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.