Little Kitchenette Ideas, Layouts and Costs in Perth & WA | Joyce Kitchens

What is a little kitchenette?

A little kitchenette is a compact kitchen zone—typically a 1.6–3.0 m linear run or under 6–8 m²—that prioritises essential functions: prep space, sink, compact cooking, and storage. It suits studios, granny flats, home offices, pool houses, Airbnb spaces, and secondary entertaining areas.

Core design insights for a small kitchenette

1) Plan the work triangle (even if it’s a straight line)

In tiny kitchenette layouts, keep the sequence logical: fridge → sink → prep → cooktop. Even a one‑wall design benefits from a smooth left‑to‑right or right‑to‑left flow.

2) Go vertical with custom cabinetry WA homeowners love

• Use full-height cabinets to the ceiling for extra pantry space.
• Choose soft-close drawers over cupboards for pots and pantry bins.
• Add internal organisers: spice pull-outs, corner carousels, and pull‑out bins.

3) Light matters more in small spaces

• LED task lighting under wall cabinets reduces shadows on the benchtop.
• Light, reflective splashback tiles or glass splashbacks open up the room.
• Consider a skylight or mirror splashback in darker Perth apartments.

4) Choose compact, integrated appliances sized for Australia

• 600 mm ovens are standard; for tiny kitchenette areas, consider 450 mm compact ovens or a microwave‑convection combo.
• 450 mm dishwashers or dishdrawers save space without sacrificing function.
• Look for 300–450 mm pantry modules and 500–600 mm under‑bench fridges.

5) Make it modular—or truly custom

A modular kitchen for small kitchen footprints can be a fast, budget‑friendly option. For a premium, seamless fit in tricky alcoves or sloping ceilings, our custom cabinetry is designed and manufactured for Perth conditions and WA homes.

Our renovation process (Perth & WA)

1. Design consult: We discuss goals, style (Shaker kitchen, Hamptons, contemporary, Scandi), budget and timing.
2. Site measure: Accurate laser measure to maximise every millimetre in your small kitchenette.
3. Concept & selections: Benchtops (laminate, porcelain/sintered stone, stainless steel, timber), doors (2‑pack, vinyl wrap, laminate), splashbacks (tile, glass, porcelain).
4. Approvals & compliance: We coordinate licensed trades. Work to AS/NZS 3000 (wiring rules), AS/NZS 3500 (plumbing), and AS 5601 (gas). Strata permissions and council requirements are flagged early.
5. Manufacture & install: Precision-built cabinetry with soft-close hardware, delivered and installed neatly and on time.
6. Aftercare: Guidance on cleaning, care and warranty process.

For best practice and contracts guidance, see the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders WA resources.

Housing Industry Association (HIA) | Master Builders WA

Materials and finishes (WA-ready)

Perth’s sun and heat influence material choice. In a small kitchenette, every surface works harder—so durability and cleanability matter.

Benchtops

• Laminate: Broad design range, cost-effective, good for rental or secondary spaces. Modern laminates are impressively realistic.
• Porcelain/Sintered stone: Highly heat, stain and UV resistant—great for sunny WA spaces and outdoor-adjacent areas.
• Stainless steel: Hygienic, heat-proof, ideal for coastal and utility zones.
• Timber: Warm, natural character; needs periodic oiling or sealing.

Doors and cabinetry

• 2‑pack painted doors: Smooth or Shaker profiles, in any Dulux-like colour; great for Hamptons or classic looks.
• Laminated doors: Cost‑effective, durable, modern textures; excellent for rentals and busy homes.
• Handleless (finger‑pull) or slimline pulls: Keep small kitchenette fronts sleek and unobtrusive.

Splashbacks

• Large-format porcelain or glass splashbacks minimise grout for easy cleaning.
• Subway tiles offer timeless style in Shaker kitchens; choose mid-tone grout for low maintenance.

Engineered stone vs laminate (know the 2025 rules)

Engineered stone products containing crystalline silica are banned for fabrication/installation in Australia. Below is a comparison for awareness and for homeowners with legacy surfaces. Ask us about compliant alternatives (porcelain/sintered stone).

For government information on the engineered stone ban, refer to WA’s WorkSafe guidance: WA WorkSafe – Engineered Stone Ban.

Layouts and styles that fit small spaces

Smart layouts

• One‑wall/linear: Best where depth is tight; use 600–650 mm depth base cabinets and 300 mm overheads. Add a fold‑down timber shelf for extra prep.
• Galley: Two opposing runs; keep a minimum 1,000–1,200 mm aisle for safe movement in small kitchenette designs.
• L‑shape: Tucks cleanly into corners; consider a pull‑out corner solution to avoid dead space.

Styles that scale beautifully

• Shaker kitchen (Hamptons-light): Slim Shaker rails keep detail refined; pair with matte white and brushed nickel pulls.
• Contemporary handleless: Smooth fronts, finger‑pull rails, and a porcelain benchtop create a sleek, uncluttered look.
• Scandi: Laminated oak‑look doors with satin white overheads and a light terrazzo‑look laminate benchtop.
• Industrial: Stainless benchtop, graphite cabinets, and a simple glass splashback for bounce‑back light.

Tip: In compact kitchen renovations Perth wide, choose integrated appliances and panel-ready fridges where possible to keep the visual lines quiet.

Costs and budgeting in WA

Budget varies with size, material choices, and site access (think lifts in Perth apartments, strata rules, after‑hours work). The figures below are typical for WA and exclude major structural building works.

• Supply‑only modular/flat‑pack small kitchenette: $3,500–$7,500
• Custom little kitchenette (laminate benchtop): $9,000–$15,000
• Custom with porcelain/sintered stone benchtop: $18,000–$35,000+
• Installation and licensed trades (typical): $2,000–$6,000 (plumbing, electrical, gas as required)
• Appliances (compact set): $1,800–$5,500 depending on brand and integration

Note: Pricing is indicative (AUD) and subject to site conditions and selections. We’ll provide a detailed, fixed proposal after measure and design.

Practical pre‑start checklist

• Measure the space twice, including door swings, windows, and power points.
• Confirm services: water, waste, gas, ventilation path, and available circuits.
• Choose your layout: linear, L‑shape, or galley (check aisle width).
• Select benchtop and doors early to lock in lead times.
• Pick compact appliances: 450 mm dishwasher, 2‑burner cooktop, 600→450 mm oven.
• Plan storage: drawers over doors, pull‑outs, full‑height pantry modules.
• Design lighting: under‑cabinet LED and a soft ambient pendant/track.
• Compliance: licensed trades to AS/NZS standards; strata approvals if applicable.
• Allow contingency: 10–15% for unexpected site fixes in older Perth buildings.

Two quick Perth examples

Subiaco studio (2.4 m linear)

We created a contemporary handleless small kitchenette with satin white laminate doors, porcelain 12 mm benchtop, 450 mm dishwasher, under‑bench fridge, and induction domino. A mirrored glass splashback amplified natural light. Install complete in 3 days with pre‑fabricated cabinetry.

Scarborough granny flat (1.8 m L‑shape)

A Shaker‑inspired tiny kitchenette using two‑pack satin fronts, timber‑look laminate benchtop, and a compact convection microwave. Full‑height pantry with internal drawers maximised storage for an Airbnb setup. Durable surfaces made guest changeovers fast and fuss‑free.

Bring your kitchenette ideas to life

From modular options to bespoke custom cabinetry WA wide, Joyce Kitchens helps you design, build and install a little kitchenette that feels bigger than its footprint. We also design matching bathroom vanities, laundries and wardrobes for a cohesive whole‑home look.

Ready to start? Book a design consultation and explore colours, samples and hardware in our Perth showrooms.

FAQ

What qualifies as a little kitchenette in Australia?

A little kitchenette is typically a 1.6–3.0 m linear run or under 6–8 m². It includes a sink, bench space, storage, and compact appliances like an under‑bench fridge and microwave/combination oven. A 2‑burner cooktop is common; full‑size ovens are often replaced with compact models.

How much does a small kitchenette cost in Perth/WA?

As a guide, supply‑only modular starts around $3,500–$7,500, custom laminate builds $9,000–$15,000, and custom with porcelain/sintered stone $18,000–$35,000+. Installation and trades typically add $2,000–$6,000. Final pricing depends on materials, appliances and site conditions.

Is engineered stone still allowed in Australia?

From 1 July 2024, fabrication and installation of engineered stone containing crystalline silica is banned nationwide. Existing benchtops can remain, but modifications are tightly controlled. We recommend compliant alternatives such as porcelain/sintered stone, stainless steel, laminate or timber. Check WA WorkSafe for updates.

What layouts suit a tiny kitchenette?

One‑wall (linear) layouts are ideal where depth is tight. L‑shapes make corners useful, and galleys work if you maintain a 1,000–1,200 mm aisle. Use full‑height pantries, drawer storage and under‑cabinet lighting to keep the space functional.

Do I need council or strata approval for a kitchenette?

Most internal refits don’t need planning approval, but strata consent is often required in apartments/townhouses. Electrical, plumbing and gas must be completed by licensed trades to AS/NZS standards (e.g., 3000, 3500, AS 5601). External venting or structural changes may require building approval—check with your local council.