In Profile:
Sola Kitchens

Name: Sofia Bune Strandh

Company: Sola Kitchens

Position within company: CEO

Website: solakitchens.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:
I founded Sola Kitchens In 2006 and have worked in kitchen design ever since

How would you describe your personal design style?
Being Swedish, I love Scandinavian design and the perfect  balance between design and functionality that Scandinavian design Is based on. I also love colour and my own kitchen at home Is pink!

Where does your design inspiration come from?
Everything! My Scandinavian heritage, our amazingly creative design team

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
We see more and more use of natural materials. 10-12 years ago It was quite rare that client wanted to see exposed wood but now we use that In most our designs and I think this will continue. Also, our signature style Is the use of different textures and using architectural elements In our designs, something you can see In the project which we have been nominated for where we use one of our signature styles with slim horizontal drawer fronts

Name some key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond.
Natural materials, lots of textures, harmonious designs.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Don’t cram in too much. Leave some negative space so the design can breathe.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
Being one of the most prestigious design awards, it is very important!

What projects are you currently working on?
We are working on a range of exciting projects, both in the UK and overseas. One favourite for the moment is a house in the US where we are doing the kitchen and all bedroom joinery.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
One of my favourite projects was the one we have been nominated for. It is a beautiful house in Wimbledon and the clients are super nice and creative with lots of wonderful ideas. This is the second kitchen we did for them.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
We had some challenging projects during covid when everything was delayed and we couldn’t get hold of appliances for love or money. The whole industry was in the same position but it was still truly awful.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Wood! We love wood at Sola Kitchens and try to incorporate it in all our designs!

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
We opened our new flagship showroom on Wigmore Street just over a year ago which has been a huge success – we even won the kitchen showroom of the year award last year. Opening the new showroom was a big project so this year the focus will be to continue to establish the new showroom and continue to deliver beautiful designs and projects.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?
My labrador Smilla.

Your favourite holiday destination?
Africa.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Love Cavita!

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Horse riding or skiing.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A vet.