Sola Kitchens Seamlessly Blend Form and Function to Create a Striking Kitchen Design

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a striking kitchen design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Sola Kitchens.

Sola Kitchens was commissioned to design and build a bespoke kitchen as part of a wider refurbishment of a West London home, which included the replacement of a traditional conservatory with a striking glass-roofed extension. The brief called for a dark-painted finish, a statement marble worktop, and the inclusion of natural wood to reflect the garden beyond. The resulting design features flat-fronted black cabinetry, walnut accents, and a dramatic Calcutta Apuana marble island with a Neolith breakfast bar. Seamlessly blending form and function, the kitchen creates a striking yet warm focal point within the architect-designed open-plan living space.

What was the client's brief?

The clients sought a kitchen that echoing the monochrome aesthetic of their architect-designed glass-roofed rear extension, with a dark painted finish paired with a marble worksurface. They also wanted to integrate natural wood accents to complement their houseplant collection and maintain a harmonious connection to the garden visible through Crittall doors.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design was influenced by the need for a sleek, contemporary kitchen that marries dark, dramatic finishes with organic warmth. The contrast of black spray-painted cabinetry with walnut veneer introduced both depth and natural texture. The marble-wrapped island, in Calacatta Apuana, was selected for its rich brown and black veining—bringing dynamic, organic energy to the space, while echoing the refined simplicity of Scandinavian design.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

A key challenge was coordinating the integrated extraction within the island. Since the client chose a hob with built-in extraction, the island’s exact placement had to be finalized early to allow precise underfloor ducting installation. That left very little room for changes later in the process—demanding detailed advance planning and precision execution.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The standout feature is the marble-wrapped island with the cleverly concealed breakfast bar. With discreet underfloor cabling rising through the leg to a hidden power socket beneath the Neolith iron-finish surface, it functions seamlessly as both a stylish bar and a functional workstation with a direct view of the garden.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Sola Kitchens submitted Refined Sanctuary to the SBID Awards to highlight how refined craftsmanship, thoughtful design and bespoke functionality can elevate interior spaces—specifically kitchens. Being shortlisted is also a way to celebrate and showcase the project’s design excellence on an international stage.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Achieving finalist status at the SBID Awards signifies external validation of Sola Kitchens’ design vision and execution. It reinforces the team's commitment to quality bespoke design and craftsmanship, elevates the brand’s credibility, and bolsters visibility among discerning clients and industry peers seeking expertly crafted, luxury interiors.

Questions answered by Matthew Collins, Sales Specialist at Sola Kitchens.

How does your team collaborate on major projects?

Our team works in close synergy, ensuring every element—from conceptual design to execution—is meticulously curated. We foster a collaborative environment where architects, designers, and artisans contribute their expertise to create exceptional results.

What steps do you take to stay at the forefront of the design industry?

We continuously engage with global design trends, attend international design fairs, and collaborate with leading craftsmen and material innovators. Investing in technology and sustainable solutions also keeps us ahead of industry advancements.

How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?

We prioritize sustainable sourcing, energy-efficient solutions, and timeless materials to ensure longevity and reduce environmental impact. By collaborating with ethical suppliers and artisans, we integrate sustainability without compromising luxury.

Do you have a signature style or hallmark design approach?

Our approach blends classical refinement with contemporary sophistication. We are known for our elegant use of textures, statement lighting, and bespoke furnishings that bring a sense of timeless luxury to each space.

Are you involved in mentoring or education within the interior design industry?

Yes, we actively mentor emerging designers and collaborate with design institutions to foster the next generation of creative talent.

Do you have key partnerships with suppliers, manufacturers, or brands?

We maintain strong relationships with exclusive suppliers and bespoke manufacturers, allowing us to source unique materials and create truly one-of-a-kind interiors for our clients.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an eclectic residential design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Sadie Pizzey Interiors.

Nostalgic Notting Hill! Brick arches, Victorian architecture & bookending fireplaces gave Sadie Pizzey Interiors a great launch pad for this residential project in Notting Hill. We took our clients brief and elevated their love of rustic finishes & bold, vibrant colours through our design of the reclaimed timber kitchen, aged flooring & eclectic furniture. We sourced and designed pieces that brought age, depth & connection. SP Interiors mixed bold custom pieces that problem solved, with textural joinery that maximised space & storage. Antiques were weave in with artisan finds & custom design chairs elevated the home & a connection to the diverse materials.

What was the client's brief?

The client desired a home with an eclectic feel — a place that worked for two but could easily welcome ten, somewhere to escape the pace of city living while still feeling rooted in Notting Hill. Maintaining the charm and character of the Victorian duplex was central to the brief. Our client wanted as much of the original fabric preserved as possible, so we reconditioned the sash windows, coving and skirting boards, sanded and re-stained the oak floors, and carefully restored the fireplaces and exposed brick. Beyond the architecture, the client also wished to weave her upbringing and close family bond into the home. By integrating her family’s artwork, accessories and even lighting, we created an immediate sense of connection and belonging.

What inspired the design of the project?

Brick arches, Victorian architecture & bookending fireplaces gave Sadie Pizzey Interiors a great launch pad for this residential project in Notting Hill. We took our clients brief and elevated their love of rustic finishes & bold, vibrant colours through the reclaimed timber kitchen, aged flooring & eclectic furniture. We sourced and designed pieces that brought age, depth & connection. Sadie Pizzey Interiors mixed bold custom pieces that problem solved, with textural joinery that maximised space & storage. Antiques were weave in with artisan finds & custom design chairs elevated the home & a connection to the diverse materials.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Our client initially thought that this duplex would be cosmetic changes, but as with many Victorian flats, once we carried out our survey there were challenges to overcome. The first shock was we had inherited a flat with no lighting. There were a few strip lights hidden in some coving in each room, but the light source was so poor that we knew straight away we would need to redesign all the lighting & electrics. A challenge is always an opportunity, as this allowed us to design a scheme with multi-layered lighting & circuits. We highlighted architectural features such as the brick arches & dome ceilings. We added beautiful decorative lighting above the table & island & other light sources through the bedrooms & snug.

We also uncovered damp & wondering floors. Full treatment & significant membranes were added to the terrace above. We worked with the existing floor instead of replacing, sanding & re-staining to tie-in with the rustic kitchen.

An inherited air conditioning unit which was unattractive but in good working order aesthetically was solved through a bespoke, electric blue joinery piece with built-in vents and access points.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight for our team was seeing the unique quirks of the Victorian duplex celebrated and enhanced, rather than erased. Repurposing the sash windows, oak floors, and brickwork allowed the history of the home to shine through, while layering in reclaimed timber, bespoke joinery, and eclectic furniture brought warmth and individuality. Our passion for craftsmanship was especially evident in the custom design chairs, which united diverse materials such as rustic oak, smooth leather and soft linen in harmony. Perhaps most rewarding was integrating pieces from the client’s family — artwork, accessories and treasured lighting — which gave the completed space a depth of meaning that no new purchase could replicate. Watching the client walk into a home that was both personal and practical, filled with character yet tailored to her lifestyle, was our team’s proudest moment.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards because they represent one of the most respected platforms in the design industry, celebrating creativity, innovation and craftsmanship on an international stage. For us, it was an opportunity to share the story of this project, where bold colour, reclaimed materials and bespoke craftsmanship came together to create a home that was both practical and deeply personal. Submitting our work was about championing the value of thoughtful design — demonstrating how it can transform not only a space but the way our clients experience their everyday lives.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

We are so proud of this project and the end result. Whenever any of the team walk into the home we instantly feel warm, cosy and uplifted — and that is the approach we bring to all of our projects. As a small design firm, being recognised as an SBID Finalist feels like an affirmation of our growth over the last five years and proof that smaller, more niche studios can achieve just as much as larger teams.

From the initial concept to the final reveal, we add value at every stage, ensuring each project reflects our clients’ unique visions while enriching their lives. Our aligned philosophy, streamlined processes and clear lines of accountability allow us to transform challenges into opportunities and consistently deliver exceptional results. We believe in the power of collaboration, fostering strong relationships with our clients and partners, and we take pride in delivering interiors that not only meet expectations but exceed them.

Personally, as the founder of Sadie Pizzey Interiors, I am thrilled by the recognition and deeply grateful for the journey we have been on. This achievement has amplified our voice, strengthened our confidence as a team, and motivated us to keep creating homes that inspire, embody and serve the unique individuals who live in them.

Questions answered by Sadie Pizzey, Founder of Sadie Pizzey Interiors.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a characterful residential design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Pippa Paton Design.

Pippa Paton Design led the restoration of a Grade-II listed Cotswold estate, re-instating and accentuating historical features, whilst transforming it into a stylish, practical family home in a pale neutral palette against a backdrop of stone windows, timber flooring and reclaimed Cotswold flags. A derelict granary, now a stunning bar, features an illuminated curved brass bar accentuating the stone chimney behind, stables provide enticing guest accommodation and a stone barn doubles as cinema and large-scale dining room. This is a now beautiful example of a Cotswold village estate, re-envisioned for 21st century family living whilst respecting it’s heritage.

What was the client's brief?

To renovate a Grade II listed manor to create a family home, making it more liveable in terms of layout and functionality and bringing it into the 21st century. We were asked to incorporate a derelict granary to use as utility room on the lower level and a bar above, make another estate barn into a party dining space and provide a variety of guest accommodation.

What inspired the design of the project?

The overall concept was to reinstate architectural and design features in the house befitting a 19th century manor, the majority of which had been removed over time.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

To identify the limited amount of remaining internal architectural details and from that developing a suite of panelling, skirting, architraves etc which reflected the history of the house.

We then selected a contractor and various artisans with experience and expertise in renovating listed buildings, which was critical to restore architectural details such as badly-treated timbers, staircases etc. and to produce the architectural detailing which we had designed.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the beautiful craftmanship such as the finishes and detailing in the joinery which we had designed come to life, particularly in the bar, the kitchen and the master ensuite.

We also loved designing future heirloom pieces for the client such as a bespoke card games table, a pair of bespoke console tables in the drawing room and a large, curved mirror designed for the hallway.

Another highlight was the client’s feedback that they absolutely love the spaces that have been created - from the serene drawing room, the dark, moody snug for after dinner drinks, the bar seating twenty-two guests in the granary and the entertainment space in another barn for large dinner parties.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

To get recognition for the project and for what we do as a studio.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

The client appreciates the recognition, and we always meet interesting future suppliers and collaborators at the awards evening itself.

Questions answered by Pippa Paton, Founder of Pippa Paton Design.

The process involved working with local skilled craftsman to create bespoke joinery and finishes as well as custom furnishings and doors. In particular, the feature of a custom metal encased glass door, unique to the property, separating the entertaining and resting spaces is one of Chou's favourite moments at City Residence.

Typical of Hong Kong properties and especially city dwelling in general, the layout of apartments tends to be more compact. As such, creating layered moments through customization became imperative in the design of the property.

For instance, integrating built-in storage solutions assisted with creating a seamlessness in each room, enhancing a calm and restorative mood. Utilising pocket doors also contributed to the general feeling of openness within smaller rooms.

The living area features a rug, ‘Spring Buds’ in Chou's hand-selected ‘Sunrise’ palette, from her rug collection exclusively designed for Silk Avenue. Available in bespoke sizes and colourways. Read this article here to discover Chou's process in designing 'Sky & Earth'.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a contemporary residential design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Amy Stoddart Studio.

Amy Stoddart Studio was commissioned to design this fun, vibrant family home in SW London. The clients trusted them with the ground floor re-work and internal re-fresh on the second floor. The studio took a classic/contemporary approach to the Kitchen, Living, Dining Area; paired with a modern arched crittall internal door, a punchy use of fabric and natural materials weaved throughout the rooms.

What was the client's brief?

Elaine, our client, has a discerning eye for design, appreciating an eclectic mix of new and vintage pieces. She values key statement items over a cluttered aesthetic. Her vision was to preserve the original features of the property while ensuring that the new extension harmoniously blended with the existing structure.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design was inspired by a fusion of classic and contemporary styles, reflecting Elaine's appreciation for both new and vintage elements. We aimed to create a vibrant and fun atmosphere that resonated with the lively spirit of the family. Incorporating natural materials and maintaining architectural integrity were central to our approach.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the challenges was ensuring that the new extension seamlessly integrated with the original structure, both aesthetically and functionally. Additionally, working within budget constraints required creative solutions to achieve the desired high-end look without compromising on quality.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing Elaine's positive reaction and knowing we had created a home that truly reflected her taste and lifestyle was incredibly rewarding.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards to showcase our commitment to design excellence and to gain recognition within the industry. The awards provide a platform to highlight innovative projects and connect with a broader audience, which is invaluable for our studio's growth.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

The recognition has enhanced our credibility and motivated us to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity in our future projects.

Questions answered by Amy Stoddart, Creative Director at Amy Stoddart Studio.

The challenge that the design sought to address was to make the most from the less; in other words, the task was to utilise and transform a garage into a modern and fully functional permanent ‘micro-residence’.

In a small space, every possible surface that can evolve and create additional rooms is particularly significant. Through the design, usable space was added to the upper level. The original garage area had a loft of approximately 6 square meters. An additional space of 7 square meters was added, creating a bedroom, a work area and a bathroom on the upper level.

The ‘micro-residence’ concept addresses the worldwide housing problem, where the lack of functional and compact residences is pervasive. The rapid growth of short-term rental housing, especially in city centres, makes the need for smart solutions, such as the one created through the design, even more pressing.

Another major advantage of the project is the smaller energy footprint as the space heats up and cools down faster due to its size and design. This feature follows the global approach to social, economic, and environmental planning that balances the social and economic needs of present and future human generations with the imperative of preventing undue damage to the natural environment.

We are very happy to share that our studio received the international Big SEE Architecture Award 2025, during the Big Architecture festival in beautiful Portoroz by the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia, for our Garage Transformation into a Micro-Residence project.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxury rental building design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, CHIL Interior Design.

CHIL Interior Design was tasked with crafting REN, in Seattle's South Lake Union. Inspired by exploration and the fusion of humanity with technology, REN offers an immersive experience through bespoke art and design. Custom artwork and installations adorn the public areas, catering to the vibrant tech industry professionals seeking originality. Amenities include a fully functional lobby bar, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and interconnected top-floor lounges boasting panoramic city views. Designed to meet the evolving needs of its residents, REN offers flexible workspaces and immersive art galleries, creating a dynamic and stimulating living environment.

What was the client's brief?

REN was our chance to make a bold statement in the US luxury rental market, specifically for the creative minds in Seattle’s tech scene. The brief was all about creating spaces that felt alive, with art and tech merging to spark a sense of exploration. We wanted tenants to feel inspired as soon as they walked through the door.

What inspired the design of the project?

Inspired by the concept of exploration and merging humanity with technology, we wanted every corner to feel like it had a story to tell, where humanity and technology collide in unexpected ways creating a residential space that feels like a journey.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Building REN during the pandemic was a wild ride as everything had to adapt as we went. With remote work becoming the new norm, we had to rethink how the space would support hybrid professionals. Flexible co-working areas, private pods, and meeting rooms that feel as functional as they do inspiring. Plus, immersive art galleries and a lobby bar that’s more than just a spot to grab a drink. REN is a place to work, socialise, and unwind, all in one, blurring the lines between home, work, and play.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our biggest highlight was watching the vision of exploration come to life through art. From hanging wood sculptures to glowing astronauts and graffiti-inspired murals, every piece was designed to blur the line between humanity and technology. Walking through the finished space was a surreal moment for our team.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards because it’s a globally recognised benchmark for excellence in design. We invest in awards that hold prestige and celebrates work that pushes creative boundaries and sets new standards in the industry.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an SBID Award Finalist feels like a huge win for our whole team. It’s a validation of all the hard work, creativity, and passion we put into every project. It’s not just about the recognition, but a reminder that we’re on the right track to keep pushing boundaries and creating spaces that inspire.

Questions answered by Carolyn Kaczmarek, Director of Residential Design at CHIL Interior Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a cosy, woodland home design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, The Vawdrey House.

The Vawdrey House was engaged to inject some soul and personality into a client’s country home. The refurbished house is a retreat in the true sense of the word. A life-enriching counterpoint to the client’s London home. As comfortable for the couple to cosy up in on a winters afternoon as it is for hosting hordes of extended family. Spaces are impeccably styled for relaxed, everyday living. The interiors now live-up to the beautiful woodland setting, with rich textures, clever design and exceptional craftsmanship.

What was the client's brief?

Nestled deep in the New Forest National Park, Forest House was originally a mid-century bungalow, extended and reconfigured by a previous owner. But this is no country cottage. The generous scale of the interior spaces presented a particular challenge. The open plan kitchen and living space is an impressive 14mx9m, with a four-metre ceiling. It was cold, echoey and dwarfed any furniture the client had placed there. As the new owners, our client engaged us to inject some soul and personality.

What inspired the design of the project?

Our response to the brief was to make minimal structural alterations, instead focussing on adding built-in joinery and injecting new texture, colour and finishes. Such a large-scale space necessitated bold, architectural-scale interventions.

We retained the existing double-sided wood burning stove in the centre of the room, wrapping it in a new, wider chimney breast clad in beautiful, glazed three-dimensional tiles. At the base we commissioned a polished concrete hearth, large enough to sit on, and reminiscent of a feature within the client’s mid-century childhood home. This created an architectural separation between the living area and kitchen / dining area; open enough to allow the spaces to flow but closed enough to make the reorientated living area more intimate.

We added curtains across the expansive glazing, not only to make the space cosy but also to reduce the echo in the room.

Across the rear wall that stretches from the kitchen to the living area we created a 14 metre-long joinery installation, designed unify the series of spaces. This accommodates aspects of the kitchen, a hidden door to the boot room, a cocktail bar, tableware storage and a library. A sliding ladder is a fun, but also very practical addition.

Within this wall is a new opening leading to a snug room with a huge sliding oak door, enabling this room to become a much cosier space with its Obsidian Green walls, thick velvet curtains and a pallet of accent colours inspired a much-loved oil painting.

We enriched what was previously a long, dark corridor by over-cladding one side in black oak concealing doors leading to ancillary rooms. Opposite we added new mouldings, a warm paint scheme and created focal points for yet more of the client’s art collection.

Behind one of the hidden doors lies the dramatic powder room, with black terrazzo floor and statement terracotta-coloured concrete basin.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

From the outset, it was clear that our biggest challenge to overcome would be the unusually large scale of the space.

With high, four-metre ceilings and an open plan kitchen and living space measuring 14m x 9m, our biggest hurdle was finding a way to bring character, soul and personality into a space that felt cold and echoey.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Undoubtedly the highlight of the project was working with such an openminded client and a relatively free brief. The end result is a true collaboration of such passionate and highly specialist craftspeople. Matched as it was by the passion of the client for the design, materials and finishes, the entire project felt truly meaningful and full of purpose.

More specifically, the enormous, double-sided fireplace with lustrous tiles and bespoke polished concrete hearth was a real highlight in terms of the design of the finished project.

The interiors now live-up to the beautiful woodland setting but with personality reflective of our truly fabulous and trusting clients.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

This was our first time entering the SBID awards. We decided to enter ourselves and this project as we were excited by the programme’s international outlook, and the variety of categories for the nominations.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Bring an Award Finalist has meant an enormous amount to us. After all the hard work, it is always nice to take a moment to properly celebrate a project, especially with so many brilliant industry friends and contemporaries. The recognition from the SBID is the cherry on top of what has been a really fantastic project/cake!

Questions answered by Ian Chapman, Director of The Vawdrey House.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a unique use of lighting in a residential design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Chains Interior.

The project is more than a simple residential space but was also planned to serve as a banquet and event space, so we wanted to use visual tension to impress guests rather than a timeless style. In response to the owner's request for functional needs, the designer deliberately enlarged the scale of the public domain. The entrance is bounded by a glass screen with light track lines, and the reflection effect brought by the light hints at directing the circulation. Hand-blown glass artwork on the side is illuminated by the marble back wall and lighting, suggesting the upcoming lively scene.

What was the client's brief?

Residential spaces should not only be comfortable but also reflect the unique characteristics of the homeowners. In this case, the male homeowner has a passion for photography, particularly focusing on capturing natural light. Meanwhile, the female homeowner, as their children have grown up, has shifted her efforts towards social welfare volunteering, hoping for a place to host charitable lectures and discussions. The couple's pursuit of light and their spirit of conveying love inspired the concept of this project, themed around the "sun."

What inspired the design of the project?

Transforming the shape, colour, characteristics, and movement of the sun into a design language, this project incorporates four key solar features: the halo formed by sunlight refraction, the dazzling radiance of solar rays, the changing colour temperature of daylight throughout the day, and the sun’s trajectory over the course of a year. These elements are embodied in the design through the imagery of "halo," "radiance," "spectrum," and "trajectory."

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating raw materials and labor faced many challenges. In the early stages of design discussions, importing various materials from overseas became more time-consuming and labor-intensive than before. Additionally, regulations for residential construction became significantly stricter, limiting the number of workers allowed on-site. The extended construction timeline also led to an increase in renovation costs.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

"Live like a beam of light, for you never know who, by your light, has found their way out of the darkness."

This quote from Rabindranath Tagore's "Impacting Lives with Life" serves as an inspiration—perhaps design, too, can influence lives. Through thoughtful creation, a space can become more than just a structure; it can be a source of light and passion, helping its inhabitants discover warmth and meaning in their lives.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

SBID is a highly prestigious recognition, and it holds special significance for us because the homeowner discovered our work through award-winning projects from the SBID Awards. This makes the achievement even more meaningful to us.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

For us, this is a great opportunity for exposure, allowing more clients who value design quality to discover our work and recognise the exceptional creations we can bring to life.

Questions answered by Flora mao, Director at Chains Interior.