Designing a kitchen that works as hard as you do starts with understanding your kitchen tools and how you cook. This guide blends practical product know‑how with expert kitchen design and renovation advice for WA homeowners, so your knives, pots, small appliances and gadgets all have a perfect place—without clutter.
Serving Perth and wider WA, Joyce Kitchens designs and renovates kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes with custom cabinetry, quality hardware and compliant installations.
Core insights: start with your kitchen tools
Whether you’re a weeknight stir‑fry fan or a weekend baker, the right kitchen tools and how you store them should drive the design. We map your kitchen gadgets, cooking equipment and kitchen utensils to zones so everything is close to where you use it.
Take a quick inventory
- Daily use: chef’s knife, cutting boards, saucepan, skillet, tongs, spatula, kettle, toaster.
- Weekly: Dutch oven, blender, stand mixer, baking trays, roasting pan.
- Occasional or bulky: air fryer, slow cooker, waffle maker, stockpot, preserving jars.
- Specialty: coffee gear, sous‑vide, pasta machine, BBQ tools.
Modern kitchens prioritise zones (prep, cook, clean, store) over the traditional “work triangle”, especially with islands, sculleries and multiple cooks.
Australian sizing and compliance tips
- Common appliance widths are 600 mm and 900 mm. Plan drawers for induction‑ready cookware if you’re switching from gas.
- Ventilation: duct rangehoods externally where possible for better performance than recirculating units.
- Electrical and plumbing must be installed by licensed trades to AS/NZS standards (e.g., AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules, AS/NZS 5601 for gas).
Local case notes
Case: Floreat family kitchen — We designed deep drawers under a 900 mm induction cooktop for heavy pots and pans, a pull‑out for oils beside the cooktop, and an appliance garage to hide the air fryer and blender. Result: faster meal prep and clear benches.
Case: Fremantle terrace — Compact galley with a butler’s pantry behind pocket doors. Knife drawer insert, rail for utensils, and a slim pull‑out spice rack maximised every centimetre while keeping a clean, modern minimalist look.
The WA renovation process
- Consult and measure — We review your cooking habits, kitchen kitchen utensils, small appliances and the room’s services.
- Design and 3D — Layout options (galley, L‑shape, U‑shape, island, scullery), style (Shaker kitchen, Hamptons style, contemporary), and storage for your kitchen tools equipment.
- Selections — Benchtops, doors, splashbacks, hardware (soft‑close drawers), lighting, and appliances sized for Australian standards.
- Documentation and scheduling — Trade drawings, program, and compliance notes (e.g., AS/NZS 4386 Domestic kitchen assemblies).
- Build and install — Licensed trades for electrical, plumbing and gas. We coordinate so your home life keeps moving.
- Handover — Final checks, care instructions, and warranty information.
For guidance on project pathways and consumer protections, see the HIA (Housing Industry Association) and Master Builders WA.
Materials and finishes
Your kitchen materials choice should balance looks, budget, and how you use your kitchen accessories, cooking kitchen utensils and appliances.
Benchtops
- Laminate — Budget‑friendly, huge decor range, easy to replace. Good for rentals or quick refreshes.
- Porcelain / sintered stone (ultra‑compact) — High heat, scratch and UV resistance; premium look with thin profiles.
- Natural stone — Granite and some marbles; unique veining; may need sealing and extra care.
- Timber — Warm, repairable, needs oiling; great for islands and breakfast bars.
- Solid surface — Seamless joins and integrated sinks; repairable; moderate heat resistance.
A man‑made, kiln‑fired slab (no crystalline silica resins) offering excellent scratch, stain and heat resistance—ideal for busy Australian kitchens.
Engineered stone (important update)
As of 1 July 2024, Australia has prohibited the supply and installation of engineered stone due to silica‑related health risks. Existing benchtops can remain, and controlled repairs may be permitted by licensed professionals. Check updates via Safe Work Australia. We recommend porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone, laminate, timber or solid surface as alternatives.
Doors and cabinetry
- Finishes — Melamine, thermo‑laminate (vinyl wrap), 2‑pack polyurethane, timber veneer.
- Profiles — Shaker kitchen, V‑groove, flat/ultra‑matte for modern minimalist designs.
- Carcasses — Moisture‑resistant board (E0/E1), with quality hardware and soft‑close drawers.
Splashbacks and sinks
- Splashbacks — Tiled, porcelain slab, stone, or glass. Consider easy‑clean grout and heat resistance behind cooktops.
- Sinks — Undermount or flushmount; single, 1.5 or double bowl; integrated drainers. Pair with pull‑out mixer taps.
Comparison: Engineered Stone (legacy) vs Laminate
| Feature | Engineered Stone (legacy info) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Availability in AU | New supply and installation prohibited nationwide (from 1 July 2024). Existing tops remain. | Widely available in Australia. |
| Indicative cost (installed) | Previously mid–high; now not offered for new installs. | Low–mid; budget‑friendly. |
| Heat resistance | Moderate; trivets required. | Moderate; trivets essential. |
| Scratch/stain resistance | Good with care. | Good for most households; use boards and mats. |
| Maintenance | Low; avoid harsh abrasives. | Low; avoid cutting directly on surface. |
Note: We include engineered stone for legacy context only. For new projects, consider porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone, laminate, timber or solid surface.
Layouts and styles
Popular layouts
- L‑shape — Great for open‑plan living with an island.
- U‑shape — Maxes bench space; add a pass‑through or breakfast bar.
- Galley — Efficient in narrow spaces; works well with a parallel scullery.
- Island or peninsula — Social hub, ideal for prep and casual dining.
- Scullery / butler’s pantry — Hide small appliances and maintain clean main benches.
Styles that suit Australian homes
- Shaker / Hamptons — Classic profiles, light colours, stone‑look benchtops and tiled splashbacks.
- Modern minimalist — Flat panels, handleless or finger‑pull, ultra‑matte finishes and integrated appliances.
- Urban/Industrial — Dark veneers, concrete‑look tops (porcelain), open shelving, and feature lighting.
We pair design and function so kitchen gadgets Australia—from air fryers to espresso machines—fit perfectly with appropriate power, ventilation and bench space.
Smart storage for tools, gadgets and utensils
Make every tool easy to grab and put away. The right storage turns busy kitchens into calm ones.
Solutions we recommend
- Deep drawers (900 mm wide) for pots, pans and mixing bowls; add peg systems to stop sliding.
- Knife drawer inserts or in‑drawer knife blocks for safety and bench clarity.
- Utensil trays for everyday cooking utensils Australia like tongs and spatulas; vertical canisters near the cooktop for frequently used tools.
- Pull‑out spice/oil racks beside the cooktop keep flavours within reach.
- Appliance garage with pocket or bi‑fold doors for blender, toaster and air fryer, with compliant power points.
- Corner solutions — LeMans trays or blind‑corner pull‑outs for bulky items.
- Integrated bins with dual or triple compartments for waste, recycling and organics.
- Wall rails and hooks for ladles and whisks—great for everyday utensils Australia.
- Pop‑up or in‑bench power for “cool kitchen equipment” and charging devices.
Practical checklist: plan your kitchen tools and storage
- List 10–15 daily tools; ensure the top two drawers fit them with dividers.
- Measure your tallest appliance (e.g., stand mixer) to set appliance‑garage height and door type.
- Allocate one deep drawer per cook zone for pots/pans; add a narrow pull‑out for oils/spices.
- Choose a knife management solution (in‑drawer block, wall magnet, or block inside pantry).
- Specify bin sizes and locations early (near prep sink or island).
- Confirm power points to AS/NZS 3000 and rangehood ducting to exterior where practical.
- Select easy‑clean splashback and benchtop suited to heat near the cooktop.
- Allow tray storage for baking sheets and chopping boards upright.
- Document every organiser in your cabinetry plan—no surprises on install day.
From kitchen accessories kitchen organisers to drawer systems, we tailor custom cabinetry WA to your tools and workflow.
Costs in Perth: what to budget
Budgets vary by size, scope and selections. Typical ranges for kitchen renovations Perth (excluding premium appliances):
- Cosmetic refresh (keep layout; new doors, laminate tops, tapware): $15,000–$30,000.
- Mid‑range custom (new layout, custom cabinetry, porcelain/stone‑alternative top): $35,000–$70,000.
- Premium (island + scullery, high‑end fittings, structural work): $70,000–$150,000+.
Common allowances
- Appliances: $6,000–$20,000+
- Splashbacks and lighting: $2,000–$8,000
- Trades (electric, plumbing, tiling, flooring): $7,000–$20,000+
On‑site time is typically 2–6 weeks depending on scope and lead times. We’ll firm up numbers after a measure, design and selections meeting.
Premium hardware ensures smooth, quiet operation and longevity—well worth the investment in busy family kitchens.
For building and compliance context, see the ABCB/NCC overview and consult your local council for permits. We coordinate licensed trades and documentation to meet Australian Standards.
Ready to design around your favourite kitchen tools?
Book a Joyce Kitchens in‑home consultation or visit our Perth showroom. We’ll create a layout, cabinetry and storage plan that fits your kitchen gadgets, cooking equipment and daily routine—beautifully and compliantly.
FAQ
What are the must‑have kitchen tools for a modern Australian kitchen?
Essentials include a quality chef’s knife and paring knife, chopping boards, 28–30 cm non‑stick skillet, 3–4 L saucepan, Dutch oven, baking trays, tongs, heat‑resistant spatula, measuring cups/spoons and a digital thermometer. For small appliances, consider an air fryer or convection microwave, a reliable blender and an espresso machine if you love coffee. Design‑wise, plan deep drawers, a knife insert and an appliance garage to keep benches clear.
Is engineered stone still allowed in WA kitchen renovations?
No. From 1 July 2024, Australia prohibited the supply and installation of engineered stone due to silica risks. Existing benchtops can remain; some repairs may be allowed under strict controls by licensed professionals. Choose alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone, natural stone, laminate, timber or solid surface, and check local updates and builder advice.
How much does a Perth kitchen renovation cost in 2025?
As a guide: $15k–$30k for a cosmetic refresh, $35k–$70k for a mid‑range custom renovation and $70k–$150k+ for premium or structural work. Appliances typically add $6k–$20k+. Final costs depend on layout changes, materials and site conditions.
Which kitchen layout suits a small space?
Galley or single‑wall layouts are efficient; add a slim island if circulation allows. Use 600 mm appliances, tall pantry storage, light colours, strong task lighting and integrate bins. Consider pocket doors to hide a compact butler’s pantry or appliance zone.
Do I need council approval for a kitchen renovation in WA?
Cosmetic updates usually do not. Structural changes, new openings, major plumbing/gas relocations or ducted ventilation may require permits or notifications. Electrical, plumbing and gas work must be done by licensed trades to AS/NZS standards. Confirm requirements with your local council and builder before starting.
For tools that work indoors and out, explore our alfresco bbq kitchen guide for weather‑ready materials.
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