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RFG island with soapstone perimeter countertops?

13 years ago

Ok - my husband and I radically changed our kitchen design when we came across this slab of rainforest green marble (pictured with one of our cabinet doors):

But the warehouse had only this one slab, so we have just enough to do our island (8' by 36") and a buffet area opposite the back of the island (8' by 16").

We also have a couple other perimeter countertops that are more in the "work area" of the kitchen (where there is the prep sink, range (ivory color), and refrigerator). The main sink (undermount in white cast iron) is in the island with the Rainforest Green. We had tentatively decided on a warm stain wood countertops to pull in the brown/red from the RFG. But my husband is quite worried about having wood around a sink and also around the stove. I am too, actually. We are also worried about having wood countertops competing/clashing with the wood floors.

Our first love in countertops (before we found the RFG) was a black quiet soapstone, like Cobra. Opinions on how Cobra soapstone would look as perimeter countertops in the work area, with the RFG as the island??

FWIW, our hardware will all be ORB, which pulls in a dark element, our floors are a natural stained oak with dark walnut ribboning around the adjacent dining room. All other walls are mostly glass that look out to trees or deck or screen porch in the backward, so there is a lot of light.

Help - we keep second- and triple- guessing ourselves over the perimeter countertops. Oh, and if you insist wood is best, can you recommend a manufacturer?

Thanks so much...

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Comments (8)

Sue Brunette (formerly known as hockeychik)
13 years ago
I don't know about Rainforest Green granite, but I am pairing Turquoise granite with Jucca Soapstone. Turquoise is a pretty uniform mixture of bluish green, black and white so it doesn't have the kind of movement that your Rainforest green has. If there is any way you can find a soapstone at the same place you got the granite, have them place them next to one another so you can get an idea of how they look together. You said you are thinking of a quiet soapstone, so I assume there won't be an issue with too much movement in the soapstone. Just make sure the coloration in both stones works together.
chana_goanna
13 years ago
How about chocolate brown granite? I haven't seen it in person but from photos it looks like it would play up the brownish veins in the RFG but not compete too much if you can find a subdued piece. And I think it would look lovely on cream cabinets next to your cream-colored Aga!

{{!gwi}}
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AJ I'm guessing you are in New Hampshire. Take a look at The Soapstone Works located on Lee, NH. My brother recently remodeled his kitchen and used them for a ss perimeter and a wood (maple, I think) island. My brother built their cabinets out of oak. The island is painted. The whole look came together nicely. I understand your DH doesn't want a painted island. My brother didn't want this either...hates to paint over perfectly good wood, but went along with my SIL. Maybe you could convince him. Their island is finished with Waterlox. I love the feel and warmth the wood gives. They entertain alot and thus far are very happy with it holding up. Good luck! Here is a link that might be useful: The Soapstone Works
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A lot of people use white marble. It works especially well if both stones have a lot of veining. You get a positive/negative effect. Another way to go would be to use an even toned soapstone on the perimeter, and use a highly figured piece (i.e., lots of veins) on the island. If you want a splash of color, you could get something like iron-red granite. Quartz also can look beautiful with soapstone. The even tones oven work better than some of the dottier granites.
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katsmah
13 years ago
That chocolate brown granite is beautiful! I love Rainforest Green and think those would look great together.
eandhl
13 years ago
While the above mentioned granite is beautiful I think a quiet soapstone would really let the RFG be the shining star or the big WOW in the kit.
sabjimata
13 years ago
I think it will be an interesting combo!
flwrs_n_co
13 years ago
I think a quiet soapstone would look lovely with your gorgeous RFG island. Your kitchen sounds lovely--can't wait until you start posting pics!
snoozingpug
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks everyone so much for the input. I'm pretty sure we have decided to go with wood perimeter, though we just got our first quote and *ouch*. I'll be getting more quotes this week.

Chana, i do love that brown granite but think I need less movement, even if i find a quiet stone...ugh, decisions, decisions!
dianalo
13 years ago
I was thinking wood as I was reading your post and then you mentioned your concerns. One of the darker ones would be amazing with the RFG. There are some woods that hold up better than others, so ask for a lot of advice and see if the answers match up.
If prices get crazy, try IKEA, as they have wood as well. Their prices will probably be better. I'd darken them, but that is not required, just my own preference.

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