I dont like the blue wall color, I think a gray would look better.

It appeared that on my iPhone I could only add 2 photos in the initial post. Here is the second fabric sample by Duralee.

Here is another Thibaut:

Thanks for the comment, but no "gray" for me. I would use a gray that read as blue only. I did that in my bathroom using BM Bunny Gray and it is lovely. I might have to consider reprinting :( I have never "loved" this color in this room. I used it in the neighboring room and it is fab. Both rooms have identical shaped windows facing south. I noticed it even before the cabinets went in.

I like the Duralee fabric with the current wall color.

Sorry, but I'm just not seeing a relation between either of the fabrics choices and the countertop tones. Maybe it's just the lighting in the photos. I do like both fabrics, just not with the countertop.

Of the two, by my monitor, the Duralee seems to work best. I know you say the wall color is blue, but it reads more green to my eye. Hence the choice of the Duralee. The Duralee also has fewer colors going on, so will be easier to blend, I think.

Is there an area where the fabric will be right near the countertop? Or will they be separated a bit?

On my screen, I think the Duralee works best.

Annicat, I like the Duralee with the paint better too. Thanks.

Pugga, the countertop has to stay, the paint and fabric can change. Maybe I'm trying to make a silk purse out of a sows ear ;)

Jakabedy,
the wall color is a light version of a robins egg blue, there is yellow
in the blue. The reason I know this is because I found a robins egg
shell and compared. But it just is not my favorite.

Errant, I do like the
Duralee for its more rustic look for this room. It does look very good
with the paint, but the paint looks bad with the counters. Again the
counters will stay. I fabricated the stone myself and there was a long
hunt to find this
piece. When I find a remnant of soapstone that is soft enough for me to
fabricate I grab it. I like the stone fine enough with the cabinets and
the walnut desk that is in the room.

I am pretty sensitive to color.

I might have to repaint :0 I hate painting! I get it everywhere! I cover everything and still manage to make a mess! I get it all over me!

The duralee seems to blend a little better, to my eye.

Will you be oiling the soapstone? I have never seen such a mottled soapstone like that (very pretty), so I am just wondering if it will eventually take on the very dark color normally associated with soapstone. If so, your wall color will be fine.

I agree with Aktillery that changing the color to a beige will work better with what you have. I don't like the blue there at all. It's fighting with the beautiful soapstone grey.

Aktillery, yes there is a bit of tan in the stone. So a tan could work. I really like the coral with a blue though, so that was what lead me to the combo thus far. If I did tan walls I might go another way with the fabric.

nutsaboutplants, youre in the majority so far with this combo. The price point is way better too.

Cyn427, I did try oiling (with water:) and it definitely took the color down to match the wall a bit better. I will need to look at that again. I didn't want to oil it, so that it would contrast more with the cabinets. But if it keeps me from painting I just might give in. Thanks for the reminder.

I was referred to your soapstone in your bathroom in a post....... Just wanted to say that I love both examples. That sink is so awesome!

Even though you hate to paint, I believe your gut is telling you it's the paint that's not sitting right with you. Your cabs & counter look fabulous & your hardware too!

That's a very pretty wall color, but it feels a little off for this space. I agree that a tan would be a better choice. I like the Duralee fabric very much. The Thibaut, not so much.

Well thanks for more comments Cpartist, Peppapoodle, and Auntjen. I am not even sure now that I like the light stone with the cabinets as I sit here looking :/ I

Ok, I just oiled a section. It looks better with the wall by a long
shot. I believe I like it a lot better with the cabinets and the theme
of the room.

I will post pics when I get them downloaded a bit later. I'm going to get PIZZA!

Ok I'm waiting for my pizza. I'll post pics from my phone. Oiled

I have to answer a question that I over looked. The window treatment will be about 1 foot away from the counter.

Im liking the dark counter. More manly for dh office. The Duralee seems like a winner in these pics.

Keep that counter oiled!!! It looks fabulous, to die for. Wow, what a difference. I also vote for some kind of tan, esp. if you go with the Duralee.

I love all your projects, even if you get paint all over yourself. :)

Ooohhh yes to the oiled soapstone. I think you can keep the current paint color too if you're not inclined to repaint.

Wow, what a huge difference! The soapstone was pretty before, but oiled? It's a stunner! I also think that if you keep it oiled, your current wall color is quite nice. Still loving the Duralee too! There's something about the Thibaut that seems a bit too primary in color.

With a closer shot of the fabric, I would also prefer one of the tan colors aktillery9 posted above, as I think the room would look richer with more color, but I know what it's like to paint a room. I'm glad when it's DONE. I found the fabric here for $37.12 a yard, which is the lowest price I've seen so far.

http://www.childressfabrics.com/browse.cfm/42247-203-poppy-red-by-duralee-fabrics/4,52195.html

By painting the room tan I decrease the colors in the room. The floor is a natural oak color, the desk is a live edge walnut, and the cabinets are IKEA Laxarby (very dark brown). I feel like I have the tans covered;) I love color and will keep some version of blue on the walls. It is a peaceful room with a great view of fields and trees. I probably will go with the current color on the walls, oil the stone, and do the Duralee. It was fun to read the comments on the piles stone (ETA what is a piles stone? I think I must have meant oiled stone). Thanks so much. Thanks for the link to the pricing. I will take that figure to the design shop and see if they will come close to the price. I don't need the cheapest. But I like a little competition. I feel the need to support local shops! I had the greatest sales help there.

Oiling that soapstone changes the entire game! Wowza!! Definitely reads masculine! Gorgeous!

Thanks Amber, DH doesn't care what I do with the room, as long as it is functional.

I have increased the functionality with the run of cabinets. It is a small 8.5x9 room. Used to be my in-laws bedroom, back in the day! Its been used as an office since the 70's when they remodeled and added a small wing to the house. Having the counter oiled ties it in with the kitchen that is next door. I tried to coordinate the cabinet style with the cherry inset cabinets I have in the kitchen. I have one run of lowers and uppers about 8.5 feet lone. The hardware is different, in that it is a antiqued brass color, Amerock guilded something or other.

The oil changed it all! Just perfect.

im off to look up your kitchen........ You are now my soapstone guru:)

I like the Duralee with your current wall color best. The counter is beautiful and even better oiled. I think it would look great with beige as a wall color, but I see you would like to stay with color on the walls. Looking forward to seeing the finished room!

Peppapoodle here is a link you might like:

DIY soapstone ...

With it oiled, the blue works beautifully.

The wall colour is great with the gorgeous oiled countertop. What a huge difference oiling them makes; so much more striking and elegant! I love the Duralee fabric now, too. It's perfect.