Bright, timeless and easy to personalise, kitchen designs with white cabinets continue to lead Australian renovation wish‑lists. It’s a timeless and versatile choice for homeowners. See our Perth kitchen design services. Whether you love a classic shaker kitchen, a contemporary white kitchen with handleless doors, or a luxury modern white kitchen with statement stone, this guide covers the decisions that matter in Perth and across WA—from planning and materials to costs, installation and care.
Why Australians love white kitchen designs with white cabinets
- Light and space: White reflects WA’s natural daylight, making small kitchens feel bigger and brightening south-facing rooms.
- Versatility: White kitchen cabinets pair with timber, concrete, tiles and metal finishes, suiting coastal, Hamptons and contemporary looks.
- Resale appeal: Buyers gravitate to clean, neutral palettes; many of the best white kitchens stay current for a decade or more.
- Easy to curate: Add warmth with oak floors, texture with rattan stools or drama with a dark island—white on white kitchen ideas are almost limitless.
Core design insights for the best white kitchens
1) Choose the right white
Cool whites suit contemporary white kitchen cabinets and stainless appliances; warm whites pair beautifully with timber floors and brass hardware. Compare sample boards in your actual room at different times of day.
2) Balance sheen and texture
Matte doors minimise fingerprints and glare; high-gloss reflects light for a sleek, modern white kitchen look. Add tactile contrast with v-groove panels, fluted glass or stone with subtle veining.
3) Layer lighting
- Task: LED strips under wall units and inside pantries.
- Ambient: Dimmable downlights to soften stark whites at night.
- Feature: Pendants over an island for scale and warmth.
4) Plan storage with custom cabinetry
Custom cabinetry WA solutions like integrated bins, pull-out pantries, spice drawers and a butler’s pantry/scullery keep the white kitchen feeling calm and clutter-free. We specify soft-close drawers and quality hardware for longevity.
5) Design for durability
White kitchens stay beautiful with the right materials. Opt for hard-wearing benchtops, easy-clean splashbacks and moisture-resistant cabinet carcasses compliant with AS/NZS 4386 (domestic kitchen assemblies).
Our WA renovation process
- In-home or showroom consult: We discuss your white kitchen ideas, lifestyle and budget, measure the space and review appliance choices (600 mm vs 900 mm ovens, integrated fridges, etc.).
- Design and 3D visuals: See modern white kitchen ideas rendered with your preferred profiles, splashbacks and benchtops.
- Specification and quote: We detail cabinetry, hardware, benchtops, splashbacks and trades, aligned with AS/NZS 5601 (gas) and AS/NZS 3000 (electrical) clearances.
- Project scheduling: A dedicated project manager coordinates demolition, plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, benchtops, splashback and flooring.
- Installation and handover: Quality checks, adjustment of doors/drawers and final siliconing. We walk you through maintenance.
We work with HIA-aligned contracts and licensed trades. For independent guidance on builder/contractor engagement, see HIA and Master Builders WA.
Materials and finishes for modern white kitchen cabinets
Cabinet doors and panels
- Premium melamine: Durable and budget-friendly; available in smooth matte, silk or textured whites.
- Two-pack polyurethane: Ultra-smooth and repairable; suits shaker and contemporary white kitchen designs.
- Thermoformed vinyl: Seamless profiles; good value in modern white kitchen cupboards and curved forms.
- Acrylic/super-matte laminates: Fingerprint-resistant, ideal for handleless, contemporary white kitchen ideas.
Benchtops for white kitchens
- Porcelain/sintered stone: Heat- and UV-resistant, excellent for white on white kitchen designs with waterfall ends.
- Solid surface (e.g., acrylic): Seamless joins, repairable; softer to the touch.
- Natural stone: Classic marble-look veining for luxury modern white kitchen statements; seal regularly.
- High-pressure laminate: Great value, huge range of white and stone-look décors, modern square edges.
- Timber: Adds warmth and contrast to white kitchens with white cabinets; oil or polyurethane for protection.
Benchtop comparison: Porcelain/Sintered Stone vs Laminate
| Feature | Porcelain/Sintered Stone | High-Pressure Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look/feel | Premium, realistic stone/concrete looks; suits luxury modern white kitchens | Excellent range of white and stone-look décors; great in small white kitchens |
| Heat/UV resistance | High; suitable near Australian sunlit windows | Moderate; use trivets and avoid direct, prolonged heat |
| Seams and edges | Thin profiles and waterfall options | Square edges look modern; no waterfall in most cases |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous and easy clean | Low; wipe clean with mild detergents |
| Relative cost (Perth) | $$$ | $$ |
Splashbacks
- Tiles: From classic white subway tiles to handmade zellige for texture.
- Glass: Reflective, hygienic and easy to clean.
- Porcelain/stone: Seamless continuation of benchtop for a white on white kitchen.
- Window splashback: Brings WA light and greenery into the space.
Note: Maintain gas cooktop clearances per AS/NZS 5601. An installer will advise if a non-combustible panel is required behind burners.
Layouts and styles: from small white kitchens to luxury spaces
Popular layouts
- Galley: Efficient for apartments; white cabinetry makes narrow rooms feel wider.
- L-shaped with island: Social and flexible, suits open-plan living.
- U-shaped: Maximises bench space; consider corner drawers for accessibility.
- With scullery/butler’s pantry: Hide appliances and prep to keep a pristine white on white kitchen.
Signature styles
- Classic shaker kitchen in warm white with stone-look benchtops and brushed brass pulls.
- Contemporary white kitchen with handleless doors, integrated fridge and minimal lines.
- Luxury modern white kitchen with porcelain benchtops, fluted glass and integrated lighting.
- Coastal/Hamptons: V-groove panels, oak accents and soft matte whites.
Small white kitchen ideas that work in WA
- Go vertical: 2550 mm overheads, bulkhead to ceiling and internal organisers.
- Choose appliances wisely: 600 mm wall oven, 600–700 mm fridge, flush-mounted rangehoods.
- Use satin or super-matte doors with integrated rails to reduce visual clutter.
- Mirror or window splashbacks to reflect light; pale timber floors for warmth.
Want kitchen inspiration in white? Ask our team for white kitchen images and white on white kitchens photos from recent Perth projects.
Costs, timelines and approvals in Perth
- Refresh (new doors, panels, laminate benchtop): From $9,500–$18,000 incl. GST, depending on size and hardware.
- Mid-range renovation (custom cabinetry, stone-look benchtop, tiled splashback): $22,000–$45,000 incl. GST.
- Premium/luxury (porcelain/sintered stone, two-pack shaker, integrated appliances, lighting): $45,000–$85,000+ incl. GST.
Timeframes: 6–10 weeks from final approval to installation; on-site works generally 10–20 working days depending on scope and trades availability.
Approvals: Strata and building approvals may apply for apartments and structural changes. Gas and electrical work must be completed by licensed trades. For independent product and appliance advice, see CHOICE.
Practical checklist: plan your white kitchen
- Confirm layout (galley, L, U, island) and traffic flow.
- Pick your white tone (cool vs warm) and door finish (matte, satin, gloss).
- Select door style (shaker, flat/handleless) and hardware colour.
- Choose benchtop material (porcelain, solid surface, laminate, natural stone).
- Decide splashback (tile, glass, stone, window) and grout colour.
- Lock in appliances and sizes early (600/900 mm oven, induction/gas cooktop).
- Plan lighting: task strips, dimmable ambient, pendant feature.
- Integrate storage: bins, spice pull-outs, corner solutions, scullery.
- Set budget tiers for finishes and contingency (10–15%).
- Schedule trades and confirm compliance with AS/NZS standards.
Two WA case examples
Case 1: Small white kitchen, Subiaco apartment
Brief: Brighten a compact galley. Solution: Super-matte white handleless doors, square-edge white laminate benchtop, mirrored splashback, under-cabinet LEDs and a 600 mm wall oven. Outcome: A small white kitchen that feels larger and functions better, delivered in 12 working days on site.
Case 2: Luxury modern white kitchen, Cottesloe family home
Brief: Entertainer’s island with a coastal feel. Solution: Two-pack warm white shaker cabinets, porcelain benchtops with waterfall ends, fluted glass doors to the bar area, integrated fridge and a scullery. Outcome: A white contemporary kitchen design with long-term durability and timeless appeal.
FAQ
Are white kitchen cabinets hard to keep clean?
Not if you choose the right finishes. Super-matte laminates, quality melamine and two-pack satin doors hide fingerprints better than high-gloss. Design details like integrated rails and simple profiles also make wiping down quick and easy.
What benchtop works best with a white on white kitchen in WA?
Porcelain or sintered stone is a top choice for durability, heat and UV resistance. With Australia’s ban on engineered stone containing crystalline silica from 1 July 2024, we recommend porcelain, solid surface or natural stone alternatives for white kitchen designs.
How much does a small white kitchen renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide, a compact galley or L-shape with custom cabinetry and a laminate or solid surface benchtop typically starts from $18,000–$30,000 incl. GST. Final costs vary with materials, appliances, splashback choice and any plumbing/electrical changes.
Will a white kitchen date quickly?
No. White kitchen designs are timeless when paired with simple door profiles, quality hardware and considered lighting. You can refresh trends over time with stools, tapware and pendant lights without replacing cabinets.
Can you retrofit soft-close drawers and modern white kitchen cabinets into an existing layout?
Often yes. Many homes can be upgraded with new drawer boxes, soft-close hardware, fresh doors and benchtops while keeping the existing footprint, saving time and cost versus a full remodel.