Transform your laundry into a stylish, hard‑working space. From cabinetry and benchtops to storage, lighting and layouts, this expert guide brings together the best of laundry decor and renovation know‑how for Australian homes, with a strong focus on Perth and wider WA living.
Why laundry decor matters in Australia
Great laundry decor blends tough, moisture‑resistant materials with a calm, practical aesthetic. In WA, heat, UV and coastal air can be harsh on finishes, so selecting the right products and smart storage is vital. Thoughtful design keeps the room feeling as considered as a shaker kitchen, with the practicality of a mini scullery.
- Durability first: Choose finishes that resist steam, splashes and sun.
- Functionally beautiful: Use colour, texture and lighting to elevate everyday “laundry room stuff” like detergents, baskets and appliances.
- Space maximisation: Overhead cabinets, tall broom cupboards and pull‑out hampers unlock storage without crowding.
- Compliance and safety: Waterproofing and ventilation to Australian standards protects your investment.
Our renovation process
At Joyce Kitchens, we design and build custom laundries, kitchens, bathrooms and wardrobes across Perth and WA. Here’s how a typical laundry project runs.
1) In‑home or showroom consult
We measure, discuss how you use the room, and review styles from Hamptons and shaker to contemporary handleless cabinets. Bring appliance dimensions—front‑load washers and dryers are typically 600 mm wide in Australia; allow ventilation and service clearances.
2) Design and selections
We model your space with custom cabinetry (WA‑made), storage inserts, benchtops Perth homeowners love, splashbacks, and LED task lighting. We’ll also plan integrated appliances or floating shelves if you prefer a lighter look.
3) Costing and approvals
We finalise a transparent quote. Where required, we work with your builder or strata. Wet areas are detailed to AS 3740 (waterproofing of domestic wet areas). Electrical work follows AS/NZS 3000 and is carried out by licensed trades.
4) Manufacture and install
Your custom cabinetry is manufactured locally. Installation is scheduled to minimise downtime; a typical laundry fitout takes 2–5 days once site is ready.
We’re members of WA’s professional ecosystem and encourage clients to consult recognised bodies like the HIA and Master Builders WA for renovation guidance.
Materials and finishes that last
Moisture, heat and heavy use demand the right combination of cabinetry, benchtops, flooring and splashbacks. Below are proven options for WA conditions.
Cabinetry
- Moisture‑resistant MDF (MR MDF) with 2‑pack paint or high‑pressure laminate for durability and easy cleaning.
- Soft‑close drawers and quality hinges; consider pull‑out hampers and wire baskets to tame laundry room decor clutter.
- Shaker‑style doors for a classic look, or flat, handleless cabinets for a sleek, contemporary feel.
Benchtops
- Porcelain/sintered stone: Extremely hard‑wearing, UV‑stable and heat resistant—ideal for WA sun.
- Stone‑look laminate: Budget‑friendly, excellent design range, low maintenance.
- Engineered/reconstituted stone alternatives: Where used, ensure compliance with current Australian silica regulations; consider low‑silica or silica‑free engineered surfaces.
Splashbacks
- Classic subway tiles, hexagon mosaics or VJ panelling (moisture‑suitable) for texture.
- Acrylic or glass splashbacks for easy wipe‑down behind sinks and troughs.
Sinks and tapware
- Generous stainless undermount or drop‑in sinks with accessories (colanders/boards) for soaking and sorting.
- Matte black or brushed nickel tapware; choose water‑efficient mixers with pull‑out sprays.
Flooring
- Porcelain tiles with slip‑resistant finishes or quality vinyl plank for warmth underfoot.
- Ensure appropriate falls to floor wastes if required; follow AS 3740 wet‑area detailing.
Lighting and power
- LED task lighting under overheads to brighten folding and stain‑treating areas.
- Sockets positioned for irons, steam stations and integrated dryers; consider futureproofing for heat‑pump dryers.
Note: For up‑to‑date guidance on engineered stone and silica controls, see Safe Work Australia and WA Building and Energy resources.
Engineered stone vs laminate: which benchtop for your laundry?
| Feature | Engineered/Reconstituted Stone (compliant alternatives) | High‑Pressure Laminate (HPL) |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Excellent abrasion resistance; avoid direct impacts on edges. | Very good for daily laundry use; edge protection recommended. |
| Heat & UV | Good heat resistance; check brand guidelines. Some UV sensitivity indoors. | Moderate; use trivets and avoid direct hot items. Stable indoors. |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance; non‑porous surfaces clean easily. | Low maintenance; wipe with mild detergent, avoid abrasives. |
| Typical Perth supply & install cost | Indicative mid‑to‑upper tier. Ask for current compliant options and pricing. | Budget‑friendly; often half or less of engineered alternatives. |
| Regulatory notes | Must comply with current Australian silica regulations; request certification. | No silica compliance concerns; popular for value‑driven projects. |
| Best for | Premium, durable laundries; colour‑consistent look. | Value, rental properties, or secondary laundries (e.g., scullery/garage). |
Tip: Porcelain/sintered stone deserves a look for top‑tier durability and heat/UV resistance in WA conditions.
Layouts and styles
Popular laundry layouts
- Single wall: Ideal for compact homes and European laundries concealed behind doors.
- L‑shaped: Adds folding space and room for tall storage or a broom cupboard.
- Galley: Maximises bench length with opposing storage; great for busy families.
- Mudroom‑laundry combo: Add seating, hooks and cubbies for school bags and shoes.
On‑trend styles in WA
- Hamptons/coastal palette: Shaker doors, soft whites, pale timber accents, brushed nickel hardware.
- Contemporary minimal: Flat, handleless cabinets, integrated appliances, matte black tapware, concrete‑look benchtops.
- Warm modern: Soft‑close drawers, timber‑grain laminates, stone‑look benchtops, zellige or kit‑kat tiles.
Love your current kitchen? Echo its finishes for a whole‑home flow—e.g., shaker kitchen profiles and matching splashback tiles in the laundry.
What it costs in Perth/WA
Every project differs based on size, materials and services, but these typical ranges help with planning:
- Custom cabinetry and storage: $6,000–$18,000+
- Benchtops:
- Laminate: from ~$250–$500 per linear metre installed
- Porcelain/sintered stone: often $900–$1,600+ per m² installed
- Engineered/reconstituted alternatives: price varies—ask for compliant options and current availability
- Sinks, tapware and accessories: $600–$2,500+
- Tiling/splashbacks: $800–$3,000+ depending on tile and area
- Electrical/plumbing: $1,000–$3,500+ (licensed trades)
As a guide, a well‑specified Perth laundry renovation commonly falls between $8,000 and $28,000+. Compact European laundries can be less; large mudroom‑laundries or premium surfaces cost more.
Note: Waterproofing must meet AS 3740. For regulatory advice in WA, consult Building and Energy WA, or speak with your builder.
WA case studies
Floreat family laundry: calm Hamptons utility
A busy family needed more storage and a serene look. We delivered shaker‑style custom cabinetry (WA‑made) with stone‑look laminate benchtops, an undermount sink and LED task lighting. A pull‑out twin hamper and tall cupboard for mops kept the room clutter‑free. The space now echoes their Hamptons kitchen, creating a cohesive home.
Fremantle apartment: European laundry makeover
In a compact hallway cupboard, we stacked the dryer over a front‑loader, added a porcelain benchtop above the washer, and fitted shallow overheads for detergents. Handleless doors and a small acrylic splashback kept it sleek. The result: clean, quiet and efficient—proof that small laundry room decor can still feel premium.
Practical laundry decor checklist
- Measure appliances (width, depth, height) and allow service clearances.
- Choose a layout: single‑wall, L‑shape, galley or concealed European.
- Pick a style: Hamptons/shaker, coastal, or contemporary handleless.
- Select durable finishes: MR MDF cabinetry, laminate/porcelain benchtops, tiled or vinyl plank flooring.
- Plan storage: overheads, tall broom cupboard, pull‑out hampers, wire baskets, drying rail.
- Light it right: LED task strips under overheads plus ceiling ambient lighting.
- Ventilation: ensure extraction or adequate airflow—especially for heat‑pump or condenser dryers.
- Compliance: waterproofing to AS 3740; licensed electrician and plumber to AS/NZS standards.
- Style touches: splashback tiles, VJ panelling, baskets and jars for all that “laundry room stuff”.
Ready to start?
From concept to completion, Joyce Kitchens delivers custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust—across laundries, kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes and more. For kitchen renovations Perth or a beautifully practical laundry, book a design consultation today.
FAQ
What is the best material for a laundry benchtop in Perth?
For durability and heat/UV resistance, porcelain (sintered stone) is outstanding. Quality laminate offers excellent value and design choice. Engineered/reconstituted alternatives can work too—ensure they comply with current Australian silica regulations and request product certification.
How much does a laundry renovation cost in WA?
Most Perth laundry renovations sit between $8,000 and $28,000+, depending on size, cabinetry, benchtops, appliances and trades. Compact European laundries can be lower, while premium mudroom‑laundries trend higher.
Can I combine a laundry with a mudroom or scullery?
Yes. A mudroom‑laundry adds seating, hooks and cubbies for school bags and shoes, while sharing sinks and storage. It’s a smart way to increase functionality without enlarging the footprint.
What laundry room decor works in a small European laundry?
Use a single‑wall layout with stacked appliances, a slim benchtop above the washer, handleless doors and shallow overheads. Add LED task lighting and a compact acrylic or tiled splashback for easy cleaning.
Do I need waterproofing or approvals for a laundry renovation?
Wet‑area detailing should follow AS 3740. Electrical work must be to AS/NZS 3000 and done by licensed trades. Structural changes or strata settings may require approvals—check with your builder or strata manager.
Not sure how to pull your finishes together? Explore laundry colour schemes to see cohesive palettes for Hamptons, Scandi, modern and coastal laundries that tie cabinetry, benchtops and hardware into a polished look.