Planning a modern contemporary kitchen in WA? Here’s an expert, practical guide from Joyce Kitchens for Australian homeowners upgrading the kitchen, bathroom, laundry or wardrobes—designed to help you make smart, durable choices that look good and work hard.
What Makes Kitchen Cabinets Contemporary?
The primary hallmark of kitchen cabinets contemporary is clean, uncluttered lines with a focus on function and long‑lasting finishes. In Perth homes, we often combine handleless profiles, subtle texture, and hardworking storage to suit our climate and lifestyle.
Core design principles
- Streamlined profiles: handleless, finger-pull or shadowline detailing with soft-close drawers and hinges.
- Balanced colour: warm whites, eucalyptus greens, charcoals and light timbergrains for a calm, coastal feel.
- Functional zones: prep, cook, clean and store—often supported by a scullery or butler’s pantry.
- Integrated appliances: concealed fridges, dishwashers and under-bench ovens (600 mm or 900 mm common in AU).
- Smart lighting: LED strip lights to undersides and overheads for task and ambience.
A door or drawer front opened by a recessed rail (shadowline), push-to-open mechanism, or a discreet finger pull—delivering a sleek contemporary look and easy cleaning.
Related styles like a shaker kitchen can still read contemporary when you simplify the profile, choose matte finishes, and pair with minimalist hardware.
Your Renovation Process in Perth
From concept to completion, here’s how Joyce Kitchens typically delivers contemporary cabinetry across kitchens, laundries, bathrooms and wardrobes.
1) Design and quoting
- In‑home or showroom consultation in Perth (measure, discuss goals and budget).
- 3D design and specification: cabinetry layout, benchtops, splashback, appliances, storage and hardware.
- Transparent quote and timeline aligned to your scope.
2) Compliance and planning
- Plan for services and ventilation in line with AS/NZS 3000 (electrical) and AS/NZS 5601 (gas) with licensed trades.
- Cabinet assemblies designed to Australian conditions (refer AS/NZS 4386 guidance).
- If modifying structural walls, engage a registered builder/engineer.
3) Manufacture and installation
- Custom cabinetry WA made to size, including tall pantry units, overhead cupboards and integrated panels.
- Professional installation, benchtops templated and fitted, splashback and lighting completed.
- Final walk‑through and adjustments.
A secondary work zone (often behind the kitchen) for prep, small appliances and storage—keeping the main island clear and clutter‑free.
Real WA examples
Cottesloe family kitchen: We reworked a U‑shaped layout into an island with a breakfast bar, added a walk‑in pantry and two‑tone cabinetry (matte white with warm oak). The result: better workflow, hidden clutter and kid‑friendly soft‑close drawers.
Fremantle apartment galley: Handleless cabinets, compact 600 mm appliances and a mirrored splashback made a tight space feel larger. A pull‑out pantry and under‑sink organisers maximised storage.
Materials and Finishes That Suit WA
In our warm, coastal climate, pick finishes with UV stability, moisture resistance and easy maintenance. Below are popular options for a modern contemporary kitchen.
Cabinet doors and panels
- Melamine and high‑pressure laminate (HPL): durable, cost‑effective, huge style range, great for families.
- Thermoformed vinyl wrap: smooth, seamless edges; select reputable brands to manage heat resistance near ovens.
- 2‑pack polyurethane: premium painted finish in any colour; needs gentle care to avoid chips.
- Timber veneer: adds warmth and texture—use with clear matte finishes to reduce glare.
A sprayed and baked paint system for cabinetry delivering a smooth, hardwearing finish in matte, satin or gloss.
Benchtops and splashbacks
- Laminate benchtops: budget‑friendly, improved realism, easy to maintain.
- Solid surface (e.g., acrylic): repairable, seamless joins, soft touch; avoid direct heat.
- Porcelain or sintered stone: high heat and UV resistance—excellent for WA kitchens.
- Stainless steel: hygienic, professional look; shows wear over time but very durable.
- Glass or porcelain splashbacks: easy to clean; tiled splashbacks allow pattern and texture.
Important WA note on engineered stone: Australia has implemented a ban on new use of engineered stone products containing crystalline silica. For existing engineered stone, repairs or modifications may be subject to strict safety requirements. Always check current guidance and hire licensed, compliant trades in WA.
For authoritative guidance, see:
Safe Work Australia,
Master Builders WA,
HIA.
Comparison: Engineered Stone vs Laminate (with compliance note)
Note: Engineered stone is banned for new installations in Australia. The comparison below helps homeowners who already have it and are weighing maintenance or future alternatives.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (Existing) | Laminate (Modern HPL) |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | New use banned nationally; existing surfaces may be maintained under strict safety protocols. | Widely compliant for residential use; no special handling. |
| Heat/UV | Good heat resistance; avoid thermal shock. | Moderate; use trivets. Modern HPLs offer improved performance. |
| Look/Feel | Stone‑like appearance, consistent patterns. | Vast range including realistic stone/timber textures. |
| Maintenance | Low; non‑porous. Avoid harsh abrasives. | Very low; wipe clean. Damage is not repairable like-for-like. |
| Cost | Premium, now largely unavailable for new work. | Budget to mid; excellent value for rentals and family homes. |
| Alternatives | Consider porcelain/sintered stone or solid surface for new projects. | Consider step‑up to solid surface or porcelain if budget allows. |
Hardware and durability must‑haves
- Soft‑close drawers and hinges from reputable brands for long service life.
- Moisture‑resistant board (MR) and low‑emission substrates (E0/E1).
- Quality edge‑banding to protect against steam near dishwashers and kettles.
Layouts, Storage and Styles
Whether you’re planning a galley, L‑shaped, U‑shaped or an island kitchen, contemporary design is about flow, light and practical storage.
Popular layouts in Perth homes
- Island with scullery: Great for entertainers—keep appliances and mess out of sight.
- Galley: Efficient for apartments; add mirrored or light splashbacks to open the space.
- L‑shaped with peninsula: Adds a breakfast bar while maintaining circulation.
Contemporary storage that works
- Pull‑out pantries, corner solutions and deep pot drawers.
- Appliance garages to hide toasters and coffee machines.
- Drawer organisers, cutlery inserts and recycling pull‑outs.
- Tall broom and utility cupboards in laundries for a cohesive look.
Style cues and LSI ideas
Blend a minimalist palette with texture: two‑tone cabinetry, flat profiles, shaker kitchen doors with slimmer rails, integrated fridges, under‑mount sinks, waterfall edges, and LED task lighting. Extend the look to a laundry renovation or bathroom vanity for whole‑home cohesion. Joyce Kitchens also designs wardrobes and custom cabinetry WA‑wide for a seamless palette throughout your home.
Costs and Timelines
Every home is unique, but these Perth ranges help set expectations for a modern contemporary kitchen.
Typical budget guide (cabinetry-led)
- Budget refresh: $15,000–$25,000 (laminate, efficient layout, existing services)
- Mid‑range: $25,000–$45,000 (mix of premium doors, solid surface or porcelain, custom storage)
- Premium: $45,000–$80,000+ (bespoke finishes, integrated appliances, scullery, structural changes)
Where the money goes (approx.)
- Custom cabinetry: 30–45%
- Benchtops & splashbacks: 15–30%
- Appliances: 10–25%
- Trades (plumbing, electrical, building): 15–25%
- Installation & project management: 10–20%
Perth timeline snapshot
- Design and selections: 1–3 weeks
- Manufacture: 3–6 weeks (scope dependent)
- On‑site installation: 3–10 days plus stone/porcelain templating and splashback lead time
Pre‑Renovation Checklist
- Finalise appliance sizes (600 mm vs 900 mm cooktop/oven; fridge cavity width/height).
- Decide storage priorities (pantry type, pots, recyclables, small appliances).
- Confirm power, lighting and plumbing points with licensed trades (AS/NZS compliance).
- Choose benchtop and splashback materials suited to WA sun and heat.
- Plan for protection of floors and access on installation days.
Ready to Design Your Contemporary Kitchen Cabinets?
Book a design consultation with Joyce Kitchens. We create custom solutions for kitchens, bathroom vanities, laundry fit‑outs and wardrobes—crafted for WA homes and lifestyles.
FAQ
What makes kitchen cabinets contemporary?
Contemporary cabinets feature clean lines, handleless or minimal hardware, durable matte or textured finishes, smart storage and integrated appliances—creating a streamlined look that’s easy to live with in Australian homes.
Are handleless cabinets practical for Australian families?
Yes. Handleless, finger‑pull or push‑to‑open systems paired with soft‑close hardware are safe, easy to clean and very practical. We often combine them with discreet pulls on heavy pantry doors for extra leverage.
What benchtops are best in WA now that engineered stone is banned?
For new projects, consider porcelain or sintered stone for heat and UV resistance, solid surface for seamless joins and easy repairs, or quality laminate for value. Always check current WA guidance and use licensed, compliant trades.
How much do contemporary kitchen cabinets cost in Perth?
As a guide, cabinetry‑led renovations range from $15,000–$25,000 (budget), $25,000–$45,000 (mid‑range) and $45,000–$80,000+ (premium), depending on materials, layout and trades.
How long does a contemporary kitchen renovation take?
Allow 1–3 weeks for design, 3–6 weeks for manufacture, and 3–10 days for installation, plus templating/splashback lead time. Your timeline varies with scope and any structural or service changes.