The centerpiece of the kitchen is a two-tiered center island featuring an undermounted sink. Slate was used for the counters on both levels of the island as well as the vertical facing between the two levels. It was also employed for the counters and backsplash on the opposite wall on either side of the stove. Adjacent to the kitchen, slate forms the countertop and backsplash for a bar area that includes a sink, wine refrigerator and rich cabinetry.

The floor of the kitchen and dining area also features Unfading Green slate. The stone here was selected in an ashlar pattern with tiles ranging from 6 x 6 to 12 x 12 inches, in 3-inch multiples.

Throughout the design, the slate is complemented by natural wood, including the cabinetry and furnishings as well as pine flooring that outlines the slate pattern. "The pine makes both [the wood and the slate] stand out," said Jeff Davies.

The entire project took a total of six months to complete. Due to the nature of the project, everything had to be carefully measured before work could begin. "Since we were working on such an old place, nothing was level or square," Davies said. "We tried to keep as much of the original as we could."

The floor was a particularly challenging obstacle in completing the project. In order to meet the design goals, they had to completely reconstruct the subfloor and all floor joists.

The countertops were installed with 100% silicone and green caulking as needed, and Davies pointed out that the color of the caulking blended seamlessly with the natural stone.

With the kitchen and dining area now complete, the homeowners are looking to renovate in other areas of the home in a similar style, including the continued use of natural slate.