Santos Kitchens in homes designed by Borja Vildosola arquitectura

14/04/2023

Borja Vildosola arquitectura is an architecture and interior design studio in Bilbao specialising in residential and home projects. This article features five of its house renovation projects, all of which come with open-plan kitchens kitted out with furniture designed by Santos.

Design based on actively listening to users

Borja Vildosola arquitectura is engaged in the comprehensive refurbishment of homes, from the initial stage of spatial design to its full implementation, including furnishing and decoration. Its team – with architect Borja Vildosola at the helm – is rounded out with interior designer Marina Izquierdo, who supports design and decorating duties, as well as a network of specialist collaborators with whom they bring the projects to life.

The studio’s design philosophy is based on actively listening to users, proper planning and taking great care in the early stages. Its work is done in accordance with a clearly defined protocol divided into stages which – with an in-depth knowledge of the tastes, needs and wishes of each client as the starting point – enables them to carry out projects tailored to each case, at a steady pace and always on time.

The studio’s style is defined by the search for durability and timelessness, which is embodied by the creation of functional spaces with pure lines, brimming with their own distinctive character and structure. In the case of kitchens, they make every effort to turn them into places designed for living together and enjoying, which is why they integrate them into the most gorgeous spaces in the house. This is why they particularly favour open-plan kitchens kitted out with furniture and finishes in line with the rest of the décor.

Grey kitchen with island and counter

Kitchen design: Borja Vildosola arquitectura
Santos dealer: Chiqui Sarón
Santos furniture: Silk Anthracite Grey FINE
Kitchen layout: Parallel with island
Photography: Iñaki Caperochipi

The renovation of this penthouse turned the kitchen into the heart of the home. Its island, aside from separating the dining room and living room, serves as the gateway to all the spaces in the home. This element is complemented by a composition of base, wall and tall units, which was placed along a stretch of wall with no windows to keep all the sources of natural light on the floor intact.

White kitchen that opens into the living-dining room

Kitchen design: Borja Vildosola arquitectura
Santos dealer: Chiqui Sarón
Santos furniture: Innsbruck White FINE
Kitchen layout: L-shaped with peninsula
Photography: Nerea Moreno

The kitchen, designed as the hub of this renovated flat, serves as the entryway to the different spaces. The room, adjacent to the entrance hall, has a peninsula that physically separates it from the living room, which does not reduce the natural light streaming in or the openness of the space. The Innsbruck White finish was chosen for the furniture, in order to enable it to seamlessly blend into the wall and make the room look bigger.

White and wood kitchen integrated into the daytime living area

Kitchen design: Borja Vildosola arquitectura
Santos dealer: Chiqui Sarón
Santos furniture: Innsbruck White FINE / Light Elm FINE (Wall units and island back panel)
Kitchen layout: L-shaped with island
Photography: Nerea Moreno

One of the keys to the renovation of this flat was moving the kitchen to the middle of the home, so it could be integrated into the living room and dining room. This created a large, open-plan space in the entrance area, which is shared by the living room, dining room, kitchen and a panoramic window with access to the balcony. The Innsbruck White finish of the cabinets enhances the natural brightness of the spaces, while the touches of Light Elm wood bring balance and warmth to the whole.

Kitchen with island and storage area

Kitchen design: Borja Vildosola arquitectura
Santos dealer: Chiqui Sarón
Santos furniture: Cashmere FINE / Innsbruck White FINE (Storage area)
Kitchen layout: L-shaped with island
Photography: Iñaki Caperochipi

The renovation of this family flat completely opened up the kitchen to the living room and entrance, dividing it into a storage area and a work area. The former, comprised of a row of tall units in an Innsbruck White finish, was laid out in the entryway to the flat. The latter, in contrast, was kitted out with an island with a table attached and a composition of wall, base and tall units. A Cashmere finish was chosen for these cabinets, which – aside from bringing more warmth to the space – contributes towards harmonising the different spaces.

Grey and white kitchen with island and storage area

Kitchen design: Borja Vildosola arquitectura
Santos dealer: Santos Estudio Getxo
Santos furniture: Mink Grey FINE / Innsbruck White FINE (Storage area)
Kitchen layout: Parallel with island
Photography: Phelipe Eizaguirre

The renovation of this home sought to create an attractive flat with character, perfect for holiday rentals. The kitchen is made up of two well-differentiated areas: a work area with island in a Mink Grey finish, and a storage area made up of tall units, adjacent to the living room. The Innsbruck White finish of the tall units helps them seamlessly blend into the living zone.