Soapstone Is the Most Popular Countertop Material for 2025—Here's How to Use It This natural stone is beautiful and durable. Close Credit: Lucas/Eilers Design / Stephen Karlisch Soapstone has been used in homes for centuries, but designers predict it will experience a major resurgence in 2025. With the shift away from spaces dominated by light neutrals and all-white tones, moodier materials like soapstone have taken centerstage. The gorgeous dark hues of soapstone range from dark gray to black, often with hints of moody blues and greens. It's a stunning choice for kitchens and bathrooms alike, with its natural gradient adding movement and fluidity across a countertop. But, because it is a natural stone, it does have nuances that are worth considering before installing it in your own home. Ahead, interior designers share the pros and cons of soapstone as well as their favorite ways to use it in the home. Why Soapstone Is Trending in 2025 Homeowners are always looking for the perfect balance between beauty and durability. Marble is loved for its veining, but the etching is too much for those hoping for a perfect, gleaming surface. Quartz is practically indestructible, but it's a manmade material that doesn't have the organic quality of a natural stone. Quartzite has movement—and it's natural, but it's known for staining easily. That's why soapstone is making a name for itself in the kitchen and bath scene in 2025. This natural stone blends the gorgeous movement that you'll find with other naturally occurring materials, but it's more durable. Scratches can be fixed, and it's resistant to both stains and heat. It's a workhorse in the kitchen. It's also considered a more sustainable option compared to other stones. How to Clean Soapstone Countertops to Maintain Their Beauty and Smooth Finish Pros and Cons of Soapstone Countertops Like with all countertop materials and natural stone options, there are pros and cons. But, in the case of soapstone, it is clear that the pros outweigh the cons, particularly if durability is at the top of your list. Pros of Soapstone Soapstone is a perfect choice for countertops. "It is nonporous, heat-resistant, antibacterial and most of all beautiful. I love to use it on kitchen countertops, bars, and farm sinks," says Cyndy Cantley, co-owner at Cantley and Company. It's also resistant to stains and doesn't require regular sealing like many other stone options. But you can use mineral oil to both enhance the color and draw out any scratches. Cons of Soapstone Wile soapstone is known for its durability, there are some caveats. "It is a beautiful material, but you need to understand that it will age and patina over time and use," says Sharon Sherman, founder and owner of Thyme and Place Design. "The biggest problem with the material is when clients do not understand the natural characteristics." Because soapstone is a naturally occurring stone, it is only available in its natural color palette. If a dark countertop isn't your color of choice, then this may be a con for you. Ideas for Incorporating Soapstone in Your Home Want to incorporate soapstone in your home? Here are nine ideas from interior designers to inspire your next renovation. 01 of 09 Embrace the Patina Credit: Morrison Interiors / Lance Gerber Soapstone will darken over time, giving it a gorgeous, rich patina. Rather than try to fight it and make it look new, enhance it with other aged finishes. "Soapstone brings a soft, organic texture to a space, making it a great choice for adding warmth and depth without overwhelming the design," says Rachel Morrison, principal designer at Morrison Interiors. "The subtle veining and matte finish of soapstone complement brass fixtures for a balanced, timeless look." 02 of 09 Pair It With Other Natural Finishes Credit: Hannesson Home Interiors Whether it's wood or another stone, soapstone plays best with other natural finishes that bring out its organic movement and warm hues. "Soapstone is a natural choice for those who want a more grounded or lived-in aesthetic," says Jessica Hannesson, founder and lead designer of Hannesson Home Interiors. "I love using it in mountain homes where it can complement other natural finishes without competing for attention." 03 of 09 Install Soapstone in High-Use Areas Credit: Forge & Bow / Arris Photography If you use your kitchen day in and day out, soapstone will be your best friend. Its heat-resistant qualities make it one of the most durable choices for kitchen countertops. "Soapstone can handle hot pots and pans without damage, and it ages gracefully, making it family-friendly," says Annie Obermann, co-founder and principal designer at Forge & Bow. 04 of 09 Embrace Its History Credit: Northshire Living If you're renovating a historic home or an old farmhouse, then soapstone could be the period-relevant choice, particularly if you're in Vermont, where soapstone was often found centuries ago. Niki Conte, co-owner and principal designer at Northshire Living, loves soapstone's historic appeal and how it is still relevant today. "Chips and scratches evoke memories and tell stories of the people who've lived there, and there's something wonderful about that!," says Conte. "It is definitely not a fit for those who like things polished and perfect, but if you love character, it's a fun material to install and watch change over time." 05 of 09 Pair It With Cool Blue Credit: Thyme and Place Design Soapstone often has undertones of blue and green that add movement and life to the stone. These shades can be brought out further by pairing soapstone countertops with blue or other cool-toned cabinets. 06 of 09 Add Contrast With White Cabinets Credit: Molly Miller Interiors / Julie Leffell A classic white kitchen with black countertops never gets old, and soapstone is a top contender when you're looking for just the right dark tone. "Soapstone is always my first choice for dark countertops in a kitchen as it combines the beauty of a natural material with everyday practicality," says Molly Miller, principal and owner of Molly Miller Interiors. Because it's a natural stone, you'll get that crisp contrast, but there will still be a dynamic feeling to the look. Miller adds, "The rich, organic movement of the veining adds contrast, color, and character, making a kitchen instantly warm and welcoming." 07 of 09 Add a Timeless Look Credit: Lucas/Eilers Design / Stephen Karlisch Soapstone's use as a countertop goes back hundreds of years, which is exactly why it's ideal for using in a space where you want to channel a sophisticated but nostalgic look. "Soapstone is a beautiful, natural stone that adds timeless elegance to any space," says Sarah Eilers, founding partner of Lucas/Eilers Design. "I love embracing the natural aging process of soapstone, allowing it to develop a rich patina that enhances its charm." 08 of 09 Let Soapstone Steal the Show Credit: Amanda Proudfit / Nook Design Collective Because it's a natural material, soapstone can be expensive. To get the most bang for your buck, use soapstone somewhere it can shine. "Soapstone can be on the spendy side, so we like to use it in those high-impact areas to create a real wow factor in the design," says Stacy Kosis, interior designer and owner at Nook Design Collective. That includes spaces like this home bar, where soapstone takes center stage against white walls and serves as the backdrop for evenings spent entertaining. 09 of 09 Echo Movement With Soapstone Credit: Amanda Proudfit / Nook Design Collective In a room where there's already movement from other design elements—like this bathroom's wallpaper—use soapstone to echo that movement in the countertop. "Soapstone is a very unique and beautiful stone; the dark natural stone movement is unlike any other natural stone, so we love to use it when we can," Kosis says. Explore more: Home Home Design & Decor Kitchen Design Ideas