Designing an L-shaped kitchen with an island bench is one of the most practical ways to create a spacious, sociable and efficient cooking zone. Whether you’re renovating a compact unit or a family home in Perth, this guide brings together layout smarts, material choices for WA conditions, typical costs, and a step-by-step renovation process—so you can plan with confidence and get a kitchen you’ll love for years. For personalised advice, consult a kitchen designer Perth to explore designs and book a free consultation.
Why choose an L-shaped kitchen with island?
An L-shape kitchen layout runs cabinetry along two adjoining walls, then adds a central island bench for food prep, seating and storage. It’s beloved by Perth homeowners because it:
- Optimises the work triangle between cooktop, sink and fridge.
- Keeps traffic flowing—great for families and entertainers.
- Creates extra storage via deep drawers, a butler’s pantry or a compact scullery.
- Supports multiple styles, from Shaker kitchen to sleek, handleless cabinetry.
Core design insights (what works in WA)
- Island size: Allow 900–1100 mm walkways around the island; 1200 mm if it’s a cook zone with an induction cooktop.
- Island seating: Target 300–350 mm knee space; 600 mm per stool for comfort.
- Benchtop resilience: WA heat and sunlight favour UV-stable, heat-resistant surfaces and quality substrates.
- Storage first: Full-extension, soft-close drawers (with Blum hinges or Häfele hardware) are more ergonomic than doors for pots and pans.
- Lighting: Mix task lighting (LED strip lighting under cabinets), pendants over the island, and ambient downlights.
Our Perth renovation process
At Joyce Kitchens, we deliver custom cabinetry WA homeowners rely on—kitchen renovations Perth-wide, plus bathroom, laundry and wardrobes.
- In-home or showroom consult: A Perth kitchen designer measures up and clarifies your needs, appliances, and budget.
- Concept design and quote: We develop L shape kitchen designs with plan views, elevations and 3D renders.
- Specifications: Finalise benchtops, splashback tiles, cabinetry finishes (two-pack paint, vinyl wrap doors, timber veneer), and hardware.
- Compliance check: We coordinate with licensed trades. Gas to comply with AS/NZS 5601; cabinetry to AS/NZS 4386. See HIA and Master Builders WA for guidance.
- Manufacture and install: Built by experienced WA cabinet makers; site works scheduled to minimise disruption.
- Handover and aftercare: We provide care instructions for your benchtops, doors, and appliances.
A practical planning checklist
- Confirm appliance sizes (600 mm or 900 mm ovens; fridge cavity with ventilation and water if plumbed).
- Decide island role: prep only, prep + seating, or cooktop + downdraft rangehood.
- Allow 2–3 power points on the island (with child-safe covers).
- Choose a sink: undermount sink for a clean look; add a pull-out mixer.
- Ventilation: If the cooktop is on the island, plan a ceiling cassette or downdraft.
- Garbage/recycling drawers near prep zone; consider a water filter or boiling/ambient tap.
- Zones: baking, breakfast, coffee nook, and a landing zone beside the fridge.
- Lighting circuits: separate pendants, under-cabinet LED strip lighting and task downlights.
- Flooring transitions: ensure island placement respects expansion joints for timber/vinyl.
- Book trades early: electrician, plumber and (if gas) licensed gasfitter.
Materials and finishes for WA homes
Products should handle Perth’s sun, sea air and busy family life. Below are popular options, including notes about the 2024 engineered stone changes.
Benchtops compared: Engineered Stone vs Laminate
Note: Engineered stone containing crystalline silica is being banned in Australia from 2024. In WA, check current regulations and safe alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone. See WA Government/DMIRS updates here.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (subject to 2024 ban) | Laminate Benchtops |
|---|---|---|
| Availability in WA from 2024 | Restricted/banned depending on silica content; consider porcelain/sintered stone alternatives. | Widely available; large range of colours, textures and profiles. |
| Heat resistance | Good, but avoid direct hot pots (use trivets); check specific product guidance. | Moderate; use trivets and avoid standing water on joins. |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous. Avoid harsh abrasives. | Low; wipe clean. Protect from sharp knives and heat. |
| Look & edges | Seamless look; waterfall edge possible; popular stone-like patterns. | Huge décor range; squareform edges; modern matte textures available. |
| Approx. installed cost (Perth) | Check alternatives like porcelain/sintered stone from ~$900–$1,800 per lm (installed), depending on brand/edge. | ~$250–$500 per lm (installed), depending on thickness/decor/edge. |
| Good to know | Brands like Caesarstone were popular; confirm compliance and safe alternatives with your designer. | Budget-friendly; great for rentals and l shaped kitchen designs for small kitchens. |
Other popular finishes
- Porcelain/Sintered stone: Excellent heat/UV resistance; ideal for outdoor/bright spaces.
- Timber veneer: Adds warmth; seal well and avoid prolonged moisture.
- Cabinetry: Two-pack paint, vinyl wrap doors or high-pressure laminates; Shaker kitchen doors for classic Hamptons style.
- Hardware: Soft-close drawers with Blum or Häfele; internal pull-outs make corner units user-friendly.
- Appliances: Induction cooktop is efficient and kid-safe; gas cooktops must comply with AS/NZS 5601 and be installed by a licensed gasfitter.
- Lighting: Pendant lighting over the island; add task LEDs under wall cabinets.
- Splashbacks: Ceramic/porcelain tiles for easy care; toughened glass or porcelain slabs for fewer grout lines.
Layouts and styles that work
Smart L + island ideas for different homes
- Family entertainer: 3-metre island with island bench seating, 900 mm oven, large pantry, and a coffee/breakfast nook.
- Compact apartment: Narrow island (600–700 mm deep) with slimline overhang; prioritise drawers and integrated bins.
- Chef’s playground: Island prep sink with undermount sink, wall ovens in a tall bank, and a scullery for the messy work.
Two short WA case examples
- Nedlands villa: The clients wanted a Hamptons-inspired Shaker kitchen. We reworked an L shape kitchen layout, added a 2.6 m island with waterfall edges, installed induction, and layered pendant lighting. Result: better storage and a bright entertainer’s hub.
- Joondalup unit: For a small space, we used laminate benchtops, handleless cabinetry and LED strip lighting. The compact island includes drawers both sides—proof that l shaped kitchen designs for small kitchens can feel premium on a budget.
Style notes
- Hamptons/Shaker: Painted Shaker doors, brushed nickel handles, tiled splashback, classic pendants.
- Contemporary: Handleless cabinetry, matte laminates, integrated fridge, minimal joins, sleek pendants.
- Scandi: Light timbers, white surfaces, simple lines, abundant natural light.
Local considerations (Perth/WA)
- Appliance sizing: Australian standard widths are common: 600/900 mm ovens; measure fridge cavities generously and allow ventilation.
- Sun exposure: Choose UV-stable finishes for north/west-facing windows.
- Compliance: Electrical works by a licensed electrician; gas by a licensed gasfitter. Refer to HIA and Master Builders WA for reno guidance, and follow relevant AS/NZS standards.
How much does an L-shaped kitchen with island cost in Perth?
Budgets vary by size, appliances and finishes. As a general guide for Perth/WA (cabinetry, benchtops, basic trades, excludes structural works):
- Entry (small): $17,000–$28,000 — laminate benchtops, melamine cabinetry, standard hardware.
- Mid-range: $28,000–$45,000 — premium laminates or porcelain/sintered stone benchtops, two-pack/vinyl fronts, quality hardware, pendant lighting.
- Premium: $45,000–$80,000+ — large custom island, porcelain/sintered stone with waterfall edge, integrated appliances, scullery, feature lighting.
Adding structural changes, window moves, or plumbing relocations will increase costs. We’ll detail a fixed quote after your design consult.
Ready to plan your L-shaped kitchen with island bench? Book a free design consultation with Joyce Kitchens—kitchen renovations Perth homeowners trust.
FAQ
What size room suits an L-shaped kitchen with island bench?
As a rule of thumb, allow a minimum 900–1100 mm walkway around the island, with the overall room ideally 3600 mm wide or more. Larger kitchens can support a 1000–1200 mm-deep island, while compact spaces might use a slimmer 700–800 mm island or a peninsula.
Is an island right for small L-shape kitchens?
Yes—if circulation is maintained. For small spaces, pick a narrow island with storage both sides, overhang only where you sit, and consider a movable butcher’s block. A peninsula can be smarter where width is tight.
How much does an L-shaped kitchen with island cost in Perth?
Most Perth L + island projects land between $28,000 and $45,000 for mid-range finishes. Small, budget-forward kitchens may start from $17,000, while premium custom builds with high-end appliances and waterfall edges can exceed $80,000.
What benchtop materials are best in WA homes post-2024 engineered stone changes?
Consider porcelain or sintered stone for heat/UV resistance, or quality laminates for value. If exploring engineered stone, confirm current WA regulations and product compliance with your designer.
Do I need council approval for a kitchen renovation in WA?
Like-for-like replacements usually don’t need council approval. Structural changes, new openings, or major plumbing/gas/electrical alterations may. Always use licensed trades and follow AS/NZS standards; check with your local council or builder for certainty.
