honed marble countertops

I am seriously considering soapStone (http://g603.net) for the perimeters of my kitchen
Counter (http://GialloFiorito.com) s and (http://maplered.com) honed Marble (http://www.lightemprador.com) for the island (http://maplered.com) . I love the look of soapStone (http://g603.net) and (http://maplered.com)
am not afraid of the maintenence issues. The reason I'm looking at the honed
Marble (http://www.lightemprador.com) is to lighten the room and (http://maplered.com) for making pastry. If you strongly suggest
against honed Marble (http://www.lightemprador.com) what lighter colored Material (http://g654.org) would you suggest
instead.
Thanks for your input.
Julie