked for me, but it took a few years before I felt confident enough to "put my money where my mouth was."

"I'm trying to figure out what kind of stuff will make it not look...plain."

Sorry, but I've got to ask: If to you, "plain" is a bad thing, then why are you looking at soapstone? Most stoners love the "simplicity" of soapstone, the lack of "fussiness" or "fancy" -- precisely the "plain" aspect you mentioned, but with totally different connotations.

But since you asked, on my soapstone countertops, I've got an old copper tea kettle, a pewter covered dish, some terra cotta cannisters, and some white on white porcelain.

From another angle - Try not to worry about what the room will look like -- concentrate on what you want it to feel like and see if that helps.

We have... the same stuff we had before we put it in! We just aren't quite TKO enough to go recoordinate everything around it. Well, except that we decided the cabs needed a new look, but that's another story!

- D

I don't understand the question. People who put in soapstone put it in because we love the way it looks & feels and because it is low-maintenance, doesn't show stains, and can take hot pots without damage. Decorate it? It's a working countertop! Here is mine.

I'm new here and researching soapstone myself for an upcoming remodel.

Having said that, why have some criticized the OP for her question?

Yes, soapstone is 'simpler' or plainer in looks than other options, which is the appeal to many...but there is absolutely nothing wrong with someone wanting to 'decorate' their counter-top by adding color, etc, with dishes and accessories.

To criticize that makes no more sense than criticizing some for not doing so.

Or am I missing something here??

I totally get the question you are asking. With my soapstone, I didn't plan it this way (had it from before) but I would have changed it if it didn't work for me - I have fiestaware. I like the pop of the bright colors against the soapstone. You may also want to think about adding color on your walls or with your backsplash.