Planning a new kitchen or a redesign in Perth or elsewhere in WA? This expert guide from Joyce Kitchens covers smart kitchen layout ideas, practical kitchen plans by size, materials and finishes, costs, and how to navigate your renovation from concept to completion. For examples of Joyce Kitchens’ layout expertise, see their kitchen design perth.
Core layout insights (what truly matters)
Whether you’re sketching a kitchen layout drawing or comparing kitchen configuration ideas, a good design balances traffic flow, bench space, and storage. Below are the fundamentals our Perth designers rely on.
1) Zones beat the old triangle
Classic “work triangle” thinking still helps, but modern homes benefit from zones: prep, cooking, cleaning, storage, and serving. This supports open‑plan living and families who cook together.
The work triangle connects sink, cooktop and fridge (ideally 4–7 m total). Zone planning groups tasks and storage (e.g., prep near knives and bins; cooking near pots, pans and spices).
2) Aisle widths and clearances that feel right
- Walkways: aim for 1000–1100 mm; two cooks: 1100–1200 mm.
- Between island and run of cabinets: 1000–1200 mm to open drawers and appliances.
- Benchtop height: 900 mm is common in Australia; tall users may prefer 920–950 mm.
- Overhead cabinets: 600 mm minimum above cooktop; check appliance manufacturer instructions.
- Oven sizes: 600 mm is standard; 900 mm popular for family kitchens in WA.
3) Storage that actually fits your day
Swap blind corners for smart solutions (corner carousels), use soft‑close drawers and pull‑outs for pots and pantry, and consider a butler’s pantry/scullery for heavy appliances. Handleless cabinetry suits contemporary spaces; Shaker kitchen doors shine in Hampton style homes.
4) Lighting and ventilation are non‑negotiable
- Task lighting under overheads, LED strip inside pantries, and dimmable pendant lights over islands.
- Rangehoods should duct outside where practicable in line with NCC guidance; recirculating works but performs less effectively.
5) Plan services early
Talk to your designer about power, plumbing, and gas during concept stage. In Australia, electrical work must comply with AS/NZS 3000 and gas with AS/NZS 5601; always use licensed trades.
Our renovation process in WA
- In‑home consult & measure: We discuss your wish list, assess the space and services, and note appliance sizes.
- Concept layout & 3D: We present kitchen design blueprints and renders, including a plan of kitchen layout and elevations.
- Specifications: Cabinet construction (melamine, 2‑pack polyurethane), benchtops (laminate, porcelain/sintered, natural stone), hardware (e.g., Blum), splashbacks, and finishes.
- Fixed quote & timeline: Transparent costings for cabinetry, benches, trades, and installation.
- Manufacture & install: Custom cabinetry WA fabrication to AS/NZS 4386 cabinetry guidelines. Site protection, demolition, trades, fit‑off.
- Handover & aftercare: Care instructions and product warranties.
Joyce Kitchens delivers full‑service kitchen renovations Perth homeowners rely on, plus bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes.
Materials & finishes that work in Australia
Cabinetry
- Melamine carcasses with ABS edging for durability.
- Door fronts: Laminates, vinyl wrap/Thermolaminated, 2‑pack polyurethane, or solid timber. Shaker profile suits Hampton/coastal; flat doors for contemporary minimalist.
- Hardware: Soft‑close drawers, quality runners and hinges (e.g., Blum), toe‑kick drawers, and space‑saving bins.
Benchtops
Pick surfaces that handle Aussie cooking and heat. Always follow manufacturer care guides and use trivets for hot pans.
Engineered Stone vs Laminate (and a note for WA)
| Feature | Engineered Stone (historical context) | Laminate Benchtops |
|---|---|---|
| Look & feel | Stone‑like aesthetic, consistent patterns | Wide range of colours, modern textures incl. matt and concrete looks |
| Heat & stain | Good stain resistance; avoid high direct heat | Good everyday performance; avoid cutting/heat directly |
| Seams/edges | Clean joins, popular waterfall edges | Post‑formed edges available; no waterfall |
| Cost (indicative) | Historically mid–high | Budget‑friendly |
| Regulatory status in WA | Subject to an engineered stone ban in WA; alternatives now preferred | No special restrictions |
Important: Western Australia has implemented a ban on engineered stone products; consider porcelain/sintered stone, natural granite, solid surface, or high‑pressure laminate as alternatives. Always discuss current options with your designer.
Splashbacks
- Tiled splashbacks: Classic and repairable; grout maintenance required.
- Glass or large format porcelain: Easy to clean, modern lines.
- Stone/porcelain upstands: Seamless look with matching benchtops.
Appliances & sinks
- Induction cooktop for speed and safety; gas cooktop remains popular in WA—ensure ventilation.
- Undermount sink for clean edges; allow for cutting boards/drainers.
- Integrated appliances help streamline a small kitchen or kitchenette.
A sprayed and baked paint system for doors/panels. Offers a premium finish in matt, satin or gloss, with colour‑matched options.
For compliance and guidance, see the National Construction Code (NCC) via the ABCB, design and contract guidance from the HIA, and WA‑specific updates through WorkSafe WA.
Kitchen layouts & styles (with plans by size)
Below are proven kitchen layout styles our designers use to create great kitchen layouts in Perth homes. Use these as your starting point for a kitchen design floor plan that suits the way you live.
One‑wall and kitchenette floor plans (small spaces)
Ideal for apartments, studios and granny flats. Keep the kitchenette design plans efficient with 600 mm appliances, a compact dishwasher, and tall pantry storage. Add a fold‑down table or slim island on castors if space permits.
Galley kitchen layouts (narrow and long)
Two parallel runs are a good kitchen layout for terrace homes and kitchen designs for long kitchens. Stagger the sink and cooktop to avoid congestion. Consider a window splashback to bring light into long kitchen designs.
L‑shaped kitchen with island
Our most requested configuration for family homes. The island provides a breakfast bar and social hub; ensure 1000–1200 mm walkways all around for the best kitchen arrangement.
U‑shaped and G‑shaped kitchens
Maximises storage and bench space. Keep corner access practical with carousels and avoid crowding by balancing appliance locations.
Peninsula kitchens
Perfect where an island won’t fit. Peninsulas define zones in open‑plan living while delivering seating and prep area.
Butler’s pantry / scullery
Hide small appliances and bulk storage. Great for entertainers who want a clean main kitchen.
Style cues
- Hampton/Shaker kitchen: Shaker profile doors, classic handles, tiled splashback.
- Contemporary minimalist: Flat doors, handleless rails, integrated appliances, stone or porcelain with waterfall edge.
- Australian coastal: Light timbers, whites, and effortless indoor‑outdoor flow.
Kitchen floor plans by size
- Simple kitchen plan (small): 1‑wall or compact L. Prioritise drawers over cupboards, and tall storage.
- Medium kitchen floor layout: L with small island; 600–750 mm overhang for stools; allow power in island.
- Large kitchen floorplan: L + island or U‑shape with scullery. 900 mm ovens and large fridges suit family cooking.
Common shapes include One‑wall, Galley, L‑shape, U‑shape, Peninsula (G‑shape), and Island variations. Choose based on room proportions and traffic.
Two WA case examples
Mount Lawley cottage (galley upgrade): We reworked a tight galley into a bright, great kitchen layout with a window splashback, 920 mm benches for tall owners, and integrated bins. Result: 40% more drawer storage and safer traffic flow.
Currambine family home (L + island): A dark U‑shape became an L with a 2.7 m island, undermount sink, and LED strip lighting. The new kitchen setup improved prep space and seating for four.
Costs, allowances & timelines in Perth
Budgets vary with scope, materials and trades. These Perth‑based ranges are indicative only.
- Cosmetic refresh: $10,000–$25,000 (handles, benchtops, splashback, minor electrical/ plumbing)
- Mid‑range remodel: $25,000–$50,000 (new custom cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, tiling, lighting)
- High‑end transformation: $50,000–$100,000+ (premium finishes, layout changes, scullery, structural work)
Typical allowances
- Custom cabinetry: $1,200–$2,500 per linear metre (finish and hardware dependent)
- Benchtops: Laminate $200–$500 per lm; Porcelain/sintered $900–$2,500 per lm; Natural stone varies
- Appliances: $3,000–$15,000+
- Trades (elec/plumbing/tiling): $5,000–$15,000+
Timelines
- Design and selections: 2–4 weeks
- Manufacture: 3–6 weeks
- On‑site works: 1–3 weeks depending on scope
We recommend contracting with HIA or Master Builders‑aligned agreements and confirming lead times before demolition. See HIA or Master Builders WA for homeowner guidance.
Practical planning checklist
- List your must‑haves (seating, oven size, pantry type, bin setup).
- Measure appliances (fridge width incl. doors, 600/900 mm oven, rangehood height).
- Decide your kitchen floor plan: one‑wall, galley, L, U, peninsula, or island.
- Confirm aisle widths (1000–1200 mm) and benchtop height (900–950 mm to suit).
- Plan zones: prep near sink, cooking near pots/spices, dishwasher near plates/cutlery.
- Confirm power and plumbing locations early; allow island GPOs and charging.
- Choose finishes: doors, benchtop, splashback, handles vs handleless.
- Lighting plan: task under‑cabinet, pendants over island, dimmers.
- Ventilation: choose ducted rangehood where possible.
- Set a realistic budget with a 10–15% contingency.
FAQ
What is the best kitchen layout for a small space?
For small spaces, a one‑wall or galley plan with generous drawers, tall pantry storage and compact 600 mm appliances works best. Use light colours, integrated lighting and, if possible, a slim peninsula for extra prep and seating.
How wide should kitchen walkways be in Australia?
Aim for 1000–1100 mm walkways; if two people cook together, 1100–1200 mm improves comfort. Leave enough clearance to open oven, dishwasher and fridge doors without blocking traffic.
What benchtop materials are replacing engineered stone in WA?
With WA’s engineered stone ban, popular alternatives include porcelain/sintered stone, natural granite, solid surface and high‑pressure laminate. Discuss heat handling, edge profiles and lead times with your designer.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide, cosmetic updates run $10k–$25k, mid‑range remodels $25k–$50k, and premium transformations $50k–$100k+. Final costs depend on layout changes, materials, appliances and trades.
Do I need council approval or permits for a kitchen remodel?
Most like‑for‑like kitchen renovations don’t need planning approval, but structural changes, window/door alterations or major plumbing/gas/electrical works may require permits and licensed trades. Check your local council and follow NCC, AS/NZS 3000 (electrical) and AS/NZS 5601 (gas).