The famous Danby Marble Quarry in Vermont’s Dorset Mountain has been producing breathtaking marble for more than 100 years. It was the first marble quarry in the United States, and it’s the largest underground marble quarry in the world, producing quintessential white slabs, dancing with black veins. The marble’s bold veining is the inspiration for the palette of a Chastain Park home kitchen design. “We treated the stone almost like a piece of art by carefully selecting and positioning the slabs so the most beautiful movement was highlighted,” says Jessica Flake, Senior Architect and Lead Designer for Copper Sky Design + Remodel. “The curved shape of the plaster hood was designed to echo those natural lines in the marble, while the soft texture and warm tone of the plaster help balance the contrast of the space.”
The clients were looking for a classic, neutral kitchen that felt both current and timeless. A lot of the inspiration imagery that resonated with them featured a layered combination of deep woods and not quite white tones that were warm and inviting. “We really started to lean into the higher contrast palette when we selected the Danby marble slabs. Once we settled on that stone, it became clear that the best way to enhance and highlight its beauty was to turn up the contrast with the rest of the finishes.”
The Copper Sky team adjusted the wood island and accent color to be a shade or two darker and introduced black light fixtures to complement the deep charcoal tones in the stone. The custom hutch design changed from a wood finish to a painted off-black finish with a wood accent. “Those elements were then balanced with warm bronze finishes, slightly different off-white paint shades on the walls and cabinets, and a creamy textured plaster hood. Infusing and enhancing the variations in color and depth from the stone into the rest of the palette allowed for this high-contrast space to never feel harsh or overwhelming,” explains Jessica.
The homeowners wanted their home to feel more sophisticated and better aligned with the way they live. While the home offered plenty of square footage, the design felt dated and didn’t fully support their needs. The goal was to create a more refined and functional home while enhancing the way the spaces connected and flowed together.
The renovation included much of the first floor, including the kitchen, butler’s pantry, primary suite, backyard grill station and conversion of extra storage space in the garage to a pool bath for easy access from the backyard. “Through thoughtful reconfiguration, updated finishes and a stronger connection between the interior and exterior spaces, we were able to create a home that feels elevated, comfortable and tailored to the homeowners’ lifestyle,” says Jessica.
One of the team’s most rewarding revelations during the renovation was that many of the biggest transformations came from thoughtful planning rather than dramatic structural changes. By rethinking how each space functioned, they were able to better support the homeowners’ lifestyle. Strategic changes, like replacing the corner pantry with a beverage station, removing an outdated built-in desk and improving connections between rooms and the outdoors, completely changed how the home feels and functions.
The project also highlights the importance of cohesion. “Rather than treating each space as its own design statement, we intentionally carried materials, finishes and architectural details throughout the home,” notes Jessica. “From the kitchen to the butler’s pantry, primary suite and screened porch, every element was designed to feel intentional and harmonious.”
Copper Sky Design + Remodel is an award-winning full-service design-build firm located in Atlanta. Founded in 2003 by Jim Walker and guided by the belief that old houses are worth saving, Copper Sky has transformed countless homes throughout the city’s beloved neighborhoods. Their thoughtful approach to architecture and interior design ensures that original details are preserved and new ones are seamlessly infused, all while modernizing the home for better functionality. The result is a refreshed home that evokes timeless charm.
404.418.1342
We treated the stone almost like a piece of art by carefully selecting and positioning the slabs so the most beautiful movement was highlighted
Copper Sky has transformed countless homes throughout the city’s beloved neighborhoods.