From small-space kitchens to full home upgrades, here are expert, Australian-focused ideas remodeling to help you plan a beautiful and functional renovation—backed by Joyce Kitchens’ custom design and local WA craftsmanship.
Core Ideas for a High-Impact Remodel
Whether you’re exploring home remodel ideas for a compact apartment or a family home, focus on improvements that deliver daily value: durable materials, a logical layout, abundant storage, and efficient lighting. For kitchen renovations Perth homeowners love, our designers prioritise flow, bench space, and easy-clean surfaces.
- Upgrade to custom cabinetry with soft-close drawers and space-smart inserts (pull-out pantries, corner solutions, bin systems).
- Choose water- and heat-resilient benchtops suitable for Australian conditions, and pair with an easy-clean splashback (porcelain slab or glass).
- Rethink storage in laundries and wardrobes: integrate hampers, drying rails, and adjustable shelving for a streamlined, built-in look.
- Use LED task lighting under overheads and inside tall cabinets to brighten prep zones and sculleries.
- Consider a butler’s pantry or scullery to keep appliances off the main benchtop in open-plan living.
Primary home zones to tackle now: kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobe. When sequenced well, these spaces dramatically lift daily comfort and resale appeal.
Your Renovation Process in WA
1) Brief and Concept
Start with goals, preferred style (e.g., shaker kitchen, coastal, contemporary), existing services, and appliance list (common AU widths: 600 mm ovens, 900 mm cooktops). Joyce Kitchens can prepare concept drawings and materials boards tailored to your home.
2) Detailed Design and Selections
- Confirm cabinetry finish (two-pack polyurethane, melamine, timber veneer, vinyl wrap doors).
- Choose benchtops (see compliance notes below) and a durable splashback.
- Lock in sink type (undermount or topmount), tapware, handles, and hardware.
3) Compliance and Trades
Licensed trades are essential for gas, plumbing and electrical work in Australia. Refer to HIA and Master Builders WA for guidance on builders and contracts. Gas work must meet AS/NZS 5601, and electrical work must meet AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules).
4) Manufacture and Installation
Joyce Kitchens’ custom cabinetry WA is locally made for accurate fit and shorter lead times. Site installation is sequenced to minimise downtime in your home.
5) Handover and Aftercare
We’ll provide maintenance tips for finishes and hardware, plus contacts for any future servicing or additions.
Materials and Finishes (WA Compliance Notes)
A painted cabinet finish baked hard for a sleek look and strong durability. Excellent for modern and shaker profiles; allows a wide colour range.
A heat- and UV-resistant, low-porosity surface made by sintering minerals. Ideal for benchtops and splashbacks with minimal joints and high scratch resistance.
Benchtops in 2025: What to Know in WA
Important: From 1 July 2024, WA has prohibited the supply and installation of traditional engineered stone benchtops due to silica health risks. Consider porcelain/sintered slabs, natural stone, solid surface or laminate instead. See WA Government guidance via WorkSafe for current rules.
WorkSafe WA: Ban on engineered stone
Benchtop Comparison: Engineered Stone vs Laminate (WA Context)
| Feature | Engineered Stone (Status in WA) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | Prohibited to supply/install in WA (from 1 July 2024). | Fully compliant; widely available. |
| Heat/UV Resistance | Good, but not applicable due to prohibition. | Moderate heat resistance; use trivets, avoid direct heat. |
| Scratch/Stain Resistance | N/A under ban. | Good for everyday use; avoid cutting directly on surface. |
| Aesthetics | N/A under ban. | Wide range of patterns, including stone-look designs. |
| Indicative Cost (installed) | N/A | $350–$800 per linear metre (profile and finish dependent) |
| Alternatives | Porcelain/sintered stone, granite, quartzite, solid surface | — |
Cabinetry and Doors
- Two-pack polyurethane: premium, smooth; custom colours; suited to shaker kitchen profiles.
- Melamine: budget-friendly, durable, great for rentals and busy family homes.
- Timber veneer: natural warmth; pair with matte colours for a balanced look.
- Vinyl wrap doors: economical routed profiles with a soft-touch finish.
Hinges and runners that slow doors/drawers for a smooth, quiet close—extending hardware life and reducing wear.
Appliances and Sinks (AU Sizes)
- Common sizes: 600 mm ovens, 600/900 mm cooktops, 900 mm rangehoods, 600 mm dishwashers, fridges vary widely (plan alcove depth and ventilation).
- Choose integrated appliances for a seamless look, particularly in galley kitchens and apartments.
- Consider undermount sinks for a sleek detail and easier benchtop wiping.
Layouts and Styles That Work in Australia
Popular Kitchen Layouts
- Galley kitchen: efficient for apartments; keep opposing runs 1000–1200 mm apart for comfortable movement.
- L-shaped with island: perfect for open-plan living; add seating and storage on the island bench.
- U-shaped kitchen: maximises storage in family homes; consider a bifold servery window to the alfresco.
- Butler’s pantry / scullery: hides small appliances and prep; helps maintain a tidy main kitchen.
On-Trend Styles
- Contemporary coastal: white or sand two-pack, timber accents, brushed nickel hardware.
- Modern shaker: framed doors, matte porcelain benchtops, warm LED lighting, feature handles.
- Minimal luxe: handleless profiles, porcelain slab splashback, integrated fridge/freezer, waterfall edge island.
For bathrooms, favour porcelain tiles with anti-slip ratings (e.g., R10 for wet areas), and for laundries, elevate functionality with taller benchtops for front loaders and hanging rails over the trough.
Costs and Budgeting (Perth Benchmarks)
- Kitchen facelift (new doors, panels, handles, minor electrics): $8,000–$18,000+
- Mid-range custom kitchen (new cabinetry, porcelain/sintered benchtops, splashback, appliances): $25,000–$45,000+
- Premium kitchen (extensive custom joinery, scullery, premium appliances, porcelain slab splashback, feature lighting): $50,000–$90,000+
- Laundry remodel: $6,000–$18,000+
- Wardrobes (built-in/robes, walk-in with custom cabinetry): $3,500–$15,000+ per room
- Bathroom (tiling, waterproofing, fixtures, custom vanity): $18,000–$40,000+
