Thinking about a laundry in pantry for your Perth home? Combining storage, prep space and washing into one highly organised zone saves floor area, reduces back-and-forth, and delivers a clean, uncluttered main kitchen. This guide covers layouts, ventilation, finishes, costs and WA standards—plus practical design tips from Joyce Kitchens’ award-winning team.
- Primary focus: laundry in pantry
- Also covered: walk in pantry and laundry room combined; butlers pantry and laundry
Why combine a pantry and laundry?
When space is tight—or you want a minimalist main kitchen—merging a walk-in pantry and laundry room creates a hardworking “back-of-house” scullery. With good planning, your butler’s pantry and laundry can handle food prep, cleaning and washing without cluttering the open-plan area.
- Space efficiency: one service room instead of two.
- Cleaner main kitchen: hide small appliances, hampers and detergents.
- Better workflow: prep, wash and store with fewer steps.
- Acoustic separation: soft-close cabinetry and solid-core doors keep noise down.
A secondary kitchen space for storage, prep and small appliances—often used to hide mess from the main kitchen. When combined with laundry, it may also include washer/dryer, utility sink and tall storage.
An energy-efficient dryer that reuses heat and doesn’t require venting to outside. Ideal for enclosed pantry-laundry rooms with engineered ventilation.
A service area adjacent to the kitchen for washing up, storage and meal prep. In WA homes, sculleries commonly double as a discreet laundry zone.
Local note for WA homes
- Appliances: Most Australian ovens, dishwashers, washers and dryers are 600 mm wide; allow 10–20 mm tolerance and door swing clearances. Heat pump dryers are often deeper (up to ~650 mm).
- Power and plumbing: Use licensed WA trades; ensure GPO loads (10 A or 15 A) and hot/cold feeds suit chosen appliances.
- Ventilation: Perth summers are hot; plan mechanical extraction or cross-ventilation to manage heat and humidity.
Our design and renovation process (Perth & WA)
Joyce Kitchens designs and installs custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust—for kitchen renovations Perth-wide, plus bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes. Here’s how we turn a walk-in pantry and laundry room combined into a seamless upgrade:
- Consultation and site measure: We discuss goals, budget, appliances and timelines; measure existing services and clearances.
- Concept design: Floorplan, elevations and 3D renders—showing bench space, storage, zones and door solutions (sliding, pocket, bifold).
- Selections: Cabinet profiles (Shaker kitchen or modern handleless), hardware (Blum soft-close), surfaces, splashback tiles, lighting and sinks.
- Compliance review: Plan to AS/NZS 3000 (electrical), AS/NZS 3500 (plumbing), AS/NZS 4386 (domestic kitchen cabinetry). Waterproofing and ventilation considered per NCC.
- Quote and program: Transparent pricing and realistic lead times. We coordinate demolition, plumbing, electrical and installation.
- Manufacture and install: Custom cabinetry made for Perth conditions, detailed fit-off and quality assurance.
We work with licensed trades and follow industry guidance, such as the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders WA. See:
- Safe Work Australia: Engineered stone prohibition
- Housing Industry Association (HIA)
- Master Builders WA
Materials and finishes that work in wet zones
The right material palette ensures durability in a combined pantry-laundry, especially with moisture and frequent cleaning.
Cabinetry
- Moisture-resistant board (MR) carcasses with 2PAC painted or premium laminate fronts.
- Shaker kitchen profiles for classic homes or sleek handleless doors for contemporary spaces.
- Quality hardware: Blum soft-close hinges and drawers; Häfele pull-out hampers and larder systems.
Benchtops and splashbacks
Australia has introduced a national prohibition on engineered stone for new projects (effective 2024/2025 across jurisdictions). If you have an existing engineered stone benchtop, we can advise on safe handling or replacement options and suitable alternatives for new work, such as porcelain/sintered stone, natural granite/marble, compact laminate and high-pressure laminate.
| Aspect | Engineered Stone (legacy) | Laminate (HPL/compact) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | N/A for new WA installs due to prohibition; existing replacement/removal costs vary | Most budget-friendly; wide décor range |
| Durability | Durable for legacy benchtops; professional handling only | Good abrasion resistance; use boards/trivets to avoid heat and knife marks |
| Heat resistance | Legacy surfaces tolerate moderate heat; avoid thermal shock | Keep hot pans off surface; use heat protection |
| Maintenance | Mild cleaners; avoid harsh abrasives | Simple wipe-down; easy to refresh or replace |
| Compliance note (AU) | Prohibited for new use in Australia—seek advice for any modifications | Suitable for new installs; check manufacturer specs for wet areas |
| Look/feel | Stone-like, premium aesthetic (legacy) | Huge range: marble-look, concrete-look, timber-look |
| Lead time | Specialist handling if altering/replacing | Fast and flexible |
Great alternatives for new projects: porcelain/sintered stone slabs, natural stone, stainless steel, solid surface, and modern laminates. For splashbacks, consider large-format porcelain, stainless, glass or tiled subway patterns for a classic look.
Lighting, power and ventilation
- LED task lighting under shelves and overheads improves prep and sorting.
- Plan GPOs for small appliances, washers/dryers, vac docks and charging stations.
- Include an exhaust fan or vented grille; heat pump dryers minimise ducting needs.
Smart layouts and styles
Popular pantry-laundry layouts
- Single run with pocket doors: 600 mm deep appliance run with a utility sink, stacking washer/dryer, pull-out hamper and broom cupboard; pocket doors hide the zone during entertaining.
- Galley scullery: One side for food storage and prep, the opposite for laundry and cleaning; allows two people to work comfortably.
- U-shape with central aisle: Maximises bench space and zoning; ensure a minimum 900 mm walkway for WHS comfort.
Dimensions that work
- Minimum internal depth for front-loader and benchtop: ~700–750 mm (account for hoses/vent gaps).
- Comfortable aisle width: 900–1100 mm.
- Practical minimum room size for a single-wall combo: ~1.6–1.8 m wide x 2.2–2.6 m long; U-shapes work from ~2.2 m x 2.4 m.
Style cues
- Shaker kitchen doors with brass or matte black hardware for a timeless butler’s pantry and laundry.
- Contemporary handleless cabinetry with integrated appliances for a minimal aesthetic.
- Coastal WA palette: soft whites, oak-look laminates, and ripple or subway splashback tiles.
Case example: City Beach scullery-laundry
A family in City Beach wanted the main kitchen clutter-free. Joyce Kitchens designed a galley scullery with a stacking washer/dryer, undermount utility sink, Häfele pull-out larder and a 20 kg pull-out laundry hamper. Pocket doors hide the laundry zone; LED strips and soft-close drawers keep it serene during evening entertaining.
Case example: Fremantle terrace walk-in combo
A narrow terrace in Fremantle gained a walk-in pantry and laundry room combined by converting an old store. We used moisture-resistant cabinetry, compact laminate tops, a heat pump dryer and a broom/linen tower. The result: a small-footprint but high-function back-of-house with room for a benchtop mixer and air-fryer.
Practical planning checklist
- Confirm appliance sizes (width, height, depth, door swing) and power ratings (10 A/15 A).
- Choose dryer type: heat pump (preferred), condenser or vented with ducting route.
- Specify a deep utility sink with spray mixer for handwashing and bucket filling.
- Add ventilation: exhaust fan or window plus undercut door for airflow.
- Map zones: food storage, small appliances, sink, laundry appliances, hampers, broom/linen.
- Plan waste: general, recycling and soft plastics; detergent storage out of children’s reach.
- Lighting: task, sensor night light and bright general lighting (4000K works well).
- Future-proofing: extra GPOs, switchable lighting circuits, shelving adjustability.
What does it cost in Perth?
Budgets vary by size, scope, surfaces and appliances. Indicative supply-and-install ranges for a laundry in pantry or butlers pantry and laundry in Perth:
- Compact single-run combo: from $12,000–$22,000 (custom cabinetry, MR carcasses, laminate tops, sink/tap, hardware). Appliances extra.
- Mid-range galley/U-shape: $22,000–$38,000 (more cabinetry, pocket doors, porcelain or compact laminate tops, premium hardware and lighting).
- Large scullery with services relocation: $38,000–$60,000+ (structural changes, additional plumbing/electrical, premium finishes, integrated appliances).
Allow for licensed plumbing/electrical, ventilation upgrades, splashbacks and any remedial building work. We provide a detailed, fixed-quote scope after design.
Ready to explore a combined pantry-laundry for your home? Book a design consultation with Joyce Kitchens—Perth specialists in custom cabinetry, kitchen renovations, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes.
FAQ
Is it practical to put the laundry in the pantry?
Yes—when planned for airflow, noise and moisture. Use a heat pump dryer (or vented unit with ducting), specify a utility sink, include an exhaust fan, and separate zones within the room so food storage and washing tasks don’t clash. Soft-close hardware and pocket or sliding doors help the space feel calm and discreet.
How much does a combined pantry-laundry cost in Perth?
As a guide, expect about $12,000–$22,000 for compact single-run cabinetry and fittings, $22,000–$38,000 for mid-range galley or U-shape, and $38,000–$60,000+ for larger sculleries with services relocation and premium finishes. Appliances, ventilation and trade costs influence the final price.
What size do I need for a walk-in pantry and laundry room combined?
A workable minimum for a single-wall setup is roughly 1.6–1.8 m wide x 2.2–2.6 m long. For U-shapes, plan around 2.2 m x 2.4 m with a 900–1100 mm aisle. Most Aussie washers/dryers are 600 mm wide; allow extra depth for hoses and ventilation, especially for heat pump dryers.
Can I combine a butler’s pantry and laundry without it looking like a laundry?
Absolutely. Use integrated panels for appliances, pocket or bifold doors to conceal the laundry run, matching cabinetry and benchtops, and a pull-out hamper hidden behind a door. Keep detergents in high, closed cabinets and choose a cohesive palette to match your main kitchen.
What standards and permits apply in WA for a pantry-laundry renovation?
Use licensed electricians and plumbers, and design to AS/NZS 3000 (electrical) and AS/NZS 3500 (plumbing). Cabinetry should meet AS/NZS 4386 for domestic kitchens. Provide adequate ventilation and waterproofing as required by the NCC. Note Australia’s prohibition on engineered stone for new installs; seek advice for legacy surfaces.