Make laundry days faster, tidier and easier with clever designs, durable finishes and Perth-ready storage. From compact European laundries to multi-tasking utility rooms, here’s how Joyce Kitchens turns hard-working spaces into beautifully organised zones.
What is a laundry and utility room?
A utility room is a multi-purpose space that supports daily living: laundry, cleaning storage, pet care, sports kit, mudroom drop zone or even a butler’s pantry overflow. In many Australian homes, the laundry and utility room are combined to make the most of available space.
For a space that works as hard as you do, our laundry cabinet DIY guide shows how to integrate broom storage, tall pantry‑style units and hidden hampers into a cohesive cabinet run.
A compact laundry concealed in joinery—often in a hallway or kitchen—with a stacked washer/dryer, pull-out hampers and a fold-down ironing board behind bifold or pocket doors.
Core ideas that make a difference
- Stack or slide: stacked washer dryer to save floor area, or side-by-side for a longer engineered stone benchtop or laminate folding surface.
- Dry smarter: a ventilated drying cupboard with a hanging rail and low-watt heat/air flow for rainy Perth winters.
- Zone it: dirty-to-clean flow—hampers → washer → dryer → bench → hanging rail → tall linen.
- Custom storage: pull-out hampers, soft-close drawers, open shelving above a full-height splashback for easy wipe-down.
- Pet station: base cabinet for food bins, a hand-shower tap and raised pet-wash trough.
- Appliance-ready: allow Australian appliance depths (600–700 mm) and door swing clearances; confirm power loads and ventilation for heat-pump dryers.
- Lighting: task lighting with LED strip lighting under overheads; sensor lighting inside tall cabinets.
- Easy-clean floors: vinyl plank flooring or porcelain tiles with tile skirting; non-slip finishes suit wet areas.
- Style synergy: tie in with your kitchen or wardrobe—think shaker kitchen door profiles, handleless cabinets, or Hamptons laundry detailing.
- Local build: custom cabinetry WA means better fit, durable hardware (Blum/Häfele) and short lead times.
Appliances concealed behind matching cabinetry doors for a seamless look. Common in kitchens and sometimes used for compact European laundries.
Our renovation process (WA)
- In-home consult and measure: We assess plumbing, electrics, floor wastes and ventilation, plus appliance sizes and clearances.
- Concept and 3D design: Layout options (galley, L-shaped, European), door styles (shaker, flat, VJ), colour palettes and lighting.
- Selections: Benchtops (laminate, porcelain/sintered stone), cabinetry (melamine, thermolaminate doors), sinks, tapware, splashbacks.
- Documentation and compliance: We coordinate licensed trades. Waterproofing per AS 3740 where required; cabinetry built to AS/NZS 4386; appliance clearances per AS/NZS 60335.
- Local manufacture: WA-built joinery with premium hardware and soft-close motion.
- Installation and handover: Site protection, install, siliconing and finishing; final clean; care guide.
We also collaborate across your home—kitchen renovations Perth, bathroom vanities and wardrobes—so finishes flow beautifully between rooms.
Helpful authorities (AU): Housing Industry Association (HIA), Master Builders WA, Safe Work Australia: Engineered stone ban.
Materials and finishes
Benchtops
Sun-facing Perth laundries benefit from UV-stable, moisture-resistant benchtops. While many Australians search for “engineered stone benchtop”, note that the supply and installation of traditional engineered stone containing crystalline silica is prohibited in WA and most of Australia. Joyce Kitchens recommends modern alternatives such as sintered stone (e.g., Dekton) or high-pressure laminate benchtop options for laundries.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (historical context) | Laminate (modern HPL) |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance in WA | Not permitted to supply/install (ban in effect). Choose sintered stone/porcelain alternatives. | Permitted and widely used. |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent (when permitted) | Very good with sealed substrate and edges |
| Heat/UV resistance | Good; prolonged high heat can mark | Good; protect from hot pans and intense sun |
| Cost | Previously mid–high | Low–mid (budget-friendly) |
| Look | Stone-like; seamless options | Huge range incl. stone-look patterns |
Tip: Prefer a stone look? Consider stone-look porcelain or sintered slabs (e.g., Dekton). Brands such as Caesarstone/Silestone were popular for engineered stone historically; for today’s projects we guide clients to compliant alternatives with similar aesthetics.
An ultra-compact surface made by pressing minerals and firing at high temperature. Highly resistant to stains, heat and UV—ideal for laundries and utility rooms in Australian conditions.
Cabinetry
- Melamine cabinets for value and durability.
- Thermolaminate doors suit shaker or VJ panelling profiles for Hamptons or coastal vibes.
- Handleless cabinets and finger rails for a streamlined, Scandi style.
- Premium hardware such as Blum hinges and Häfele pull-outs keeps daily use smooth.
Sinks and tapware
- Undermount sink for clean wipe-down; or a traditional laundry trough.
- Gooseneck mixer with pull-out spray for buckets and pet care.
- If adding a heat-pump dryer, plan for condensate drainage and airflow.
Splashbacks
- Full-height tiles for easy scrubbing after muddy boots or sports gear.
- Acrylic or porcelain panels for minimal grout lines.
Flooring and waterproofing
- Porcelain tiles or water-resistant vinyl planks for barefoot comfort.
- Waterproofing and floor wastes can be required—especially in upstairs laundries—per AS 3740; our team will advise.
Electrics and ventilation
- Dedicated RCD-protected circuit and GPOs positioned per appliance spec (some dryers require 15A).
- Exhaust fan or window ventilation is essential for moisture control.
- LED task lighting under overheads; sensor lighting in tall cabinets.
Layouts and styles
Popular layouts
- Galley: Long bench with side-by-side units and tall storage opposite.
- L-shaped: Efficient corner storage and a generous folding run.
- European laundry: Compact, hidden in a corridor or kitchen; ideal for apartments and townhouses.
- Mudroom-laundry combo: Bench seat with shoe drawers, wall hooks and overheads.
Style ideas
- Hamptons laundry: Shaker doors, matte white, brushed nickel hardware and a farmhouse sink.
- Scandi style: Timber-look laminates, warm whites, open shelves and soft greys.
- Contemporary: Handleless lines, integrated appliances and a porcelain benchtop with a waterfall edge.
Costs in Perth and WA
Every project is unique, but these ballparks help planning. Pricing assumes WA-made joinery and licensed trades.
- Refresh: $5,000–$10,000 (new cabinet doors, benchtop, tap, paint; minimal services).
- Mid-range reno: $12,000–$22,000 (new cabinetry, HPL or porcelain benchtop, splashback, lighting, minor plumbing/electrical).
- Premium: $25,000–$40,000+ (custom joinery, sintered stone, tall storage wall, drying cupboard, feature tiles, significant services).
Cost drivers: room size, appliance choice, waterproofing, tiling extent, and whether walls or plumbing are moved. We’ll design to your budget and timeline.
Two WA case examples
Applecross family laundry (3.0 m galley)
A busy family needed a mudroom feel. We used melamine shaker doors, a timber-look laminate bench, pull-out twin hampers and a ventilated drying cupboard. The result: school-sports chaos under control and 20 minutes saved per week in sorting.
Fremantle terrace European laundry
Behind pocket doors, we stacked appliances, added an undermount sink, LED strip lighting and a stone-look porcelain benchtop. Thermolaminate VJ fronts match the client’s coastal butler’s pantry detail for a cohesive home.
Practical pre-renovation checklist
- Confirm washer/dryer dimensions and ventilation needs (most AU units ~600 mm wide, 600–700 mm deep).
- Decide stacked vs side-by-side and whether you want a full-length folding bench.
- List storage needs: hampers, tall broom cupboard, vacuum/ironing board, pet gear.
- Choose a style: Hamptons, Scandi or contemporary to match your kitchen/wardrobes.
- Pick finishes: laminate or porcelain/sintered stone; melamine vs thermolaminate doors.
- Plan lighting: under-cabinet task lights and exhaust ventilation.
- Discuss waterproofing and floor wastes if upstairs or near living areas.
- Book a design consult for a measured plan and transparent quote.
Why Joyce Kitchens for your utility room
- Local, WA-made joinery tailored to your space.
- Experienced designers across kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes.
- Premium hardware and durable materials chosen for Australian conditions.
- Single team to manage design, manufacture and install for a smooth experience.
Ready to explore laundry utility room ideas that actually work? Talk to Joyce Kitchens for expert, friendly advice and a design that fits your life.
FAQ
What size should a laundry and utility room be in Australia?
There’s no single rule, but 1.6–2.0 m length suits a compact European laundry, while 2.4–3.6 m allows a side-by-side layout with bench and tall storage. Ensure 600–700 mm depth for appliances plus ventilation space.
How much does a laundry renovation cost in Perth/WA?
Allow roughly $12,000–$22,000 for a mid-range renovation with custom cabinetry, quality benchtop, splashback, lighting and minor services. Smaller refreshes can start from $5,000; premium spaces can exceed $25,000.
Is engineered stone still allowed for laundries in WA?
No. The supply and installation of traditional engineered stone containing crystalline silica is prohibited in WA. We recommend compliant alternatives such as porcelain or sintered stone, or high-pressure laminate for value.
What layout works best for a small laundry?
A European laundry with stacked washer/dryer behind doors is ideal. Include a pull-out hamper, hanging rail, shallow shelves for detergents and LED strip lighting for visibility.
Do I need waterproofing in a laundry under AS 3740?
Often yes—especially for upper-storey laundries or where a floor waste is provided. We’ll advise and coordinate licensed waterproofers and tilers to meet AS 3740 and relevant NCC requirements.