Favorite Combo: Walnut and Soapstone

Classic and modern

We love a soapstone and walnut moment - the richness of the materials work for all kinds of aesthetic sensibilities, and they’re hard wearing, solid materials that last.

In this super modern kitchen, is all about rich, warm, minimalism…and of course, practicality! With storage tucked away into every spare nook and cranny, and creatively integrated lighting, this penthouse unit kitchen punches above its size.

Vermont soapstone and flat front, European style walnut cabinets

To support the owners’ vibrant entertaining style, we tucked a small wetbar at the end of the kitchen, which allows for the hosts to fix drinks for guests while guest chefs work in the kitchen. In daily use, this wetbar becomes a convenient coffee station. ⁠The “hidden” white door next to the wetbar leads to the laundry room.

Wetbar/coffee bar/wine fridge tucked away in plain sight

Learn more about Machinist Chest House here >>>

Here in this bathroom, we used the same combination, but to a completely different effect – light, bright, and a complement to the historic nature of the house.

Very “active” walnut grain!

The soapstone for this project was sourced from a historic soapstone quarry in Virginia. No matter where you use soapstone, you have to be ready for it to patina – it will scratch and take on water spots, but neither are permanent – soapstone is actually self-healing and impermeable, which is why it was historically used as lab tables! You can buff out the scratches, or embrace the patina…but if you’re looking for something that doesn’t scratch, look at options like granite.

These two spaces also show how the same material - walnut - can look vastly different in different applications. By playing with grain, finish, door style, handles, proportion, etc you can really stretch materials like real wood in many aesthetic directions.

Learn more about Stone House here >>>

Have you used walnut and soapstone in a project before?

---

Thanks for reading! If you’re a free subscriber, consider supporting my work [and get access to more in-depth paid posts as well as the whole archive] by becoming a paid subscriber!