It sounds like you reallllllllly want white marble. But you are worried about it.

Here's my advice. Im assuming you will have an island? Just put it there. Use something forgiving everywhere else.

Then, you get what you want. You can change an island more easily then if you used it allover. And you can baby it a little.

I hear ya!! I love marble and I am planning on white cabinets with wood floors. However, my house is a 1957 ranch not an older home, so I cannot even attempt to pull off the vintage look. Also DH was adamant about no marble! My kitchen was not big enough for an island otherwise, I would have put marble on an island. We instead are opting for a white veined soapstone--which is really lovely and has that soft feel to it like honed marble. That being said, FirstHouse has princess white and it is truly gorgeous!

Here is a link that might be useful: firsthouse white princess honed

I really thought I wanted marble too and I ADORE marble. I wasn't so concerned about etching but unsure if I wanted the marble throughout the entire kitchen. I knew that whatever I got, I wanted a honed/matte finish. After shopping, samples, one thing led to another and I went in a totally different direction with soapstone. HEAVILY veiny Monsoon Wave soapstone. My house is a 1970's little ranch and can't even speak to a vintage look. I think the white granites look stunning and from what I read, if you seal it you'll be fine. What I can say, is I am over the moon over the indestructibility of my soapstone. I am a serious cook and baker and by no means delicate in the process. My soapstone is my favorite part of my kitchen. I do everything on it and no worries. It amazes me that I can get different looks as the weeks go by when I choose not to oil/wax the stone. I fall in love with each look and think I want to keep it that way until I wax it again and renew my love of that look.

Thank you all so much for your advice. Newbieremodeler- what color soapstone did you use? Has it been installed yet?

for me - ditto what remodelfla said. I still plan on getting marble to put on top of my buffet that is now in the dining room.

I have not oiled my soapstone in 3 -4 weeks, and love the current look. Yesterday as I was wiping it down, I thought I should oil it again, as I love that look too. . .

To me, Firsthouse's White Princess quartzite gives the same look as marble. If it was available in my area and not so expensive, i would probably do that over the Carrara I'm planning.

I also sense that you want a white kitchen deep down in your heart. I don't think a white kitchen is boring. Even if your fabricator advises against marble, if it's what you really want to do, you should just do that. I think that's what you really want too. Surely you've read dozens of posts here from people who love their marble. Get it honed, seal it well, and enjoy.

Then again, there's nothing like the feel of soapstone under your hand. It has it's own set of problems and maintenance too though.

I'm no help! Just follow your heart and it will be right for you. Good luck!

My soapstone is called Mariana Reserve Clear or Blue (not really blue). I am supposed to order it today! Although I am finding it difficult to pick up the phone---it will be one expensive phone call! :)

We have white princess too and I don't feel like it's Old World at all.

It has crystals in it that sparkle. I adore them but that's not an old world feel.

Have you seen it in person?

From afar it has the same vibe as Marble, but up close it's definitely a different stone.

One thing to think about is how far away you will be seeing the counters? If you have a long run and can look at them from far away then you'll be fine.

I have mine with next to a Carrara backsplash and they really blend well - it's only the crystals that I think might throw you, so must make sure you really see it up close.

I wanted marble and I'm sooo happy with White Princess. We had people here for Mother's Day and I didn't worry about it for a second. That's priceless!

Also - I think White Fantasy is a very different stone - much more grey than White Princess.