Cabinets and Accessories for Australian Homes | Joyce Kitchens

Cabinets and accessories: what actually matters

Great design blends function, durability and style. For kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes, focus on:

• Storage planning: Map zones for prep, cooking, cleaning and serving. Use a pull-out pantry, corner solutions (e.g., Lazy Susan or LeMans), tray dividers and under-sink caddies to reach every inch.
• Hardware: Premium runners and soft-close hinges (e.g., Blum or Hettich) feel better and last longer. Add LED strip lighting to wall cabinets and pantries.
• Ergonomics: Typical Australian benchtop height is ~900mm; aim for 600mm deep benchtops and 600mm-wide ovens (or 900mm freestanding). Consider handleless or finger-pull doors for a sleek look.
• Moisture and heat resistance: Especially for bathrooms, laundries and alfresco areas. Select materials appropriate to WA’s heat and UV.
• Style consistency: From a classic shaker kitchen or Hamptons-inspired design to contemporary matte 2‑pac polyurethane or durable melamine.

Our WA renovation and cabinetry process

Step-by-step, from design to installation

1. In-home consult and measure: We assess your space, lifestyle and wishlist across kitchen, bathroom, laundry or wardrobes.
2. Design and selections: 3D concepts, layout options (galley, U-shaped, L-shaped, island bench, scullery or butler’s pantry) and curated finishes.
3. Transparent quote: Itemised cabinetry, benchtops, accessories, and installation. All figures include GST.
4. Approvals and scheduling: We can coordinate with your builder and trades. For gas and electrical, licensed contractors must comply with AS/NZS standards.
5. Manufacture: Custom cabinetry WA-made to fit precisely — fewer fillers, better lines.
6. Installation and handover: Clean, efficient installs with aftercare and warranty info.

For larger renovations, consider an HIA building contract and timelines from recognised bodies such as the Housing Industry Association (HIA) or Master Builders WA.

Materials and finishes that last in Australia

Cabinet carcasses

• HMR particleboard (Highly Moisture Resistant): Budget-friendly and robust when edged and sealed correctly.
• MR MDF: Smooth and stable, ideal for painted 2‑pac doors.
• Plywood: Strong and moisture-resistant; often used in wet zones or premium builds.

Door and panel finishes

• Melamine: Great value, wide range of textures and colours.
• Vinyl wrap: Seamless profiles for shaker doors; keep heat sources at safe distances.
• 2‑pac polyurethane: Painted finish, custom colours and sheens; premium look.
• Thermally structured surfaces: Rich textures that mimic timber or stone with high durability.

Benchtops and splashbacks

• Porcelain / Sintered stone: Excellent heat, scratch and UV resistance; ideal for busy kitchens and some alfresco applications.
• Natural stone (granite, marble): Unique patterning; may require sealing and care.
• Laminate: Cost-effective, modern decors, easy to replace.
• Solid surface: Seamless joins and repairable; warm touch.
• Splashbacks: Toughened glass, large-format porcelain, or tiled features to suit your style.

Important compliance note (Australia): Engineered stone with crystalline silica is banned nationally for new work. If you’re replacing an older engineered stone benchtop, talk to licensed professionals and follow current guidance from Safe Work Australia.

Accessories that do the heavy lifting

• Pull-out pantry systems and internal drawers for tall storage.
• Corner cabinets with carousels or articulated trays.
• Integrated bins, spice racks, cutlery inserts and tray dividers.
• Lift-up overhead doors for appliance cabinets; pocket doors to conceal small appliances.
• Kickboard drawers to capture low, otherwise-wasted space.
• Task lighting with LED strips and sensors.

Standards reference: Domestic cabinetry is commonly built in line with AS/NZS 4386 (Domestic kitchen assemblies). Gas appliances must comply with AS/NZS 5601. Always use licensed trades for gas and electrical work.

Layouts and styles

Popular layouts in WA homes

• Galley kitchen: Efficient for apartments; pair with tall storage and integrated appliances.
• L-shaped or U-shaped: Great for family homes; add an island bench for prep and seating.
• Scullery / Butler’s pantry: Hide the mess, add a second sink and open shelves.
• Alfresco kitchen: Consider UV-stable doors, porcelain benchtops and appropriate appliance clearance.

On-trend styles

• Shaker kitchen with matte 2‑pac, classic handles and subtle V‑groove panels.
• Handleless, contemporary with finger-pull rails, flat-panel doors and integrated dishwashers.
• Warm timber accents via thermally structured surfaces for texture and depth.

We also design bathroom vanities, laundry joinery and wardrobes Perth-wide, bringing the same care in materials, storage and finishes across your whole home.

Typical costs in WA

Every project is unique, but these ballparks help set expectations (incl. GST; excludes major building works):

• Small kitchen update: $18,000–$35,000
• Mid-range kitchen: $35,000–$60,000
• Premium kitchen: $60,000–$100,000+
• Bathroom vanity suite: $3,000–$12,000+
• Laundry fit-out: $6,000–$20,000+
• Wardrobes (built-in): $2,500–$10,000+ per room

Where the money goes

• Cabinetry: ~$1,200–$3,000 per linear metre depending on material and complexity.
• Benchtops: Laminate $250–$550/m²; Porcelain/Sintered $900–$2,000+/m²; Natural stone varies by slab.
• Accessories: Inserts and systems typically $50–$800 per cabinet zone.
• Hardware upgrades: Premium soft-close or inner drawers add $300–$2,000+ across a kitchen.
• Trades and installation: Allow for plumbing, electrical, tiling and painting as needed.

Ways to save: Choose melamine doors, limit door profiles, and keep services in place. Where to invest: Drawer banks, internal pull-outs, and durable benchtops for long-term comfort.

Benchtop comparison: Sintered/Porcelain vs Laminate

Note: Engineered stone containing crystalline silica is banned for new work in Australia. Consider porcelain/sintered, natural stone, solid surface or laminate instead. See Safe Work Australia’s engineered stone information.

Renovation checklist: cabinets and accessories

• Confirm layout: galley, L‑shaped, U‑shaped, island, scullery or butler’s pantry.
• List daily items: pots, pans, small appliances, bulk foods, cleaning products.
• Allocate storage: drawer banks, pull-out pantry, corner solutions, bin zones.
• Choose finishes: melamine, vinyl wrap, 2‑pac; benchtop material and splashback.
• Select hardware: soft-close hinges/runners, handle style, lift-up doors, lighting.
• Confirm appliance sizes: 600mm or 900mm cooktop/oven, integrated dishwasher, fridge cavity (with ventilation).
• Plan services: power points in pantry/appliance cabinet, water for fridges, task lighting.
• Compliance: licensed gas/electrical; follow AS/NZS standards and local council requirements.
• Timeline & access: delivery, install sequencing, protection of floors and adjacent rooms.

Real WA examples

Case 1: Inner‑city Perth galley kitchen

A narrow galley gained 40% more usable storage with internal drawers behind doors, a slim pull-out pantry, under-sink organiser, and LED task lighting. Handleless flat panels and a porcelain benchtop created a sleek, light feel.

Case 2: Coastal family home with scullery

A Hamptons-style shaker kitchen with 2‑pac fronts, integrated bins and a double pull-out pantry. The scullery adds an undermount sink, open shelves and appliance cabinet with pocket doors. UV-stable finishes suit the coastal light.

Why Joyce Kitchens

Joyce Kitchens designs and manufactures custom cabinetry WA homeowners love — across kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes. Our designers balance smart storage with timeless style and durable materials, then our installers deliver a clean, efficient fit-out. If you’re comparing cabinet suppliers, talk to the local team that’s been shaping Perth homes for decades.

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