We sat down with Heather and Lisa to learn more about their thought process in selecting the ideal slabs for such a personal project.

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Q: Designing your own home is always a different experience. How did your approach to Heather’s personal kitchen differ from the way you design for clients?

Heather’s Response: Designing my own home, especially the kitchen, was both familiar and entirely different from designing for clients. The approach was similar in that I focused on creating something I truly love and feel passionate about, while always considering functionality. But this time, I had the unique perspective of knowing the exact needs of our large, food-loving family — how we cook, gather, and host together.

At the same time, I knew I wanted moments of visual rest. After spending my days immersed in design — colors, patterns, textures — I craved a space that feels calm, collected, and quietly elegant. For me, that meant thoughtful material choices, clean lines, and surfaces like the beautiful Opustone marble that bring natural warmth without overwhelming the senses. The result is a kitchen that’s both practical for everyday life and a serene retreat within a lively household.

Lisa’s Response: Actually, Heather tends to be very decisive when it comes to designing for other people but not quite as much for herself. While the main layout and materials such as the white oak cabinetry and Corchia slabs did not change much from the first iteration (designed almost ten years ago), she did take extra time landing on lighting fixtures, hardware and the ‘jewelry’ of the space- mostly because we see so many beautiful things all the time that it is sometimes hard to choose for ourselves, but as with all of our projects the goal was for the space to feel fresh yet timeless.

Q: Can you walk us through your process when sourcing and selecting stone in the slab gallery? What are you looking for, and how do you know when you’ve found the right piece?

Heather’s Response: For me, sourcing stone in the slab gallery is really about intuition — a true gut feeling. I look for pieces that speak to both the aesthetic and the function I have in mind, whether it’s for a kitchen, fireplace, or another focal point in the home. Sometimes it’s the movement of the veining, the depth of color, or the way light plays across the surface that draws me in. This is why stone for me is such a close parallel to buying a piece of art. When a slab has that energy or chemistry, I just know it’s right. I’ve learned to trust that instinct — if it resonates with me in that moment, it almost always ends up being the perfect fit for the space. It’s a combination of experience, vision, and that undeniable gut response that guides every choice.

Lisa’s Response: Honestly, we often let the slabs inspire the design direction! It is not unusual to be sourcing for something else entirely and notice a marble that will be the catalyst for a completely different project. We are so inspired by the idea that marble is literally mother nature’s art and the “right” slab is one that you’ll never get tired of looking at. If we have a project that we have already done the majority of the design for, we will of course bring our samples to view them in person with the marble. With natural stone it is so important to view each full slab in person as the small samples are never representative and each batch from the Earth is different.

Q: You selected Arabescato Corchia Marble across multiple applications—from the island and perimeter countertops to the bar and even a custom dog bowl station. What drew you to this stone, and how did you think about using it throughout the space?

Heather’s Response: Our floor plan in this part of the home is incredibly open. I combined two smaller spaces and a hall to create a layout that’s perfect for hosting large gatherings and family dinners. I wanted every zone — the kitchen island, perimeter countertops, bar, and even a custom dog bowl station — to feel connected, but also to have its own character and purpose.

That’s exactly what drew me to the stunning Arabescato Corchia marble slabs. This stone has such incredible personality — the veining flows like a natural work of art, with just the right mix of cool and warm tones that make it feel alive. Each slab has its own story, so as it moves through the different areas, it transforms; the island becomes a centerpiece, the bar feels lively and energetic, and even the dog bowl station feels thoughtful and integrated. It’s a marble that breathes life into a space, giving every corner its own presence while still tying the whole open plan together in a way that feels effortless, elegant, and full of energy.

Lisa’s Response: Arabescato Corchia has always been a favorite of HWs. It is a classic marble that has strong veining in beautiful earthy tones which make it incredibly versatile with all variations of wood tones and never goes out of style. In Heather’s kitchen we honed the slabs for a quieter feel, but in another project, we used polished Corchia resulting in a totally different aesthetic. It never ceases to amaze us how marble can take on a whole new personality just by changing the finish.

Q: Beyond the kitchen, you also incorporated natural stone into your living space with a Cipollino Rosso Ondulato Marble fireplace. What role did that statement piece play in the overall design of your home?

Heather’s Response: I wanted the fireplace to be more than a functional feature; I wanted it to be a statement, a moment that stops you in your tracks and makes you appreciate the incredible beauty our earth can produce. It anchors the space with drama and warmth, setting the tone for the home while still feeling personal and intimately connected to the materials and story of the house. It’s bold, it’s layered, and it’s the kind of piece that sparks conversation every time someone enters.

This area of the home sits a bit separate, part of the formal entry, so it felt like the perfect spot to take a creative risk. We kept returning to the Cipollino Rosso slabs, I was completely mesmerized. There’s something so captivating about the earthen tones, the movement, and the depth — it’s a raw, natural complexity that feels almost alive!

Lisa’s Response: This stone was the surprise of the renovation. This fireplace is a focal point upon walking into Heather’s home so it felt important to make a statement with the stone, and the colors of this Cipollino Rosso Ondulato up close are so incredible- an earthy mix of rich burgundy and greens. Initially Heather was looking for something a bit softer but we kept coming back to this slab just to stare at it, and eventually it became clear that if we were this drawn to it she had to go for the statement marble. The pictures don’t even do it justice. It is even more incredible in person.

Q: You’ve worked with Opustone on many projects but choosing them for your own home is a meaningful decision. What made them the right partner for this project, and what keeps you coming back?

Heather’s Response: Choosing Opustone for my own home felt like a natural choice not only because of the incredibly curated selection of stones but also the incredible team behind it. Jess and everyone at Opustone are there every step of the way, from initial selection to installation, supporting and guiding us through the entire process.

They don’t just provide stone, they become part of the project, always willing to go above and beyond to ensure everything comes together beautifully. That level of care, expertise, and collaboration is why we keep coming back, both for our clients and for our own home. Working with Opustone transforms what could be a stressful process into a truly joyful and creative experience.

Lisa’s Response: The interesting thing about owning a design firm is that we work with a lot of amazing vendors to source what we need, so your loyalty can definitely feel pulled in many directions. Most importantly for us is always first and foremost customer service – we want and need to work with reps that are responsive and knowledgeable. When you are purchasing something such as marble (which is the ultimate in cost and fragility), you need the highest level of professionalism and service to make sure your investment is protected. Jessie Stephenson and the team at Opustone are always so knowledgeable but also incredibly thorough with their inspection process and customer service, making Opustone a consistent pleasure to work with.

Where will your intuition take you? For Heather, it was Arabescato Corchia and Cipollino Rosso. Curious? Visit an Opustone showroom to see it in person and discover which slab speaks to you.