Thinking about open kitchen units or open kitchen furniture for your renovation? Here’s a practical, WA-focused guide from Joyce Kitchens — Perth specialists in custom cabinetry, kitchen renovations, bathroom vanities, laundry renovation and built-in wardrobes.
What are open kitchen units?
Open kitchen units are storage elements without doors — such as open shelving, cubbies, wine racks and niche bookcases — designed to showcase frequently used items or décor and to keep everyday essentials within easy reach. They sit beautifully alongside closed cabinetry, offering a lighter, airier look in both compact apartments and larger family homes.
Why Australians love open units
- Faster access to everyday items and small appliances.
- Lightens the visual bulk of overhead cabinets; great in a galley kitchen or one-wall layout.
- Lets your style shine — from a shaker kitchen with timber shelves to sleek, handleless cabinets with floating shelves.
- Cost-effective storage per lineal metre compared with some closed overhead options.
- Pairs well with modern features like LED strip lighting, two-tone cabinetry and styled splashback areas.
Our renovation and design process
As a Perth-based, custom cabinetry WA specialist, Joyce Kitchens delivers end-to-end kitchen renovations Perth homeowners trust. We also design matching bathroom vanities, laundry rooms and built-in wardrobes for a cohesive home.
Step-by-step
- In-home or showroom consult: We confirm your goals (e.g., open shelving over the coffee nook, a display hutch, a butler’s pantry with open spice racks) and measure your space.
- Design & layout: We plan the flow, appliance clearances and shelf depths (commonly 250–300 mm for overhead open shelves) and propose styles from Hamptons/shaker to contemporary handleless.
- Materials & finishes: We advise on durable cabinet carcasses, door finishes, and legal alternatives to engineered stone benchtops (due to the engineered stone ban) such as porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone or laminate benchtops.
- Quotation & timeline: Transparent pricing and a WA-appropriate schedule.
- Manufacture & install: Custom joinery to AS/NZS guidelines, professional installation and site protection.
- Aftercare: Advice on cleaning, securing floating shelves, and maintaining lighting and hardware.
Materials and finishes for open units
Open kitchen units must be attractive and tough. Below are the most common choices our Perth clients consider.
Benchtops (with WA-ready advice)
Open units often sit above a benchtop, so the benchtop choice affects overall look and maintenance.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (see ban note) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look & feel | Stone-like patterns, crisp edges. Now widely replaced by porcelain/sintered alternatives in Australia. | Huge range of colours/textures, including stone and timber looks at great value. |
| Indicative cost in WA | Not recommended due to national ban. Consider porcelain/sintered stone pricing instead. | Budget-friendly; excellent for rentals, first homes or secondary spaces. |
| Heat & UV resistance | Engineered stone can suffer thermal shock; porcelain/sintered stone alternatives handle heat better. | Good for everyday use; avoid hot pots directly on the surface and prolonged direct sun. |
| Stain & scratch resistance | Engineered stone is stain-resistant; porcelain/sintered stone highly resistant. Always wipe spills promptly. | Modern high-pressure laminates are durable but can be scratched or edged if abused. |
| Repairability | Chips are difficult to repair seamlessly. Porcelain/sintered stone requires specialist repair. | Minor damage may be mitigated; major edge damage often needs replacement. |
| Compliance & safety | Engineered stone containing crystalline silica is banned nationally. Choose compliant alternatives. | No silica cutting risks for typical installs; follow standard joinery practices. |
Cabinetry and shelves
- Cabinet carcass: Moisture-resistant board (E0/E1 emissions) is standard in quality custom cabinetry WA projects.
- Doors & panels (for closed areas): Melamine cabinetry for value; 2-pack polyurethane for premium finishes; timber veneer for warmth; thermofoil doors for smooth, easy-clean surfaces.
- Open shelves: Timber veneer, solid timber, high-pressure laminate or painted 2-pack. Use concealed brackets for clean floating shelves.
- Hardware: Soft-close drawers and quality shelf fixings; consider anti-sag supports for longer spans.
Lighting & power
- Discreet LED strip lighting under shelves to highlight glassware or cookbooks.
- Task lights near prep zones and coffee machines.
- Plan power outlets (GPOs) to suit Australian appliance sizes: 600 mm wall ovens are standard; 900 mm freestanding ranges are popular in family kitchens.
Layouts and styles that flatter open units
Popular layouts
- One-wall kitchen: Slimline open shelves reduce bulk in small apartments.
- Galley kitchen: Alternate open shelving and overhead cabinets to keep sightlines open.
- L-shaped with kitchen island: Use open end-shelves on the island for cookbooks or bowls.
- U-shaped kitchen: Reserve open sections above low-use benches to avoid clutter.
- Butler’s pantry: Open spice racks, wine cubes and appliance shelves keep the main kitchen calm.
Style cues
- Shaker kitchen: Painted 2-pack doors with timber open shelving for a Hamptons or coastal vibe.
- Contemporary: Matte, handleless cabinets with floating shelves and two-tone cabinetry.
- Industrial: Black brackets, timber planks, exposed textures and a statement splashback.
Appliance choices matter, too. Induction cooktops keep air clean around open shelves; if you prefer a gas cooktop, ensure excellent extraction and spacing to reduce grime build-up on nearby open units.
Costs for open kitchen units in Perth & WA
Every project is unique, but the guide below reflects typical ranges we see across kitchen renovations Perth-wide. All pricing is indicative and subject to site inspection and final specification.
- Floating/open shelves (supply & install): From $180–$450 per lineal metre for melamine/laminate; $350–$700+ for timber veneer/2-pack, depending on thickness and brackets.
- Overhead closed cabinets: Commonly $600–$1,200+ per lineal metre depending on finish and height.
- Benchtops: Laminate budget; porcelain/sintered stone and natural stone at mid–premium tiers. Ask for current WA pricing and compliance options.
- Lighting: LED strips and drivers typically $250–$600+ per run installed.
- Full kitchen renovation: Compact projects from low tens; family kitchens with island, new appliances and a butler’s pantry can range higher. We’ll tailor a transparent quote.
Open units often save on some cabinetry costs, but consider finishing, painting/lacquering, extra cleaning time and optional lighting in your budget.
Quick WA case examples
Subiaco apartment refresh
Brief: brighten a compact galley kitchen. We replaced two overhead cabinets with 280 mm deep floating shelves, added LED strip lighting and a laminate benchtop in a pale concrete look. Result: a lighter feel, faster access to mugs and plates, and a contemporary finish that complements the client’s splashback.
Fremantle family update
Brief: create a coastal shaker kitchen without clutter. We used shaker doors in soft white, timber veneer open shelves near the coffee station, and a durable porcelain benchtop due to the engineered stone ban. A butler’s pantry with open wire racks keeps bulk items out of sight.
Compliance and local considerations
- Engineered stone ban: Australia has implemented a national ban on engineered stone containing crystalline silica. Choose compliant alternatives (e.g., porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone, solid surface, laminate).
- Joinery standards: Quality work should align with applicable AS/NZS guidance for domestic kitchen joinery and hardware performance.
- Ventilation: Open shelves near cooktops need robust extraction to minimise grease build-up.
- Sun and heat: WA’s sun can be intense; choose UV-stable finishes and avoid placing timber shelves in direct harsh sunlight without protection.
- Appliance sizes: Plan around common Australian standards — 600 mm ovens and dishwashers are typical; allow for 900 mm ranges in larger kitchens.
Helpful Australian resources:
Open kitchen units planning checklist
- Decide your open-to-closed ratio (aim for ~20–30% open).
- Choose shelf depths (typically 250–300 mm for overheads).
- Nominate display items (glasses, ceramics) vs everyday plates/cups.
- Plan lighting (LED strips, switch position, drivers).
- Select finishes: melamine, 2-pack polyurethane, timber veneer, laminate benchtop or compliant stone alternatives.
- Confirm appliance sizes (600 mm vs 900 mm) and clearances.
- Add storage features: pantry pull-outs, soft-close drawers, corner solutions.
- Discuss cleaning: choose wipeable finishes for shelves near cooktops.
- Set budget and timeline; lock in trades and site access.
- Book your Joyce Kitchens design consultation for a tailored plan.
FAQ
Are open kitchen units practical for Australian homes?
Yes. They speed up access and reduce visual bulk, but they do collect dust and need occasional restyling. Keep open shelves to 20–30% of storage, choose wipeable finishes, add LED strips and place them away from heavy grease zones.
Are open kitchen units cheaper than closed cabinets?
Often per lineal metre, yes — especially for simple floating shelves — but brackets, finishing and lighting can offset savings. In WA, expect roughly $180–$450 per lineal metre for basic shelves versus $600–$1,200+ for overhead cabinets, depending on finish and size.
What materials suit coastal WA and hot, sunny kitchens?
UV-stable finishes like quality melamine or 2-pack polyurethane perform well; timber veneer adds warmth with the right sealing. For benchtops, consider porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone or laminate. Avoid engineered stone due to the national ban.
Can I retrofit open shelves into my existing kitchen?
Usually yes. You can remove some doors to create open cubbies, or add floating shelves secured to studs. Check tile and splashback conditions, patch hinge holes, and ensure secure fixings and sensible placement away from steam and heat.
What layout works best for small kitchens using open units?
A one-wall or galley kitchen with slimline floating shelves keeps things airy. Use handleless cabinets to reduce visual clutter, choose 600 mm appliances, and keep frequently used items on the lowest shelf for easy reach.
Explore coordinated storage solutions and get inspired — Wardrobe design Perth.