Is your old kitchen past its best? From cramped layouts to dated cabinets, Perth homeowners trust Joyce Kitchens to turn an older kitchen into a modern, functional space that suits the way Australians cook and live today.
Core insights: Signs your old kitchen needs attention
- Workflow is clunky: long trips between sink, cooktop and fridge; no room to prep.
- Dated or damaged surfaces: peeling laminate, swollen kickboards, cracked splashback.
- Insufficient storage: no soft‑close drawers, shallow cupboards, no butler’s pantry.
- Non-compliant or unsafe electrics/gas: unprotected power points near sinks; ageing appliances.
- Poor ventilation and heat resilience: especially important in WA summers.
Our Perth renovation process for an older kitchen
1) Design discovery
We start with an in-home measure or a showroom consultation to understand how you cook, store and entertain. We review services and structure common in WA homes (double brick, slab, or framed extensions) and discuss styles from shaker kitchen to contemporary, Hamptons and modern coastal.
2) Concept to 3D visuals
Our designers create plan views and 3D renders showing custom cabinetry (WA-made), appliances, and benchtop/splashback options. We’ll propose layout upgrades such as L-shaped kitchen with island, galley kitchen, or a U-shaped kitchen with improved storage.
3) Technical review and compliance
- Cabinet construction aligned with AS/NZS 4386 (Domestic kitchen assemblies).
- Electrical by licensed electricians to AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules).
- Plumbing by licensed plumbers; gas works to AS/NZS 5601 where applicable.
- Ventilation, clearances and splashback combustibility checked for local conditions.
4) Fabrication and installation
Cabinetry is manufactured locally with quality hardware and soft‑close drawers. Our installers coordinate trades to minimise downtime. Typical duration: 2–4 weeks on-site for a full kitchen after final materials arrive.
5) Handover and aftercare
We walk you through operation, care and maintenance for your finishes, drawers and appliances—and remain available for service and additional projects like bathrooms, laundries and wardrobe fit‑outs.
Materials and finishes that perform in WA
Heat, UV and day‑to‑day family life demand materials that stand up to Perth conditions. Below are popular, durable options for an older kitchen renovation.
Benchtops and splashbacks
With Australia’s 2024 ban on traditional high‑silica engineered stone, many Perth homes are choosing porcelain/sintered stone, natural granite, stainless steel or quality laminate for benchtops. Splashbacks can be porcelain slab, tile or glass, depending on style and budget.
| Material | Pros | Considerations | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain/Sintered Stone | High heat and UV resistance, low porosity, large slabs for seamless islands, excellent for WA summers. | Needs specialist fabrication; edge profiles more limited than some stones. | Premium benchtops and splashback slabs with waterfall edges. |
| Quality Laminate | Budget‑friendly, wide range of decor finishes (timber look, marble look), quick to install. | Not heat‑proof; use trivets. Joins can be visible on long runs. | Cost‑effective facelifts and rentals. |
Cabinetry and hardware
- Cabinet doors: 2‑pack polyurethane (painted), shaker profile for Hamptons or classic looks; matte thermoformed/vinyl for curved profiles; durable melamine for value.
- Carcasses: moisture‑resistant board for sink areas; edge‑banding to seal against spills.
- Hardware: soft‑close hinges, full‑extension runners, pull‑out pantries, corner solutions (LeMans, lazy Susan).
Appliances and local sizing
- Ovens: 600 mm is standard in Australia; 900 mm options suit large family kitchens.
- Cooktops: Induction is increasingly popular in WA for speed and safety; ensure correct ventilation and electrical capacity.
- Rangehoods: Duct externally where possible (better for Perth’s coastal humidity and cooking odours).
- Fridges: Check cavity depth and door swing—older kitchens often need widening for modern French‑door fridges.
Layouts and styles that modernise an older kitchen
Layouts we often recommend
- Galley kitchen with parallel benches to improve workflow in narrow spaces.
- L‑shaped kitchen with island to open up older closed rooms into open‑plan living.
- U‑shaped kitchen for maximum storage and prep in compact footprints.
- Add a butler’s pantry for concealed prep and small‑appliance storage.
Styles for older homes
- Shaker kitchen / Hamptons kitchen: Timeless profiles, panelled doors, classic handles, stone‑look or porcelain benchtops, tiled or slab splashback.
- Contemporary kitchen: Clean lines, handleless cabinetry, integrated appliances, matte finishes and porcelain slab splashbacks.
- Modern coastal: Light timbers, white and sand tones, durable laminates, and breezy open shelving.
- Mid‑century refresh: Walnut tones, feature colour blocks, and practical updates like soft‑close hardware.
Costs and budgets for renovating an old kitchen in Perth
Every older kitchen is different, but these ballparks help planning. All figures are indicative and GST‑inclusive.
- Cosmetic facelift (keep layout): new doors, handles, benchtops, splashback, minor plumbing/electrical — approx. $12,000–$25,000.
- Mid‑range full renovation (new WA‑made cabinetry, quality laminate or porcelain benchtops, new appliances) — approx. $25,000–$55,000.
- Premium transformation (custom cabinetry, porcelain/sintered stone, integrated appliances, structural opening) — from $55,000–$100,000+ depending on scope.
Allow additional budget for unforeseen issues typical in older kitchens (plumbing reroutes, rewiring to current standards, wall straightening and floor levelling).
Old kitchen renovation checklist
- Measure clearances for fridge, oven (600/900 mm) and dishwasher, including door swings.
- Confirm electrical capacity for induction and additional circuits (AS/NZS 3000).
- Assess ventilation and ducting path for rangehood (aim to duct outside).
- Choose benchtop material suitable for WA heat and UV (porcelain/quality laminate).
- Plan storage: deep drawers, pull‑outs, bin systems, corner solutions.
- Decide on style: shaker/Hamptons, contemporary, coastal or mid‑century refresh.
- Set a realistic budget and contingency (10–15%).
- Lock in lead times for materials and appliances before demolition.
- Engage licensed trades and confirm compliance certificates on completion.
- Consider future projects: bathroom renovation, laundry renovation, wardrobe design for a cohesive home.
Two quick WA case examples
Mt Lawley 1970s Brick Home
An older, closed‑off kitchen with a tired laminate benchtop and minimal storage. We removed a nib wall, added an L‑shaped layout with an island, installed custom cabinetry with shaker doors, porcelain benchtops and a tiled splashback. Result: brighter open‑plan kitchen with better flow and a dedicated coffee nook.
Fremantle Apartment Refresh
Compact U‑shaped older kitchen with narrow bench depth. We fitted moisture‑resistant carcasses, soft‑close drawers, a 600 mm oven and induction cooktop, and a durable matte laminate benchtop with timber accents. The new design maximised storage while keeping costs sensible.
Local knowledge and useful Australian references
Joyce Kitchens delivers kitchen renovations Perth‑wide with WA‑made custom cabinetry and experienced project management across kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes.
FAQ
How do I know if my old kitchen needs a full renovation or just repairs?
If the layout works and cabinets are structurally sound, a cosmetic facelift (new doors, benchtops and splashback) may be enough. If you’ve got water damage, failing hardware, poor workflow, or outdated services, a full renovation will deliver better long‑term value, safety and functionality.
Can I keep my existing cabinets and just replace doors or benchtops?
Yes—provided the carcasses are level, dry and solid. Many older kitchens benefit from new doors, drawer fronts, hinges and a fresh benchtop. We’ll assess moisture damage and advise whether partial upgrades will last or if new cabinetry is the smarter investment.
What benchtop materials are safe alternatives to engineered stone in Australia?
Popular, safe alternatives include porcelain/sintered stone, natural granite, stainless steel and quality laminate. These options suit Perth heat and UV and comply with Australia’s 2024 ban on high‑silica engineered stone benchtops.
How much does it cost to renovate an older kitchen in Perth?
As a guide, cosmetic facelifts start around $12,000–$25,000, mid‑range full renovations run $25,000–$55,000, and premium transformations can be $55,000–$100,000+. Your final cost depends on size, materials, appliances and any structural changes.
How long does a kitchen renovation take from start to finish?
Design and selections typically take 2–6 weeks depending on decisions and lead times. On‑site works are commonly 2–4 weeks for a full renovation. We coordinate trades to minimise downtime and keep your home functional where possible.
Tackling multiple rooms in an older property? Our price to tile a bathroom guide sets realistic WA costs for the wet areas.
Planning the complete upgrade next? See our kitchen remodel kitchen guide for Perth design options, timelines and costs.
