Compact, flexible and beautifully built, a freestanding kitchenette (also called a free standing kitchen) is a smart solution for studios, granny flats, home offices, pool houses and renovations where plumbing and power access or space are limited. This guide from Joyce Kitchens covers design options, materials, layouts, costs and the steps to create a durable, stylish kitchenette tailored for Australian homes.
What is a Freestanding Kitchenette?
A freestanding kitchenette is a compact cooking and preparation zone built as a self-contained unit. It typically includes benchtop, sink, tapware, drawers and doors, splashback and space for small appliances. Many designs are movable or can be installed with minimal building works, making them perfect for rentals, ancillary dwellings and rapid renovations.
At Joyce Kitchens, we custom-build freestanding kitchenettes in Western Australia using moisture-resistant cabinetry, soft-close hardware and benchtops suited to high-use Australian conditions.
Why Choose One? Key Benefits
- Fast installation with minimal disruption to your home.
- Ideal for studios, granny flats, home offices, Airbnb setups and alfresco or outdoor kitchenettes (with suitable materials).
- Budget-friendly compared to full kitchen renovations.
- Flexible placement: great for tricky or narrow spaces.
- Customisable styles: from Shaker kitchen detailing to contemporary flat profiles.
WA-specific considerations
- Heat resistance for west-facing rooms: choose finishes that handle high UV and summer temperatures.
- Appliance sizing common in Australia: 600 mm oven, 450 mm or 600 mm dishwasher, 600–900 mm cooktop. We’ll tailor the cabinet carcasses accordingly.
- Compliance: Gas and electrical work must be completed by licensed trades under AS/NZS 5601 (gas) and AS/NZS 3000 (wiring rules). Joinery performance should align with AS/NZS 4386 for domestic kitchen units.
Helpful resources: Housing Industry Association (HIA), Master Builders WA, WA Building & Energy.
Our Renovation & Installation Process
- Consultation & Measure: A Joyce Kitchens designer visits on-site across Perth and surrounds to check services, clearances and access.
- Design & Specification: We develop 3D concepts and detailed specifications: custom cabinetry WA-made, benchtop materials, splashback, tapware, hardware (e.g., Blum soft-close drawers), appliances and lighting.
- Approvals & Compliance: If gas or electrical are included, we coordinate licensed trades and, where needed, documentation for strata or council for ancillary dwellings.
- Fabrication: Precision-cut cabinets and benchtops are produced locally for a perfect fit, including moisture-resistant board for wet areas.
- Delivery & Installation: Our installers complete the fit-out; plumbers and electricians commission services and provide certificates of compliance.
- Handover: Final quality check, care instructions and warranty details.
Materials & Finishes
We balance durability, aesthetics and budget. Popular choices for freestanding kitchenettes include:
- Benchtops: Engineered stone benchtop, laminate benchtops, compact laminate, porcelain/ultra-compact, solid timber (sealed). For outdoor or high-heat zones, consider porcelain or compact laminate with high UV stability.
- Doors & Panels: Melamine, premium 2-pack polyurethane, thermoformed/vinyl wrap, or timber veneer for a warm look.
- Hardware: Soft-close hinges and drawers, integrated waste bins, adjustable legs for uneven floors.
- Accessories: Undermount sink, pull-out pantry, LED task lighting, magnetic knife rails, integrated microwave housing.
- Shaker kitchen: A timeless door style with a framed panel, suits classic and coastal WA homes.
- Scullery: A secondary prep/clean-up zone; in a kitchenette, this might be a compact sink and storage module.
- Splashback: The wall surface behind the cooktop/sink; in small spaces, mirror or glass can visually expand the room.
Engineered Stone vs Laminate: Which Suits a Freestanding Kitchenette?
| Feature | Engineered Stone Benchtop | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Look & Feel | Premium, stone-like finish with consistent patterning | Wide range of colours and textures; realistic stone/timber decors |
| Durability | Highly scratch-resistant; heat tolerance varies by brand | Good everyday durability; avoid direct heat and cutting |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance; avoid harsh chemicals and thermal shock | Very low maintenance; wipe clean with mild detergents |
| Cost | Higher | Budget-friendly |
| Suitability for Rentals | Great long-term value | Excellent upfront savings |
Both options can perform well. For student rentals or short-stay apartments, laminate often makes sense. For a long-term home or prestige granny flat, engineered stone elevates the space.
Layouts & Styles for Small Spaces
Popular Layouts
- Single-line (wall) kitchenette: Best for narrow rooms; keep sink and cooktop separated by 300 mm minimum.
- Galley: Two parallel runs for excellent workflow; ensure 900–1000 mm aisle.
- L-shaped corner: Adds bench length and fits awkward corners.
- Mobile island module: Lockable castors provide extra prep space when needed.
Design Styles
- Modern coastal: White or pale melamine, light engineered stone, V-groove panelling, brass or black hardware.
- Contemporary flat-profile: Matte black or charcoal doors, compact laminate top, integrated pulls.
- Shaker kitchen look in miniature: 2-pack Shaker doors, porcelain splashback, classic knobs.
Smart Storage Ideas
- Pull-out pantry (150–300 mm) for oils and tins.
- Corner carousel or blind-corner pull-outs in L-shapes.
- Overhead cabinets to ceiling to maximise storage.
- Integrated microwave housing to free benchtop space.
Case examples from WA
Case 1 – Subiaco Studio: A 2.2 m single-line freestanding kitchenette with laminate benchtop, melamine doors, 450 mm dishwasher, induction hob and undermount sink. Installed in two days with surface-mounted splashback power points. Perfect for short-term rental.
Case 2 – Fremantle Granny Flat: A 2.8 m L-shaped layout with engineered stone benchtop, matte Shaker doors, pull-out pantry and integrated rangehood. Compact oven and 600 mm cooktop. Gas lines installed by licensed contractor with compliance certification.
Costs in Perth & WA
Freestanding kitchenette pricing varies by size, materials and appliances. Typical ranges (supply and install; GST incl.):
- Entry (laminate benchtop, melamine doors, basic sink & tap): $5,500–$8,500
- Mid (engineered stone, soft-close hardware, glass splashback): $8,500–$13,500
- Premium (porcelain/ultra-compact surfaces, 2-pack doors, integrated appliances): $13,500–$20,000+
Allow for licensed trades: plumbing ($400–$1,200), electrical ($400–$1,200), and gas (if applicable) depending on proximity to services. Outdoor kitchenettes, stone upgrades and bespoke features (e.g., curved ends) increase cost. We’ll provide a fixed proposal after design confirmation.
Practical Planning Checklist
- Measure your intended wall length and ceiling height; note door swings and windows.
- Confirm services: water in/out, power points, gas (if used), and ventilation route.
- Choose layout: single-line, galley, L-shape or island module.
- Select finishes: benchtop (engineered stone/laminate), doors (melamine/2-pack/vinyl wrap), splashback (tile/glass/compact laminate).
- Nominate appliances: 450/600 mm dishwasher, 600 mm oven, 600–900 mm cooktop, microwave housing.
- Storage: pull-out pantry, overhead cupboards, bins, soft-close drawers.
- Lighting: under-cabinet LEDs and task lighting.
- Compliance: licensed trades for gas/electrical; splashback clearances; extractor requirements.
- Timeline: lead time for cabinetry and benchtops, install dates, access/parking for installers.
FAQ
What is a freestanding kitchenette?
A freestanding kitchenette is a compact, self-contained kitchen unit with benchtop, sink, storage and space for small appliances, designed to install quickly without full-scale building works. It’s ideal for studios, granny flats, home offices and secondary living areas.
Can a free standing kitchen include gas or is it plug-and-play only?
It can include gas and hard-wired appliances, provided licensed trades complete the work to Australian Standards. Many clients choose all-electric (induction, microwave, benchtop oven) for plug-and-play simplicity, but gas is fine with correct compliance and ventilation.
How much does a freestanding kitchenette cost in Perth?
As a guide, expect $5,500–$8,500 for entry level, $8,500–$13,500 for mid-range and $13,500–$20,000+ for premium. Size, benchtop choice and appliances are the main drivers. We provide fixed proposals after design and site measure.
What materials suit a compact kitchenette?
Laminate and engineered stone are popular. Melamine or 2-pack doors provide durable finishes. For sunny, high-heat or alfresco zones, consider compact laminate or porcelain surfaces with strong UV and heat resistance.
Do I need council approval for a granny flat kitchenette in WA?
Secondary dwellings and plumbing changes may require approvals under your local council and the NCC. Always check with your council or builder, and ensure licensed trades issue compliance certificates for gas and electrical work.
Use our interior design kitchen tips to style compact modules with lighting, handles and open shelving.
To complete small spaces, review kitchen and dining room sets that balance seating with traffic flow.
