Looking to combine your kitchen and laundry into one efficient space? A well-planned kitchen laundry combo can save precious square metres, simplify plumbing and electrical runs, and create a clean, cohesive look. For Perth and WA homes, smart planning around ventilation, waterproofing and appliance sizing is essential to keep everything compliant and easy to live with.
This guide covers layouts and styles, suitable materials, the renovation process, realistic Perth costs, case studies, and a practical checklist—so you can move from idea to installation with confidence.
Why combine kitchen and laundry?
For many Australian homes—especially apartments, townhouses and compact renovations—a kitchen and laundry combined can be a space-savvy, budget-friendly move. You’ll often reduce trades duplication and achieve a tidy, integrated look with matching doors, benchtops and splashbacks.
Key benefits
- Space efficiency: One wet area for sink, plumbing and drainage.
- Cost control: Shared services and less floor area to renovate.
- Design cohesion: Matching custom cabinetry (WA-made), continuous benchtops and unified colours.
- Functionality: Add a pull-out hamper, broom cupboard and overhead storage without needing a separate room.
What to watch
- Moisture and ventilation: Heat-pump or condenser dryers are ideal; allow airflow to protect cabinetry.
- Noise management: Use sound-dampening panels and choose quiet appliances for open-plan living.
- Compliance: Waterproofing (NCC/AS 3740), electrical (AS/NZS 3000), and plumbing (AS/NZS 3500) must be correctly detailed.
- Workflow: Maintain clear prep zones so laundry tasks don’t interrupt cooking.
Tip: In most Australian jurisdictions, installing a laundry machine in a kitchen is permitted if work meets electrical and plumbing standards and wet-area best practice. Check your builder or designer is across WA requirements, and consider guidance from the HIA and Master Builders WA. You can also review the National Construction Code (ABCB) for wet-area principles.
Our renovation process (Perth & WA)
1) Discovery and measure
We assess existing services, ventilation paths, and appliance clearances. Typical Australian front-load washers are ~600 mm wide, 850 mm high, and 650–700 mm deep—allow 75–100 mm behind for hoses and power.
2) Concept design
We map a functional triangle for cooking and cleaning, then position the laundry machine in kitchen cabinetry or a tall “appliance tower.” Options include an undermount sink, pull-out bin, soft-close drawers and integrated appliances.
3) Selections
Choose moisture-ready doors (melamine or 2-pack), durable benchtops (laminate, porcelain/sintered stone, or solid surface), and splashbacks (tile, glass, or porcelain slab). We specify hardware like Blum soft-close hinges and high-wear edging.
4) Compliance detailing
We set out waterproofing and electrical notes, ensure GPOs are compliant and away from splash zones, and specify proper ventilation for dryers. We follow current WA interpretations of NCC wet-area provisions and relevant AS/NZS standards.
5) Manufacture & installation
Cabinetry is built to order for a perfect fit, including scribed panels and tight kickboards. Our installers coordinate with licensed trades to keep your program on track.
6) Handover
We test door clearances, adjust alignment, and check appliance function. You’ll receive care and maintenance guidance for each finish.
Materials and finishes that cope with moisture
With a laundry kitchen combined, choose finishes that resist steam, heat and spills.
Cabinet doors and carcasses
- Moisture-resistant board (HMR) carcasses with quality edging.
- Door options: melamine, thermoformed/vinyl wrap, or 2‑pack polyurethane—including modern handleless or classic Shaker kitchen styles.
- Hardware: soft-close drawers, quality runners and hinges designed for daily use.
Benchtops (moisture and heat)
- Laminate benchtop: cost-effective, wide patterns, great value for laundry work zones.
- Porcelain/sintered stone: highly heat, stain and UV resistant—excellent above appliance towers and around sinks.
- Solid surface (e.g., acrylic/cast): reparable and seamless sinks available.
Splashbacks
- Glazed tile for durability and easy cleaning.
- Glass splashback for a sleek, light-reflective look.
- Matching porcelain slab for minimal grout and a premium finish.
Flooring
- Porcelain tile for maximum durability and waterproofing.
- Hybrid vinyl/laminate with wet-area rating for warmth underfoot in living spaces.
Engineered stone vs laminate (and what’s changed in Australia)
Australia has implemented strict controls and a national prohibition on most traditional engineered stone products due to respirable crystalline silica risks. Always confirm current WA rules and choose approved alternatives such as porcelain/sintered surfaces, solid surface, natural stone, or compliant low-silica options where applicable.
| Criteria | Engineered Stone (regulated) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Excellent surface hardness, but check current legality and fabrication controls in WA. | Good for daily use; use trivets and boards to avoid scratches and heat marks. |
| Heat/moisture | Heat tolerant; still use trivets near cooktops. Non‑porous when sealed by manufacturer. | Moisture resistant; avoid pooling water at joins and protect from direct heat. |
| Typical cost (supply & install) | Subject to availability/regulation; many clients opt for porcelain/sintered alternatives. | $250–$450 per m² is common, depending on profile and brand. |
| Best use in a combo | Consider porcelain/sintered as the safer modern alternative for laundry zones. | Great value for benches over washers/dryers and utility spaces. |
Ask our designers about porcelain slabs, sintered stone, solid surface or laminate options that meet WA rules and your budget.
Layouts and styles that work
Popular layouts
- One-wall with appliance tower: Stack a front-load washer and heat-pump dryer in a 600 mm wide tall cabinet with venting/louvred doors, plus a 45–60 L trough and folding bench.
- Galley kitchen: Place laundry on the non-cooktop run; keep at least 1000–1100 mm walkway for safety and access.
- L-shaped kitchen: Hide laundry behind pocket or bi-fold doors at one end; retain continuous prep space.
- U-shaped kitchen: Allocate one arm for laundry tasks, leaving cooking and cleaning uninterrupted.
Styling ideas (form meets function)
- Shaker kitchen doors in satin white with a contrasting timber-look laminate benchtop.
- Handleless cabinets with finger-pull rails and two-tone cabinetry for a clean contemporary look.
- LED task lighting under overheads to brighten folding and prep zones.
- Integrated appliances and an undermount sink for a streamlined aesthetic.
- Include a mini scullery or broom cupboard to corral detergents, mops and vacuum.
Local appliance sizing notes (Australia)
- Front-load washers: ~600 mm wide, 850 mm high; depth varies 550–700 mm. Leave air space and hose access.
- Dryers: consider heat-pump models for low moisture and no hard-duct need; still allow airflow.
- Ovens/cooktops: common sizes 600 mm, with larger 700–900 mm available—plan clearances from laundry doors.
- Sinks and troughs: 450–600 mm troughs suit compact combos; consider a dual-purpose bowl with a removable drainer.
Perth cost guide
Every home is different, but these ballpark figures help planning for kitchen renovations Perth homeowners often request—especially where a laundry machine in kitchen is included.
- Budget (laminate benchtops, melamine doors, standard hardware): $18,000–$30,000
- Mid-range (mix of laminate and porcelain/sintered surfaces, 2-pack doors, premium hardware): $30,000–$50,000
- Premium (porcelain/sintered or solid surface benchtops, custom features, integrated appliances): $50,000–$80,000+
Indicative allowances (installed): cabinetry $1,200–$2,500 per linear metre; benchtops from $250/m² (laminate) to $900+/m² (porcelain/sintered); splashbacks from $120/m² (tile) to $600+/m² (slab); licensed trades and compliance detailing vary by site. Prices are GST inclusive estimates and subject to selections, access, and services relocation.
WA case-style examples
City Beach apartment: 2.2 m one-wall combo
Brief: Hide the laundry and gain bench space. Solution: a 600 mm appliance tower with a stacked washer/heat-pump dryer behind vented doors, a 500 mm undermount sink with an oversized drainer board, and a durable laminate benchtop. Result: 40% more prep area and a calm open-plan look.
Subiaco townhouse: Galley with scullery nook
Brief: Keep laundry out of sight without losing pantry storage. Solution: LHS run features cooktop/ovens; RHS run houses a concealed laundry with pocket doors, pull-out hampers and overheads. A small scullery-style cupboard stores detergents and cleaning tools. Result: high-function kitchen laundry combo with zero compromise on style.
Pre-renovation checklist
- Measure appliances (width, depth including hoses, and door swing).
- Confirm ventilation strategy (especially for dryers) and door louvre requirements.
- Check GPO locations, RCD protection and splash-zone compliance (AS/NZS 3000).
- Plan waterproofing and wet-area junctions (NCC/AS 3740 principles).
- Choose moisture-resilient cabinetry and benchtops suited to laundry duties.
- Decide on door style (Shaker or handleless), splashback and lighting.
- Set budget bands and contingency (10–15%).
- Book licensed trades and confirm lead times for custom cabinetry WA manufacture.
Why Joyce Kitchens
For over 30 years, we’ve delivered bespoke kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobe designs across Perth and WA. From concept to installation, our team coordinates design, custom cabinetry, and compliant services—so your laundry kitchen combined project looks superb and functions flawlessly. Ready to start? Book a design consultation and let’s plan your space.
FAQ
Is it legal to put a washing machine in the kitchen in Australia?
Yes. A laundry machine in kitchen cabinetry is permitted when the work meets relevant standards and codes. Plan waterproofing (NCC/AS 3740 principles), electrical to AS/NZS 3000 (including correct GPO placement and RCDs), and plumbing to AS/NZS 3500. Provide ventilation for dryers and adequate clearances around appliances.
How do you hide a laundry in a kitchen?
Use full-height cabinetry with pocket or bi-fold doors, or louvred panels for airflow. Add sound-dampening materials, LED task lighting, and integrated storage like pull-out hampers and broom cupboards. Match door profiles and handles so the laundry disappears within the kitchen design.
What size space do I need for a kitchen laundry combo?
Allow roughly 600 mm width per front-load washer, 650–700 mm depth including hoses, and 850 mm height. A stacked washer/dryer fits a 600 mm wide tower; add 600 mm deep benchtops and aim for a 1000–1100 mm walkway. A 45–60 L trough needs about 500–600 mm width.
What does a combined kitchen and laundry renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide: $18,000–$30,000 for budget, $30,000–$50,000 for mid-range, and $50,000–$80,000+ for premium. Final costs depend on cabinetry length, benchtop material (laminate vs porcelain/sintered), appliance integration, and services relocation.
Which benchtop is best for a kitchen and laundry combo?
Porcelain/sintered stone is highly heat, stain and moisture resistant—ideal for laundry tasks. Laminate is great value for money with wide design choices. Due to Australian regulations on traditional engineered stone, many WA homeowners now prefer porcelain/sintered or solid surface alternatives.
