Planning a renovation in Perth or across WA? This expert guide explains the different kinds of kitchen and the types of kitchen layouts and styles that work best in Australian homes. We’ll also cover materials, compliance, costs and a practical checklist to make your kitchen, bathroom, laundry or wardrobe project smoother.
What do “kinds of kitchen” really mean?
When people search for kinds of kitchen or types of kitchen, they usually want three things:
- Layout: galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, island, peninsula, one-wall, or a scullery/butler’s pantry.
- Style: Shaker kitchen (Hamptons), contemporary, coastal, industrial, minimalist, or classic.
- Finish/material choices: benchtops, custom cabinetry, splashbacks, sinks/taps, lighting and hardware.
Our WA renovation process
Joyce Kitchens design, manufacture and install custom cabinetry in Western Australia for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes. Here’s how we deliver quality kitchen renovations Perth homeowners love:
- Consult & measure: On-site measure to assess traffic flow, services, and natural light. We’ll discuss your appliances (e.g., 900mm freestanding cooker, integrated fridge), storage and budget.
- Design & selections: 3D concepts, layout options, and material boards—think porcelain or granite benchtops, durable melamine or 2‑pack cabinetry, and toughened glass or tile splashbacks.
- Compliance check: Guidance for AS/NZS electrical and gas rules, and whether council approval is required for structural changes.
- Local manufacture: Precision-built custom cabinetry WA wide with soft-close drawers, quality runners and hinges.
- Installation: Scheduled trades including licensed electricians and plumbers; tidy handover and aftercare advice.
- After-service: Product warranties and support for adjustments or future upgrades.
Materials and finishes explained
Benchtops
- Porcelain / sintered stone: Excellent heat, stain, and UV resistance; ideal for harsh WA sun and outdoor kitchens.
- Granite: Durable natural stone with unique veining; seal periodically.
- Solid surface (e.g., acrylic): Seamless joins, repairable; avoid direct heat.
- High-pressure laminate: Budget-friendly, huge colour range; use trivets for hot pots.
- Timber: Warm and tactile; requires oiling and care around sinks.
Cabinetry
- Melamine: Durable, cost-effective boards in woodgrain or solid colours.
- Thermolaminate (vinyl wrap): Profiled doors with soft edges; avoid excessive heat exposure.
- 2‑pack polyurethane: Painted finish in any colour; great for Shaker kitchen doors and Hamptons style.
- Timber veneer: Natural warmth with contemporary appeal.
Splashbacks
- Low-iron toughened glass: Easy to clean, colour-matched.
- Porcelain/slab splashbacks: Seamless look, low grout maintenance.
- Tiles: From classic subway to large-format porcelain.
Comparison: Engineered Stone (legacy) vs Laminate
Note: New engineered stone installations containing crystalline silica are prohibited in Australia from 1 July 2024. The table below is for understanding legacy performance and for owners of existing kitchens. Consider porcelain/sintered stone, natural granite or solid surface for new projects.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (legacy) | High-Pressure Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Heat resistance | Good, but use trivets to avoid thermal shock | Moderate; always use trivets |
| Stain resistance | High | High for most finishes |
| Impact/scratch | Durable; can chip on edges | Good; avoid cutting directly |
| Seams | Visible joins; colour-matched | Visible joins |
| Cost (installed) | Previously mid–high | Low–mid |
| Current use in AU | Banned for new installs (from 1 July 2024) | Widely available and affordable |
Kitchen layouts and styles that work in Australia
Popular layouts
- Galley: Efficient for narrow homes and terraces; consider a parallel scullery for extra storage.
- L‑shaped: Great for open-plan living; add an island bench for seating and prep.
- U‑shaped: Maximum storage and bench space; ensure at least 1,000–1,200mm walkway.
- Island: Central hub with sink or cooktop; perfect for entertaining.
- Peninsula: Island feel when space is tight; ideal in apartments.
- One-wall: Minimalist footprint; pair with tall storage and integrated appliances.
Style cues
- Shaker / Hamptons: Profiled doors, classic handles, light coastal colours; suits WA’s coastal homes.
- Contemporary / Minimalist: Handleless or finger-pull doors, integrated appliances, slab splashbacks.
- Industrial: Dark veneers, concrete-look porcelain, matte black taps and exposed textures.
- Modern Coastal: White and sand tones, timber accents, easy-clean surfaces for a sandy-foot lifestyle.
Local WA sizing and planning tips
- Appliance sizes: Plan for common Australian sizes—600mm ovens, 900mm cookers, 600/900mm rangehoods, 600mm dishwashers, tall fridge cavity with ventilation.
- Clearances: Allow 1,000–1,200mm around islands; 600mm bench depth minimum; 1,200mm fridge door swing clearance.
- Heat & UV: Choose heat- and UV-resistant benchtops (porcelain, granite) near sunny windows and alfresco servery windows.
- Ventilation: Ducted rangehoods to external vents are best for indoor air quality.
- Water & power: Relocations require licensed trades and must comply with AS/NZS 5601 (gas) and AS/NZS 3000 (electrical).
Kitchen renovation costs in Perth/WA
Every project is unique, but these ballparks help with early planning:
- Cosmetic refresh (keep layout): $8,000–$20,000+
- Partial renovation (new cabinetry/benchtops, minor services): $20,000–$40,000
- Full custom kitchen (new layout, premium finishes, scullery): $35,000–$80,000+
Costs vary with custom cabinetry, benchtop selection, appliance package, splashback, and structural changes. We provide itemised quotes after a site measure.
Short WA case examples
Case: Scarborough coastal unit
A one-wall kitchen became an L‑shaped layout with a compact peninsula. We specified durable melamine cabinetry, high-pressure laminate benchtops and a glass splashback for easy cleaning after beach days—delivered under a tight strata timeline.
Case: Roleystone family home
A U‑shaped kitchen with a large island and a hidden scullery improved flow for a busy household. Porcelain benchtops, Shaker doors in 2‑pack, soft-close drawers and integrated rubbish/recycling streamlined daily life.
Practical renovation checklist
- Decide your priority: storage, seating, or cooking performance.
- Confirm appliance list and sizes early (e.g., 900mm cooker, integrated fridge).
- Plan power points, task lighting and USB/charging in the island.
- Choose a layout that suits traffic flow and sightlines to living areas.
- Select benchtop and cabinetry finishes appropriate for WA heat/UV.
- Consider a scullery or butler’s pantry if you entertain often.
- Allow adequate clearances: 1,000–1,200mm walkways; 300mm seating overhang.
- Confirm ventilation: ducted rangehood where possible.
- Lock in your splashback early if lead times apply (tiles, porcelain slabs, glass).
- Engage licensed trades for gas/electrical; check permit needs for structural changes.
- Set a realistic contingency (10–15%).
- Book your Joyce Kitchens design consult and receive an itemised quote.
Suggested Australian references
FAQ
What are the main kinds of kitchen layouts and which suits my home?
The common types are galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, island with scullery or butler’s pantry, and one-wall or peninsula. Apartments often suit a galley or one-wall; family homes with open-plan living favour an island; narrow WA homes often use a galley with a parallel scullery. We’ll measure traffic flow, appliance clearances and natural light to recommend the best fit.
Are engineered stone benchtops still allowed in Australia?
No, new installations of engineered stone benchtops containing crystalline silica are banned nationwide from 1 July 2024. Existing kitchens can remain; repairs and removal must follow strict safety rules. Popular, safe alternatives include porcelain (sintered stone), natural granite, solid surface and high-pressure laminate. Always follow guidance from Safe Work Australia.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide in Perth/WA: cosmetic upgrades from $8k–$20k, partial renovations from $20k–$40k, and full custom kitchens typically $35k–$80k+. Premium appliances, custom cabinetry and structural work add cost. We provide fixed designs and itemised quotes after site measure.
What kitchen materials handle WA heat and lifestyle?
For benchtops, porcelain/sintered stone and granite offer high heat and UV resistance; quality laminate is cost-effective but needs trivets. For cabinetry, moisture-resistant board with 2-pack or durable melamine works well; choose soft-close hardware. For splashbacks, low-iron toughened glass or porcelain slabs suit busy households.
Do I need council approval for a kitchen renovation in WA?
Most like-for-like kitchen renovations don’t need council approval, but structural changes, plumbing/gas relocations or new windows may require permits and licensed trades. Gas and electrical work must comply with AS/NZS 5601 and AS/NZS 3000. Your designer and builder can advise; check with your local council or the HIA.