Turn your laundry into a high-performing space that looks as good as your kitchen. This guide covers modern laundry ideas, layouts, materials, costs, and the renovation process tailored to Western Australia.
For a look that feels deliberate, shortlist modern laundry colour schemes that balance your door profile, benchtop and splashback tones—small tweaks in white, grey, timber and black accents make a big difference.
What makes a “modern laundry” in Australia?
A modern laundry blends clean-lined design with robust function. It’s compact, clever and easy to clean—perfect for busy Australian households.
- Purposeful storage: overhead cupboards, tall broom/linen towers, pull-out hampers and soft-close drawers.
- Durable benchtops and splashback tiles designed for moisture and heat from dryers.
- Efficient appliance integration: 600 mm front loaders, stackable dryers (including heat-pump models), or under-bench installs.
- Task lighting and ventilation: LED strip lighting, exhaust fans, and outdoor airflow where possible.
- Contemporary style: minimalist lines, shaker-style profiles in Hamptons or Scandi colours, matte black tapware and hard-wearing finishes.
Contemporary laundry design focuses on streamlined cabinetry, integrated appliances, practical task lighting and moisture-resilient finishes, often in neutral colours with natural textures.
Our design and renovation process (WA)
Joyce Kitchens delivers custom cabinetry in Western Australia—precision-made, installed by local trades and backed by warranties. Whether you’re after a standalone room or a European-style laundry, we manage the details from start to finish.
- Consultation and measure. We assess your room dimensions, plumbing, power, and ventilation, plus appliance sizes and your wish list.
- Concept design. 3D drawings and floor plans that consider workflow, basket drop zones, ironing stations and linen storage.
- Selections. Doors (melamine, vinyl wrap or 2‑pack polyurethane), benchtops (porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface or laminate), sinks and tapware, hardware and lighting.
- Engineering and compliance. We work to relevant Australian Standards (for example, AS/NZS 4386 for domestic joinery performance and AS 3740 for waterproofing wet areas).
- Local manufacture. Custom cabinetry WA—made to fit, including integrated panels and custom filler solutions for tight spaces.
- Installation. Licensed trades for plumbing and electrical, including dryer venting and GPO placement. We coordinate tiling and splashbacks.
- After-care. Advice on maintenance and optional add-ons (extra shelves, hanging rails, or laundry chutes) if your needs evolve.
For regulatory guidance, see HIA (Housing Industry Association) and Master Builders WA. Always engage licensed trades for plumbing and electrical in line with WA regulations and AS/NZS standards.
Materials and finishes for a hard-working laundry
Modern laundry designs need moisture-resilient, easy-clean materials with smart storage. Below are proven options for benchtops, doors, hardware, splashbacks, flooring and lighting.
Benchtops
Choose a surface that resists water, detergents and the odd scuff from baskets or pet wash stations.
- Porcelain/Sintered stone: Highly heat and stain resistant, slim profiles for a modern look. Great near heat-pump dryers.
- Solid surface (e.g., acrylic-based): Seamless joins, repairable, soft-touch finish, excellent for integrated coved splashbacks.
- Compact & HPL laminate: Budget-friendly, wide design choices including stone-look laminate; modern laminates are durable when edges are sealed correctly.
An ultra-compact surface made from natural minerals fired at high temperature. Non-porous, UV-stable and highly scratch, heat and stain resistant—ideal for laundries and kitchens.
Important note on engineered stone in Australia
Engineered stone benchtops have been subject to a national ban in Australia due to silica-related safety concerns. If you’re replacing or renovating, consider porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, or premium laminates. For updates, refer to HIA guidance and relevant WA announcements.
Doors and cabinetry
- Melamine: Cost-effective, tough finishes in matte or textured woodgrain; great for family laundries.
- Vinyl wrap: Smooth, easy-clean surface that works well with shaker profiles for a Hamptons laundry look.
- 2‑pack polyurethane: Premium painted finish with custom colours to match your kitchen renovations Perth palette.
A sprayed and baked paint system that creates a durable, seamless finish on cabinet doors and panels. Popular for modern and shaker-style doors.
Hardware and storage
- Soft-close drawers and premium European hinges for longevity.
- Pull-out hampers, adjustable shelves, broom cupboards and tall storage towers.
- Finger-pull rails or slim handles for a contemporary laundry room feel.
Sinks and tapware
- Deep stainless steel troughs or undermount sinks for clean lines and easy benchtop wiping.
- Gooseneck mixers, pull-out sprays, or matte black tapware to match your contemporary laundry room style.
Splashbacks and walls
- Porcelain or ceramic tiles with low-maintenance grout.
- Acrylic/glass panels for simple, wipe-clean surfaces.
- Consider coved upstands with solid surface for fewer joins.
Flooring
- Porcelain tiles with slip-resistant finish.
- Vinyl planks for warmer underfoot feel and excellent water resistance.
- Ensure correct falls and waterproofing in accordance with AS 3740.
Lighting and power
- LED strip lighting under overheads for task zones.
- Well-positioned GPOs for washers, dryers, iron stations and stick-vac chargers.
- Exhaust fan sizing to suit room volume and dryer type. Check appliance manuals for minimum clearances.
In wet areas, luminaires and power points may require specific Ingress Protection (IP) ratings and clearances. Your licensed electrician will apply AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules).
Benchtop comparison: Engineered Stone vs Laminate
Considering historical choices and today’s compliance context in Australia.
| Feature | Engineered Stone | Laminate (HPL/Compact) |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance status (AU) | Subject to a national ban due to silica-related safety concerns; not recommended for new installs. | Fully compliant when installed to manufacturer guidelines. |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent surface resistance; avoid water ingress at cut-outs. | Good if edges/seams are sealed; compact laminate is very moisture resistant. |
| Heat resistance | Good surface resistance; use trivets near hot items. | Good for typical laundry use; avoid direct contact with very hot appliances. |
| Aesthetics | Stone-like look with consistent patterns. | Wide range of stone-look, timber-look and solid colours at various price points. |
| Budget | Previously mid–high; now seek alternatives (porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface). | Budget–mid; excellent value for modern laundry room projects. |
For new laundries, we generally recommend porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface or laminate as compliant, durable options in WA.
Layouts and styles for a modern laundry room
Popular layouts
- Galley: Long, narrow rooms with continuous benchtop and overheads on one wall, ideal for European laundries behind bifold doors.
- L-shaped: Adds more bench and storage without feeling cramped; great for ironing boards and under-bench baskets.
- U-shaped: Maximum storage with corner solutions and integrated hampers.
- Stacked appliances: Save floor space by stacking dryer over washer with a sturdy frame and venting; ensure clearance per manufacturer.
Style directions
- Minimalist: Flat-front doors, finger-pull rails, integrated handles and neutral palettes.
- Hamptons/Shaker: Shaker-style doors, soft whites, nickel hardware and subway splashback tiles—pairs with a shaker kitchen aesthetic.
- Scandi: Warm timber-look melamine, soft greys and white porcelain benchtops for a calm, contemporary laundry design.
- Urban: Matte black tapware, concrete-look benchtops and bold feature tiles.
A compact laundry concealed in a cupboard or behind sliding doors, often within kitchens, bathrooms or corridors. Excellent for apartments and small homes.
Space-saving ideas for small laundries
- Wall-hung drying rails and fold-down ironing stations.
- Recessed broom cupboards and overhead cupboards to ceiling height.
- Corner carousels to capture dead space.
- Integrated stick-vac charging docks and narrow pull-out cleaning caddies.
Appliances and sizing for Australia
- Most front loaders are 600 mm wide; allow 20–30 mm side clearance and 75–100 mm at rear for hoses.
- Heat-pump dryers reduce venting needs and energy use; confirm minimum ventilation guidelines and clearances.
- Check energy labels to compare running costs: Energy Rating Label.
How much does a modern laundry cost in Perth?
Costs vary by size, materials and scope. As a guide for laundry renovation Perth projects:
- Refresh: $6,000–$12,000 — new cabinet doors, hardware upgrade, laminate benchtop, basic splashback, minor plumbing/electrical.
- Mid-range: $12,000–$20,000 — new custom cabinetry, porcelain/sintered stone or solid surface benchtops, premium hardware, upgraded lighting and ventilation.
- Premium: $20,000–$35,000+ — full redesign, tall storage towers, integrated solutions, feature tiles, stone-look porcelain, custom joinery details and drying cupboards.
Plumbing relocations, new drainage or structural work can increase costs. We’ll provide a transparent, itemised quotation after your in-home measure.
WA case examples
Case 1: Compact European laundry, Subiaco
A two-door European laundry concealed off the kitchen with flat-front melamine doors, stone-look laminate benchtop, stacked washer/dryer and LED strip task lighting. Result: a quiet, tidy zone that blends with adjacent kitchen renovations Perth finishes.
Case 2: Family laundry makeover, Cottesloe
Hamptons-inspired shaker doors in a 2‑pack finish, porcelain benchtop, deep undermount sink, pull-out twin hampers and a tall broom/linen tower. The space doubles as a mudroom with durable porcelain floor tiles and matte black tapware for a contemporary twist.
Modern laundry planning checklist
- Confirm appliance sizes and positions (stacked or side-by-side).
- Select a compliant, durable benchtop (porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, or laminate).
- Plan storage: overheads to ceiling, tall tower, pull-out hampers, cleaning caddy.
- Choose door finish: melamine, vinyl wrap, or 2‑pack polyurethane.
- Add task lighting (LED strips) and adequate GPOs with licensed electrical work.
- Ensure proper ventilation and waterproofing (AS 3740) and joinery performance (AS/NZS 4386).
- Decide on style: minimalist, Hamptons/shaker, Scandi or urban.
- Include a hanging rail, fold-down ironing or drying cupboard if space allows.
- Consider pet wash, stain-treat station or mudroom benching if relevant.
- Schedule installation to align with tiling, plumbing and electrical trades.
Ready to design your modern laundry?
From contemporary laundry room ideas to complete custom cabinetry WA manufacture and installation, the Joyce Kitchens team can deliver a beautiful, resilient space that works hard for your household. Book a consultation and we’ll bring samples to you.
FAQ
What does a modern laundry cost in Perth?
Expect around $6,000–$12,000 for a refresh, $12,000–$20,000 for a mid-range renovation with custom cabinetry and quality benchtops, and $20,000–$35,000+ for premium layouts and finishes. Plumbing relocations, waterproofing and electrical upgrades can affect the total.
What is the best benchtop for a laundry in Australia?
Because engineered stone is subject to a national ban, we recommend porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface or high-pressure laminate/compact laminate. These options are durable, moisture-resistant and well suited to heat-pump dryers and regular cleaning.
Can I combine a bathroom and laundry?
Yes. A combined bathroom-laundry can save space if designed with correct waterproofing to AS 3740, adequate ventilation, and smart storage to separate cleaning products from toiletries. Many WA homes convert underused bathrooms into a contemporary laundry room with great results.
What layout suits a small laundry?
For small spaces, a galley or European laundry behind sliding doors works well. Use stacked appliances, overhead cupboards to the ceiling, a narrow pull-out caddy and a fold-down ironing board. LED task lighting and a hanging rail above the sink maximise utility.
Do I need council approval for a laundry renovation in WA?
Most internal, like-for-like laundry renovations don’t need a building permit. However, structural changes, new openings or plumbing/electrical work must be performed by licensed trades and may require approvals. Check with your local council and refer to HIA or Master Builders WA guidance.