From sunlit coastal homes to cosy inner-city apartments, Australians love kitchens that flow into living areas. This guide distils expert, Perth-based advice on open plan kitchen plans, practical layouts, smart storage, finishes that thrive in WA conditions, and realistic renovation costs—so you can plan a beautiful, durable, and easy-to-live-in space.
Explore local specialists and portfolio examples of kitchen designs perth to see how layouts, joinery and finishes perform across WA homes.
Smart kitchen living space ideas that work in Australia
Whether you’re chasing a seamless living and kitchen design or looking for very small open plan kitchen living room ideas, the right planning makes every square metre count.
1) Define zones without losing openness
- Use a kitchen island or peninsula to mark the cooking zone while keeping sightlines to the lounge and dining.
- Ceiling features (a simple bulkhead/soffit) or a change in flooring (e.g., hybrid planks to tiles) separates zones without building walls.
- Opt for LED task lighting over benches and softer pendants over the island/breakfast bar to cue different activities.
2) Choose storage that doubles as furniture
- Custom cabinetry (WA-made) lets you mirror your living room finishes, so tall pantries, appliance cupboards and media units look cohesive.
- Hidden helpers: butler’s pantry/scullery, corner carousels, full-height pull-out pantries, and soft-close drawers for heavy pots.
3) Plan noise, ventilation and safety
- Go for quieter integrated appliances and duct your rangehood where possible (recirculating is a fallback).
- Induction cooktops are child-friendly, efficient, and great for open kitchen design. If you prefer gas, ensure licenced installation and ventilation.
- Allow safe working triangles and traffic paths between sink, fridge and cooktop—especially important in kitchen lounge room designs.
4) Small-space wins
- Swap an island for a slimline peninsula with seating on one side to maintain flow in kitchen sitting room designs.
- Use pocket doors or bi-folds to hide benchtop appliances in tall cabinets.
- Optical tricks: light, warm whites, vertical profiles (V-groove, Shaker), and continuous flooring to make spaces feel larger.
5) Style cues that suit WA homes
- Shaker kitchen or Hamptons style: Classic profiles, warm whites, brushed nickel, and subway or handmade-look tiled splashbacks.
- Contemporary minimalist: Flat-panel doors (2-pac polyurethane or high-pressure laminate), thin-profile porcelain benchtops, and push-to-open lines.
- Coastal contemporary: Natural timbers, soft greiges, and breathable fabrics that handle sea breeze and sand.
Real WA examples
Case: Mt Lawley cottage – We removed a nib wall, added a 2.4 m island with integrated seating, and specified a ducted rangehood and hybrid flooring continuous into the lounge. The result: a quiet, family-friendly kitchen lounge design with better storage and line-of-sight to the courtyard.
Case: Fremantle apartment – In a compact galley, we used tall appliance cabinetry, a 600 mm induction cooktop, and an engineered timber-look laminate to echo the living room joinery. The kitchen living area ideas centred on light reflection and concealed storage.
Our renovation and design process
- In-home or showroom consult: Measure, discuss lifestyle and open plan kitchen plans (island vs galley vs U-shape), review appliance sizes (600 mm vs 900 mm cookers common in Australia).
- Concept and pricing: 3D visuals, selections (doors, benchtops, splashbacks), and a transparent estimate.
- Technical survey: Services check, ventilation routing, and compliance notes to AS/NZS cabinetry and electrical standards.
- Manufacture: WA-made custom cabinetry using durable hardware.
- Installation and trades: Project-managed carpentry, benchtops, splashback tiling, plumbing and electrical by licenced trades.
- Hand-over and aftercare: Final checks, care guide, and warranty support.
We recommend choosing a HIA or Master Builders WA member builder and licensed electricians/plumbers for safety and warranty. See HIA and Master Builders WA for guidance and contracts.
References:
HIA,
Master Builders WA,
WA Building and Energy (licensing).
Materials and finishes that suit WA living
WA homes face heat and strong sun. Select finishes with good UV stability and heat resistance, and consider salty air in coastal suburbs.
Cabinet doors and panels
- Melamine: Budget-friendly, tough, huge range of colours and timber looks.
- 2-pac polyurethane: Painted finish, can do Shaker profiles, repairable, premium feel.
- Thermoformed vinyl: Seamless edges; avoid prolonged, direct high heat.
Benchtops
- Porcelain / Sintered stone: Excellent heat/UV resistance, slim edges, great for outdoor-adjacent spaces.
- Laminate: Cost-effective, many designer textures; use trivets for hot pans.
- Solid surface: Seamless joins, repairable; moderate heat resistance.
- Natural stone: Unique character; seal against stains and etching.
Flooring for kitchen-living continuity
- Hybrid flooring or vinyl plank: Water-resistant, quiet underfoot, continuous through living zones.
- Large-format tiles: Durable and cool, ideal for hot Perth summers.
- Engineered timber: Warmth and texture; choose WA-suitable finishes with UV stability.
Splashbacks
- Tiled (subway, kit-kat, zellige-look) for texture and timeless appeal.
- Porcelain slab or glass for minimal joins and easy cleaning.
Comparison: Porcelain/Sintered Stone vs Laminate Benchtops
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Heat & UV resistance | Excellent; suitable for bright WA kitchens | Good interiors; use trivets and avoid direct sun extremes |
| Stain & scratch resistance | High; very dense and non-porous | Good everyday durability; avoid abrasive scouring |
| Edge profiles | Modern, thin edges; mitred waterfalls possible | Square or tight-radius; waterfalls not typical |
| Cost range (installed) | $$$–$$$$ (premium) | $–$$ (budget to mid) |
| Maintenance | Low; simple wipe-down | Low; avoid cutting directly and hot pots |
Popular layouts and styles
Layout options
- Galley kitchen: Efficient for apartments and narrow homes; add a small island if space allows.
- L-shaped with island: Social and flexible; ideal for families and entertainers.
- U-shaped: Maximum storage and prep space; keep openings wide to living areas.
- One-wall plus peninsula: Great for compact kitchen lounge ideas.
Style snapshots
- Shaker kitchen/Hamptons: Profiled doors, classic handles, stone-look benchtops, and soft blues/greys.
- Modern coastal: Timber accents, sandy neutrals, ribbed glass, and light terrazzo-look floors.
- Minimalist contemporary: Handle-less lines, matte blacks, stone or porcelain, integrated pulls.
Appliance sizing for AU homes
Common sizes are 600 mm ovens/cooktops and 900 mm freestanding cookers; allow ventilation clearances per manufacturer specs. Plan a fridge cavity of 900–1050 mm wide for flexibility. For ducted rangehoods, aim to vent externally where possible.
Budgets and costs in Perth
Every design is different, but these ballparks help plan. Pricing varies with size, finishes, and services relocation.
- Cosmetic refresh (new doors/handles, laminate tops, splashback, basic appliances): from $12k–$22k installed.
- Mid-range renovation (custom cabinetry, quality hardware, porcelain or solid surface benchtops, ducted hood): from $25k–$45k.
- Premium fit-out (large island, integrated appliances, 2-pac doors, high-end porcelain, feature lighting): from $50k+.
Electrical and plumbing must be performed by licenced trades in WA. Follow AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) and relevant cabinetry standards (e.g., AS/NZS 4386). For project assurance, consider HIA or MBA contracts and warranties.
Practical planning checklist
- [ ] Finalise your entertaining style (casual breakfasts vs big dinners).
- [ ] Confirm appliance list and sizes (600 vs 900 mm; integrated vs freestanding).
- [ ] Choose a layout (galley, L-shape, U-shape, island or peninsula).
- [ ] Decide storage priorities (butler’s pantry, drawers, pull-outs, appliance garage).
- [ ] Select finishes (doors, benchtops, splashback, flooring) suited to heat/UV.
- [ ] Plan lighting layers (task, ambient, feature pendants).
- [ ] Book licenced trades and confirm compliance/venting routes.
- [ ] Set contingency (10–15%) for surprises.
Ready to turn your kitchen living space ideas into a cohesive reality? Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs custom cabinetry in Perth and across WA—covering kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes. Book a consultation and let’s plan a space that looks incredible and lives even better.
FAQ
How do I choose the best layout for an open kitchen design?
Match your layout to traffic flow and room width. Galley suits narrow rooms; L-shape with an island fits family living; U-shape maximises storage. Keep clearances of 900–1200 mm around islands for comfortable movement.
What materials are best for a sunlit Perth kitchen-living area?
Porcelain/sintered stone benchtops and UV-stable door finishes (melamine or quality 2-pac) handle heat and light well. Use hybrid or tiled floors for durability and easy cleaning across living zones.
Can I still get an engineered stone benchtop in Australia?
No, new engineered stone products containing crystalline silica are prohibited from July 2024. Consider porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, laminate or natural stone instead. Existing installations remain safe in place.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide: $12k–$22k for a cosmetic refresh, $25k–$45k for mid-range custom, and $50k+ for premium. Size, services relocation and appliance choices influence the final price.
Do I need licenced trades for my open-plan kitchen?
Yes. WA law requires licenced electricians and plumbers. Ventilation, electrical placement and gas installations must follow AS/NZS standards and manufacturer clearances for safety and warranty.
