Into the Woods: A Scandinavian-Inspired Kitchen Extension in Sussex

Tucked away in the leafy heart of Sussex, a small, dark kitchen and a dated conservatory have been transformed by Cub Kitchens into a stunning light-filled extension that feels straight out of a Nordic design magazine.

Clad in timber and anchored by an oak kitchen with wide wooden floorboards, this eco-conscious project brings together sustainability, simplicity, and style in perfect harmony.

The brief was clear: to reimagine a cramped and uninspiring space into an open-plan sanctuary where cooking, dining, and entertaining could unfold seamlessly. But this wasn’t just about aesthetics; at the heart of the redesign was a deep respect for the environment and a desire to use natural, durable materials that would stand the test of time.

The result? A warm and welcoming space that embodies the best of Scandinavian design, with white walls, clean lines, and the organic textures of natural wood, all bathed in natural light.

The standout feature of the extension is undoubtedly the oak kitchen, which sets the tone for the entire space. Here, the choice of oak veneer is both beautiful and practical.

Its rich, natural grain adds warmth and character, while the birch ply core offers strength, moisture resistance, and durability — essential qualities for a busy kitchen.

Far from rustic, the sleek slab-fronted cabinets are modern and minimalist, with each door carefully grain-matched for a seamless finish.

Simple metal pull handles maintain a pared-back elegance, and ebonised oak plinths provide a subtle yet striking contrast, visually separating the cabinetry from the wooden floors and adding a refined edge.

Orchard Way 5 Cub Kitchens low res Into the Woods: A Scandinavian-Inspired Kitchen Extension in Sussex

Functionality was just as important as form in this redesign. A clean L-shaped run keeps appliances and pull-out bins out of sight, maintaining a streamlined look. At the heart of the space, a generous kitchen island doubles as a social hub — one side designed for casual seating, the other offering deep drawers for hidden storage.

Clever storage solutions are woven throughout the space, from open shelves and wall hooks to concealed drawers tucked behind minimalist cabinetry.

There’s even a secret laundry zone discreetly housed in floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. It has enough space for a washing machine, tumble dryer, and hanging area for drying clothes—all neatly hidden from view.

Every detail of this extension has been considered with both design and sustainability in mind. It’s a space that looks beautiful and feels good to live in, where natural light and organic materials come together to create a calming, tactile environment.

Cub Kitchens is a small bespoke kitchen company based near Brighton. It creates beautiful wooden kitchens from locally grown timber. Together with its sister companies, Load Bear and BearHaus, Cub Kitchens designed and built this kitchen extension from the ground up.