BRASS GALLEY
On the water
With their houseboat in dry dock, undergoing a full renovation, its owners invited Sola Kitchens to work with the couple's architect and create a kitchen to be situated within the new superstructure of the boat, adjoining a sitting room and with pictures hung throughout.
The Brief
A returning client who first worked with Sola Kitchens on the kitchen for their main house a few years ago. Impressed with the result, they came back to us—this time entrusting us with creating both the kitchen and wardrobes for their houseboat’s new superstructure. The brief was for a pink kitchen with brass detailing, paired with an island crafted to feel more like a statement piece of furniture than a purely functional element. Positioned at the heart of the boat with expansive windows and central deck access, the kitchen needed to balance form and function—serving as an elegant backdrop for entertaining while also accommodating serious, chef-level cooking. To meet those needs, the design incorporates professional-grade appliances, generous work surfaces, and ample storage throughout.
I looked at several kitchen design companies, and none even remotely matched Sola Kitchens: friendly, efficient, wonderful ideas, and best of all brilliant work ethic and design capabilities.
The designer's solution features a striking island with a white Corian worktop, chosen by the client for its subtle pink undertones, paired with front panels lined with solid brass metal in an antiqued finish. Working closely with the client's architect, every detail—weight distribution, dimensions, location, and alignment—was meticulously planned, crucial for outfitting a water-borne vessel. The island was custom-sized to fit the kitchen within the wood-lined walls of the superstructure, ensuring ample space to walk around without obstructing essential escape routes. Pink, hand-painted flat-fronted cabinetry with brass handles sit below the windows, with the sink aligned with the central, black-framed window and the Bora hob positioned on the island behind, a subtle nod to shipshape and Bristol fashion. To maintain an open, airy feel, the cabinetry is kept only as tall as the double-door fridge, avoiding floor-to-ceiling storage. Considering the boat's constant movement on the water, the cabinetry was designed with a degree of tolerance, a crucial design factor tested throughout the process, as the kitchen was installed after the boat was re-launched—making it even more challenging to ensure everything was properly aligned and level.
Special Features
Smoothly does it: the Corian worktops have been moulded with rounded edges, for a cool, softening effect on the overall scheme.
Rock a-bye safely: all the doors and drawers are fitted with magnetic catches, and the drawers and shelves are lined with soft matting, so nothing falls open or slides as the boat sways around.
Finishing touches: with salt water in the air a potential hazard, the island's antiqued brass finish and the door handles have been lacquered to prevent them from tarnishing. A stainless-steel tap and sink rather than brass were chosen for the same reason.
Materials & Finishes
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3.- Corian Sandstorm
- Antique Brass Clad
- Spray painted NCS S 2010-R
The process
