This reply is very late, but it is possible to install a self-rimming Kohler Epicurean sink below like an undermount sink. Tile is no longer popular, so my 1987 install of this sink would most likely require some other countertop surface now. I wanted the convenience of a countertop that drained into the sink for easy cleaning. Just be sure to replace the silicone mold-resistant caulking around the joint that is missing in this photo.

I have Belvedere soapstone from M. Tex. Julia was my first choice, it's beautiful and supposedly one of the harder soapstones, but they were out of it at the time and I didn't want to wait. I have an undermount sink and have had no problems with chipping in the 9 months I've been using it. I had runnells cut in to the counter, so my sink needed to be undermount. Plus, I would rather see the soapstone than the lip of an overmount sink.

boxerpups-Dont be silly...... OH. NO... I forgot to DVR Rules of Engagement!!!!!! I missed it! :).. someone will appreciate those photos who is planning soapstone But have you ever seen that???? I Cant picture it... I should probably stick with he white shaw sink with my 2 inch carrara counters???? thoughts?? my kd will kill me if i try to make a change again after it went to factory anyway.... but I would get a wider sink if I did that sabjimata.. where did you get the inspiration to mix the two? any photos??

You could also consider white fireclay apron front which is classic with soapstone counters. The apron front style is very ergonomic too. If you don't want a fireclay apron front, several soapstone people on this forum installed Blanco Silgranit sinks in the anthracite color, which is a black/charcoal which looks unbelievably awesome with soapstone. Although I do not have soapstone counters, I've just installed our Silgranit anthracite sink, and I am in love with it. Not just the appearance, but its ease of use, no scratching, no chippping, easy cleanability, no water spots, heat resistant to 536 degrees temperature, isn't noisy when dishes and pots land in it (teenagers). We've just come from a stainless steel sink, with its scratches and water spots, and I will never go back to stainless. Sorry to all you stainless sink fans--just MHO! The Blanco silgranit sinks come in other colors besides anthracite, like white, beige, brown and gray. But I like the anthracite color best. As to faucet, there are so many choices! You can stay traditional with a "bridge-type" faucet. If you are still under construction, you can go really traditional with a wall-mount faucet (search this forum for the threads). And there is no reason not to go super modern faucet either. I myself like the ease of a single-handle faucet. I recommend a faucet with spray in the faucet rather than a side spray--they work better, and it is one less hole in your soapstone. There was a long thread recently which I will link where people posted pics of their faucets, and you could look through there to see if something catches your eye. Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchens Forum Thread with 100+ posts of faucets