Turn your laundry into a hardworking, great-looking space. Joyce Kitchens designs, builds and installs custom laundries across Perth and WA, combining practical laundry organisation with premium cabinetry, durable benchtops and tailored layouts to suit Australian homes.
Core insights: what makes laundry organisation work
Whether you have a European laundry behind bi-fold doors or a full-sized room, the key to laundry organisation is zoning, durable surfaces and storage that suits your laundry items and routine. Here’s what we prioritise in Perth homes:
- Clear zones: Sort → Wash → Dry → Fold → Store → Clean. Each zone gets a dedicated spot and fittings.
- Bench space: A continuous laundry table/bench over front loaders delivers folding space and keeps baskets off the floor.
- Vertical storage: Tall cabinets for brooms/mops; overheads for bulk detergents; pull-out hampers for whites/darks.
- Ventilation: Especially with heat pump or condenser dryers. Consider a ducted vent or operable window to reduce humidity and mould.
- Moisture-smart finishes: Water-resistant cabinetry, sealed benchtops and tiled or glass splashbacks in splash zones.
- Power and plumbing planning: Allow hose clearances and GPOs for integrated appliances; follow AS/NZS electrical and plumbing rules.
- Safety and access: Store chemicals in soft-close drawers or overheads; use labelled laundry storage containers/canisters to avoid spills.
Must-have storage pieces for a tidy laundry
- Overhead cabinets with adjustable shelves for bulk paper towels and refills.
- Pull-out hampers on Blum hardware for easy pre-sorting.
- Fold-down ironing centre or a slim cabinet to hide the board.
- Hanging rail under a cabinet for drip-dry shirts.
- Tall cleaning cupboard for mops, vacuum and a charging shelf.
- Laundry organizer inserts: spice-style pull-outs reimagined for stain removers and pegs.
- Laundry canisters and labelled laundry storage containers for powders, pods and oxy-boosters.
- Kickboard drawers for trays, pet items or spare towels.
Australian sizing and practical notes
- Bench depth: Aim for 600–650 mm; allow 650–700 mm if hoses sit behind appliances.
- Front loaders: Many Australian models are ~600 mm wide x 850 mm high; check your model depth (550–650 mm).
- Dryers: Heat pump units reduce moisture and energy; consider stacking (with a manufacturer kit) to free bench space.
- Sinks: An undermount sink or inset trough (stainless) works well; add a mixer with pull-out spray and solid splashback protection.
Quick definitions
Our Perth renovation process
- In-home consult & measure: We map your zones, laundry items, appliance list and service points.
- Design & 3D render: Space planning, elevations and selections: melamine cabinetry, 2-pack, finger-pull doors or handles, splashback options and LED task lighting.
- Specification: Benchtops (engineered stone benchtop, laminate benchtop), hardware (Blum soft-close), and accessories (pull-out hampers, rails).
- Manufacture: Custom cabinetry WA made to fit, including tricky corners, nib walls and bulkheads.
- Install & handover: Managed trades for plumbing/electrical/tiling. We work to Australian Standards (e.g., AS 3740 waterproofing; AS/NZS 3000 electrical) and HIA/Master Builders guidelines.
For guidance on Australian building best practice, see HIA and Master Builders WA.
Materials and finishes that last
Wet areas demand tough finishes. We specify moisture-resistant boards, sealed edges and benchtops designed for splashes and daily wear.
Benchtops: Engineered Stone vs Laminate
| Aspect | Engineered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture resistance | Excellent; low porosity; ideal for laundries | Good if edges are sealed; avoid standing water |
| Heat tolerance | Good, but use a trivet; avoid direct hot irons | Fair; can scorch; always use heat protection |
| Typical Perth supply & install | $$–$$$ (e.g., Caesarstone) | $–$$ (budget-friendly) |
| Appearance | Premium look; consistent colours; waterfall ends possible | Huge range of patterns; realistic stone/timber decors |
| Maintenance | Low; wipe with mild detergent | Low; avoid harsh abrasives |
| Repairability | Minor chips can be repaired by specialists | Damage may require panel replacement |
| Best for | Durable, long-term finish; families; premium projects | Investment properties, rentals, budget renos |
Cabinetry and splashbacks
- Cabinetry: Moisture-resistant melamine cabinetry for value; 2-pack paint for a seamless look; solid timber accents with careful sealing.
- Splashbacks: Porcelain tiles or glass for easy wipe-down behind sinks and benchtop appliances.
- Hardware: Durable Blum hardware, soft-close drawers and finger-pull doors enhance longevity and comfort.
- Lighting: LED task lighting under overheads improves visibility for stain treatment.
- Water efficiency: Choose WELS 4–5 star taps; see WELS for ratings.
Layouts and styles for any home
Popular laundry layouts
- Galley layout: Linear bench with appliances under-bench, overheads above, and a dedicated laundry organizer pull-out at the end.
- U-shaped layout: Maximum storage; add a centre laundry table zone for folding and hamper access.
- European laundry: In-cupboard design with bi-fold or pocket doors, stacked appliances and a compact sink.
- Combined spaces: Tie your laundry to a scullery or butler’s pantry palette for continuity in open-plan living.
Style cues to match your home
- Shaker kitchen look in the laundry: classic 2-pack doors, matte porcelain tiles and black hardware.
- Contemporary: Flat, handle-less finger-pull doors, engineered stone benchtop with a subtle splashback.
- Coastal Perth: Light melamine, pale timber accents, undermount sink and brushed nickel tapware.
- Integrated appliances: Panel-ready washer/dryer fronts are emerging; at minimum, conceal with pocket doors.
Short WA case examples
Subiaco apartment, European laundry: We stacked a heat pump dryer over a 600 mm front loader, added a 600 mm deep benchtop with a slide-out laundry organizer for stain products, and overheads with a hanging rail. Result: 1.2 m of folding space and hidden storage behind pocket doors.
Duncraig family home, full laundry: U-shaped layout with Caesarstone engineered stone benchtop, pull-out twin hampers, a tall cleaning cupboard and LED task lighting. The continuous laundry table cut folding time and kept floors clear—big win for weekend wash cycles.
Costs and timelines in WA
- Design & custom cabinetry (Perth): From $6,500 for compact European laundries; $10,000–$20,000+ for full rooms with engineered stone and premium accessories.
- Benchtops: Laminate from ~$350–$600 per linear metre installed; engineered stone typically $900–$1,800+ per linear metre, depending on brand and thickness.
- Trades: Plumbing, electrical and tiling vary by scope and compliance (AS 3740 waterproofing, AS/NZS 3000 electrical).
- Timeline: Design/approvals 1–3 weeks; manufacture 3–6 weeks; installation 2–5 days for most projects.
Tip: If your laundry adjoins the kitchen, align selections with your kitchen renovations Perth palette to streamline trades and improve continuity.
Practical laundry organisation checklist
- [ ] Confirm appliance sizes (width, depth incl. hoses, stacking kit compatibility)
- [ ] Plan zones and a continuous laundry table for folding
- [ ] Choose benchtop (engineered stone vs laminate) and splashback
- [ ] Specify soft-close drawers and pull-out hampers (whites/darks/delicates)
- [ ] Add a hanging rail and LED task lighting
- [ ] Include a tall cleaning cupboard with charging shelf
- [ ] Use labelled laundry storage containers/canisters for powders and pods
- [ ] Ensure ventilation for dryers; consider a heat pump model
- [ ] Waterproof splash zones; seal all cabinetry edges
- [ ] Confirm GPOs and plumbing to AS/NZS standards
Ready to put these ideas into practice? Browse DIY laundry cabinet ideas to build custom cubbies, adjustable shelves and cleaning‑supply cupboards tailored to your routine.
Ready to upgrade your laundry?
From compact European nooks to generous U-shaped rooms, Joyce Kitchens delivers custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust—designed to match your kitchen, wardrobe or bathroom. Book a free design consult and measure to plan your laundry organisation and storage in detail.
FAQ
What is the best way to organise a small laundry?
The best way to organise a small laundry is to use vertical storage, stack appliances, add a continuous bench over a front loader, and include pull-out hampers and a hanging rail. Keep chemicals in overheads, use labelled laundry canisters, and add LED task lighting for clear work zones.
Is engineered stone worth it in a laundry?
Yes—engineered stone is moisture-resistant, durable and easy to clean, ideal for busy laundries. It costs more than laminate, so on tight budgets choose laminate with sealed edges and a solid splashback for protection.
How deep should a laundry bench be to fit a front loader?
A practical laundry bench depth is 600–650 mm, but allow 650–700 mm if hoses sit behind the machine. Many Australian front loaders are ~600 mm wide and 550–650 mm deep—always check your model.
What laundry items should I keep in storage containers?
Use airtight containers for powders, pods, stain removers and delicate wash products, and smaller tubs for pegs and sewing kits. Label everything clearly to prevent mix-ups and improve safety.
Do I need waterproofing in a laundry in WA?
Yes—treat the laundry as a wet area with waterproofing to AS 3740 in splash zones, and ensure electrical work follows AS/NZS 3000. Proper sealing protects cabinetry and reduces mould risk.
Standards and guidance evolve; confirm site specifics with your licensed trades and local building surveyor. For NCC and Standards references, see the Australian Building Codes Board.
Australian Building Codes Board (NCC)