From quick styling updates to full kitchen renovations Perth-wide, here’s how to plan colours, finishes, layouts and costs — with expert tips from the Joyce Kitchens team in WA.
Whether you’re after simple kitchen decor ideas or a complete redesign, the right choices can lift value, improve workflow and make daily cooking a joy. Below, we cover kitchen accents ideas, decorative items for kitchen spaces, durable benchtops, and layouts that suit Australian open-plan living. As a Perth-based specialist in custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust, Joyce Kitchens also designs bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes to coordinate across your home.
Quick Kitchen Decor Ideas
Start small with high-impact touches that work for renters and homeowners alike.
Colour, texture and easy wins
- Update handles: Brushed brass, matte black or chrome pulls are affordable kitchen accents ideas that refresh older cabinetry.
- Layered lighting: Add task lighting under cabinets, warm white LED strip lighting, and statement pendant lights over an island.
- Textural splashback: Subtle handmade-look tiles add depth; consider a window splashback if you’re renovating for extra light.
- Soft styling: Timber stools, ceramic canisters, linen tea towels and a herb planter bring warmth and function.
- Kitchen art ideas: Floating shelves with framed prints, local WA landscapes, or a gallery of recipe art add personality without clutter.
Decorative items for kitchen spaces
- Functional displays: Wooden boards, a mortar and pestle, and attractive oil decanters double as decor and everyday tools.
- Colour pop: Choose a restrained palette (e.g., coastal whites and eucalyptus green) and repeat it in bar stools, rugs and planters.
- Appliance styling: Match finishes across kettles, toasters and mixers (e.g., matte white) for a cohesive look.
Our Renovation & Design Process
Joyce Kitchens offers end-to-end project coordination for kitchen renovations Perth homeowners rely on, from design to custom manufacturing and installation.
- Consultation & measure: We map your workflow, storage needs and appliance sizes (600 mm ovens are standard in AU; 900 mm ranges and cooktops are popular for families).
- Design & 3D visuals: We propose layouts (galley, U-shaped, L-shaped with island), colour schemes and hardware such as soft-close drawers and pull-out pantries.
- Selections & quoting: We guide you through benchtops, splashbacks and tapware. You’ll get a transparent, itemised quote.
- Manufacture & scheduling: Custom cabinetry is built to fit your space and timeline, with trades coordinated for minimal disruption.
- Installation & compliance: Licensed trades handle gas, electrical and plumbing. Cabinetry adheres to relevant Australian Standards (e.g., AS/NZS 4386 cabinetry performance) and best practices.
For guidance on working with qualified builders, see HIA and Master Builders WA.
Materials & Finishes
Benchtops
- Laminate: Budget-friendly, huge colour range, improved edge profiles. Great for rental or investment properties.
- Porcelain / Sintered stone: Excellent heat, stain and UV resistance; ideal for indoor-outdoor flow and WA sun.
- Natural stone (granite, some marbles): Timeless character; requires sealing and care around acids.
- Solid surface (acrylic/cast): Seamless joins, repairable; softer feel with good hygiene properties.
Historically a reconstituted stone (often quartz) product. Due to health risks from respirable crystalline silica, Australian jurisdictions have introduced strict bans and controls on engineered stone products. Always check current WA rules and consider alternatives such as porcelain, sintered stone, laminate, solid surface or natural stone. See Safe Work Australia guidance.
Cabinetry
- Melamine (durable, cost-effective) with modern textures.
- Thermo-laminate for routed profiles like Shaker, with improved heat performance.
- 2-pack polyurethane for premium, paint-like finishes in bespoke colours.
- Hardware: Soft-close drawers, corner solutions, internal dividers and integrated bins increase functionality.
A factory-applied painted finish cured to a hard, smooth surface. Versatile for custom colours and profiles, suited to both contemporary and Hamptons style kitchens.
Splashbacks & Tapware
- Tiled splashbacks: Subways, finger tiles, zellige-look or large format porcelain for easier cleaning.
- Window splashbacks: Bring WA light and garden views into the kitchen.
- Tapware: Matte black, brushed nickel or brass; consider pull-out sprays and water filtration.
Engineered Stone vs Laminate (At a Glance)
| Feature | Engineered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Heat resistance | Good, but avoid placing hot pots directly on surface. | Moderate; use trivets to prevent heat damage. |
| Stain & scratch | Generally very stain-resistant; can scratch/chip at edges. | Highly stain-resistant; can scratch or swell if edges are compromised. |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance cleaning; avoid harsh abrasives. | Very low maintenance; gentle cleaners only. |
| Indicative supply cost (WA) | Previously mid–high; subject to current regulations/availability. Consider porcelain/sintered alternatives. | Low–mid; very budget-friendly with strong design range. |
| Regulatory note (2025) | Subject to Australian bans/controls due to silica. Check WA compliance and approved alternatives. | No special regulatory restrictions for standard use. |
| Best for | Premium look, consistent patterns; weigh current rules and alternatives. | Cost-effective renovations, rentals, family kitchens with careful use. |
Speak with Joyce Kitchens for the latest WA-compliant options and to compare porcelain, natural stone, laminate and solid surface for your project.
A classic framed door style with a recessed centre panel. Works in Hamptons kitchen designs, coastal and modern country looks.
Layouts & Popular Styles
Best-practice layouts
- Galley kitchen: Efficient for apartments and narrow spaces; consider pocket doors to conceal laundry zones.
- L-shaped with island: Great for open-plan living, with clear cooking/entertaining zones and seating.
- U-shaped kitchen: Maximises bench space; add a pass-through to connect to dining areas.
- One-wall + portable island: For compact WA homes and studios.
Styles Australians love
- Hamptons style kitchen: Shaker profiles, soft whites, brushed nickel or brass, panelled islands.
- Contemporary: Flat-panel, finger-pull doors, integrated appliances and a waterfall edge benchtop.
- Coastal WA: Light timbers, breezy whites, textured tiles and rattan pendants.
- Industrial: Concrete-look benchtops, black tapware, open shelves and feature pendants.
- Mid-century modern: Warm timbers, clean lines, bold colour blocks.
In all styles, consider storage planning, a butler’s pantry if space allows, and appliance selection (induction cooktop, 600/900 mm ovens, quiet rangehoods) to fit your lifestyle.
A secondary prep/storage space — often including a sink, appliances and open shelving — to keep the main kitchen clutter-free.
Costs & Timelines in Perth/WA
Costs vary by scope, materials and access. As a guide only:
- Cosmetic refresh: $5,000–$15,000 (handles, lighting, paint, simple splashback change, minor joinery).
- Mid-range renovation: $20,000–$40,000 (new custom cabinetry, laminate or solid surface tops, tiled splashback, mid-range appliances).
- Premium renovation: $45,000–$90,000+ (porcelain/sintered stone or natural stone, 2-pack cabinetry, integrated appliances, butler’s pantry, bespoke lighting).
Timeline: Design and selections 2–4 weeks; manufacturing typically 3–8 weeks; installation 1–3 weeks depending on scope and trades.
Allow for licensed trades and compliance with relevant Australian Standards and codes. For building and energy consumer info in WA, visit WA Building and Energy.
WA Case Examples
Subiaco Apartment — Galley Upgrade
A compact galley had tired laminate and poor lighting. We specified flat-panel melamine in warm white, timber-look overheads, a porcelain benchtop, and LED task lighting. Result: brighter prep zones, better durability and a sleek contemporary feel without moving services.
Canning Vale Family Home — U to L-Shape with Island
The original U-shaped space felt closed off. We reconfigured to an L-shape with an island, added a butler’s pantry and installed 900 mm appliances for family cooking. Shaker doors and a soft coastal palette tied into the home’s renovation, with integrated bins and soft-close drawers improving everyday function.
Pre-Renovation Checklist
- Document appliance sizes (600 vs 900 mm), ventilation needs and power requirements.
- Plan lighting layers: task, ambient and feature pendants; position switches logically.
- Confirm benchtop choice (laminate, porcelain, natural stone, solid surface) and splashback height.
- Choose door profiles (flat, Shaker), hardware (soft-close, pull-outs) and finishes (2-pack, thermo-laminate).
- Map storage by category: pots, small appliances, baking trays, recyclables, pet food.
- Consider a butler’s pantry or appliance garage to reduce bench clutter.
- Add enough power points with some USB‑C outlets near charging zones.
- Select tapware and sink configuration (single, 1.5, double) plus water filtration if desired.
- Set a realistic budget with a 10–15% contingency for unknowns.
- Confirm trades are licensed for gas, electrical and plumbing; schedule to minimise downtime.
Ready to start? Book a design consultation with Joyce Kitchens for custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust — including kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes.
FAQ
What are the best kitchen decor ideas for small Australian kitchens?
Keep base cabinets light, use open shelves or glass-front doors to reduce visual bulk, and add under-cabinet lighting for depth. Choose compact appliances, a single large sink, and a slim island or movable trolley. Decorative items for kitchen styling should be functional (e.g., boards, canisters, herb pots) to avoid clutter.
Is engineered stone still a good idea for benchtops in WA?
Australia has introduced bans and strict controls around engineered stone due to silica-related health risks. In WA, check the latest rules and approved alternatives before specifying. Many homeowners now choose porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone, laminate or solid surface for similar aesthetics with strong performance. Always confirm compliance and fabrication methods with your designer and fabricator.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide, cosmetic updates are typically $5,000–$15,000, mid-range renovations $20,000–$40,000, and premium projects $45,000–$90,000+. Final pricing depends on layout changes, materials (e.g., 2-pack, porcelain), appliances and access. A Joyce Kitchens consultation will give you a tailored, itemised quote.
What kitchen layout works best for open-plan living?
An L-shaped kitchen with an island is the most versatile for Australian open-plan living. It defines cooking and entertaining zones, improves circulation and suits 900 mm cooktops. Add pendant lights, a practical butler’s pantry and an efficient work triangle for everyday usability.
Do I need council approval for a kitchen renovation in WA?
Most internal like-for-like kitchen renovations don’t require council approval. Structural changes, window/door alterations, or moving plumbing/gas may need permits and licensed trades. Ensure work complies with relevant Australian Standards and safety regulations; when in doubt, check with your local council or builder.