Designing a kitchen small kitchen that feels spacious, practical and modern is absolutely achievable with the right plan. Whether you’re renovating an apartment galley in Subiaco or refreshing a compact family space in Joondalup, this guide pulls together our best kitchen design ideas, local WA know‑how and real costs to help you make smart decisions.
Joyce Kitchens has designed custom cabinetry in WA for decades, delivering kitchen renovations Perth homeowners trust. Below you’ll find contemporary kitchen ideas, tiny kitchen design tips, and a step‑by‑step renovation process—plus a comparison table, a practical checklist and FAQs tailored to Australian standards. For personalised advice and to view our portfolio, speak with our kitchen designers perth.
Core insights for small kitchens
- Prioritise zones over the old “triangle”. Prep, cook, clean and store—design each zone deliberately.
- Go vertical. Full‑height custom cabinetry WA homeowners love (to the ceiling) adds serious storage.
- Right‑size appliances. In Australia, 600 mm ovens are standard, but 450 mm dishwashers and 300–400 mm pantries can free space without sacrificing function.
- Optical tricks. Light, low‑sheen doors, continuous kicklines, integrated handles and under‑cabinet lighting create an uncluttered, modern style kitchen feel.
- Resilient finishes. Choose surfaces suited to WA’s heat and beachside grit—think porcelain or compact laminate benchtops and durable melamine internals.
- Smart storage. Corner solutions, internal drawers, pull‑out pantries and slimline bins transform a small kitchen plan into everyday efficiency.
Definition: Galley kitchen
A compact layout with two parallel runs (or one run in a corridor). It minimises walking and suits apartments and tiny kitchen ideas.
Definition: Work zones
Instead of a single “triangle”, modern kitchen design separates the kitchen into prep, cook, clean and store zones to suit your habits and household.
Our renovation process
1) Brief and measure
We capture your goals, budget and style—shaker kitchen, contemporary kitchen design, or ultra‑modern handleless. We then measure your space, services and access (lifts, parking), and note compliance items.
2) Layout and design concepts
We produce small kitchen designs and 3D renders showing zones, storage and appliance fit. You’ll see multiple kitchen ideas, including tiny kitchen design options if space is very tight.
3) Selections
Choose cabinetry finishes (melamine, 2‑pack, thermoform), benchtops (laminate, porcelain, solid surface), splashbacks (tile, glass) and hardware (soft‑close, pull‑outs). We’ll provide kitchen design images gallery examples and kitchen designs photo gallery references for inspiration.
4) Quotation and scheduling
Transparent pricing, including cabinetry, benchtops, installation and trades. We schedule manufacturing in WA and coordinate delivery and installation dates that suit you.
5) Manufacture and installation
Custom cabinetry is built locally. Installation typically takes 5–10 business days for a small kitchen, plus stone/splashback lead times. We manage trades and keep disruption minimal.
6) Handover and aftercare
We walk you through care instructions and warranties. Our team is here for adjustments and future upgrades—kitchen, bathroom, laundry or wardrobes.
Compliance note (WA)
Electrical work must meet AS/NZS 3000 and gas changes must meet AS/NZS 5601. Use licensed trades. See HIA and Master Builders WA guidelines for contracts and consumer advice.
Useful resources:
HIA homeowner guides |
Master Builders WA |
DMIRS silica/engineered stone info
Materials and finishes for small kitchens
Cabinetry
- Melamine doors and internals: affordable, durable, huge colour range (great for modern kitchens Australia).
- Thermoform (vinyl wrap): profiles for shaker/hamptons looks in a compact space.
- Two‑pack polyurethane: premium, custom colours, seamless for a contemporary kitchen ideas palette.
- Hardware: soft‑close drawers, pull‑outs and corner units from quality suppliers create a cabinet modern kitchen with everyday ease.
Benchtops
- Porcelain/sintered stone: thin profiles, high heat and UV resistance; ideal for a modern modern kitchen look.
- Compact laminate: slim 12 mm options offer stone‑like minimalism on a budget.
- Laminate: cost‑effective, huge décor range, easy upkeep—smart for rental properties and small kitchen style design.
- Solid surface: seamless joins and repairable finishes (great around curves and integrated sinks).
- Timber/stainless: warm or commercial chic accents when used in moderation.
Definition: Engineered stone ban (AU)
Australia has prohibited the manufacture/supply of engineered stone containing crystalline silica. Existing benchtops remain, but new installs must follow current WA regulations and alternatives (porcelain, solid surface) are recommended.
Splashbacks
- Tiles: budget‑friendly with immense style options; consider larger formats to minimise grout lines.
- Toughened glass: sleek, reflective and easy to clean—useful to visually expand a small kitchen.
- Porcelain/stone splash: premium finish with minimal joints; check required clearances for gas.
Lighting and power
- LED strip under‑cabinets for shadow‑free prep; 4000 K neutral white suits most surfaces.
- Task, ambient and feature layers help tiny spaces feel larger and safer.
- Plan power points (including inside appliance garages) early; comply with AS/NZS 3000.
Engineered Stone vs Laminate Benchtops (for context)
Note: Supplied engineered stone with crystalline silica is banned in Australia. The comparison below is provided for legacy understanding and insurance/like‑for‑like discussions; consider porcelain or solid surface as modern alternatives.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (Legacy) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look and feel | Stone‑like, consistent patterns | Wide décor range, stone/timber looks |
| Heat resistance | Good, but avoid direct hot pots | Moderate; use trivets always |
| Maintenance | Low; non‑porous | Very low; simple cleaning |
| Typical lifespan | 10–20+ years | 10–15 years |
| Installed cost (indicative) | Not for new installs under current AU regulations | $350–$600 per linear metre (edge profile dependent) |
| Best current alternative | Porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface | — |
Layouts and styles that maximise space
Layouts for a small kitchen
- One‑wall: Streamlined and ideal for studio apartments; add a narrow island on castors for extra prep.
- Galley: Two parallel runs keep steps minimal; great for modern kitchen ideas for small kitchens.
- L‑shape: Opens to living; a small peninsula can double as a breakfast bar.
- U‑shape: Maximum storage for compact rooms; keep the internal width ≥1800 mm for comfort.
- Kitchen layouts Australia tip: 600 mm ovens/cooktops are default; consider 700–750 mm aisle widths on one side if space is ultra‑tight.
Style directions
- Modern style kitchen: Flat‑panel doors, finger‑pull rails, low‑sheen neutrals and porcelain benchtops.
- Shaker kitchen: Slim‑frame doors, simple cup pulls; pair with light benchtops and tiled splashbacks.
- Contemporary kitchen design: Texture mixing (woodgrain + satin), open shelves, integrated lighting.
- Coastal WA: White/sea‑salt palettes, VJ features, durable hardware—fresh kitchen ideas Australia loves.
For kitchen inspiration, browse our kitchen designs photo gallery and kitchen design images gallery, or visit our Perth showroom to touch finishes in person.
Definition: Toe‑kick (kicker)
The recessed plinth below cabinets. Continuous kicklines (same colour) visually elongate a small kitchen and reduce visual clutter.
Costs in Perth and WA
- Cosmetic refresh (retain layout): $8,000–$15,000+ (hardware, doors, laminate top, tile splashback).
- Mid‑range replacement: $25,000–$45,000+ (custom cabinetry, quality hardware, porcelain or solid surface top, new appliances).
- Premium compact kitchen: $50,000–$90,000+ (bespoke finishes, integrated appliances, feature lighting).
- Appliances: $5,000–$15,000 depending on brand and integration.
- Trades (indicative WA): electrician $120–$140/hr, plumber $110–$130/hr, tiler $65–$85/hr. Quotes vary by scope and access.
Timelines: Most small kitchen renovations run 2–4 weeks from demolition to practical completion (allow additional lead time for porcelain fabrication and glass splashbacks).
WA case-style examples
Subiaco apartment: Galley upgrade
Brief: A tiny kitchen design in a 2‑bed apartment needed more bench space and storage. Solution: 20 mm porcelain benchtop, full‑height pantry, 450 mm dishwasher, and finger‑pull rails. Outcome: 35% more storage and a brighter, contemporary kitchen ideas look without moving services.
Fremantle cottage: U to L with peninsula
Brief: Replace a cramped U‑shape with better flow. Solution: L‑shape plus slim peninsula, shaker doors in warm white, compact laminate benchtop, tiled splashback to ceiling. Outcome: Seating for two, improved light bounce, and a classic small kitchen style design suited to character homes.
Small kitchen renovation checklist
- Measure accurately: ceiling height, window swings, nib walls, services, appliance clearances.
- Right‑size appliances: 600 mm oven/cooktop standard; consider 450 mm dishwasher, 300–400 mm pantry.
- Plan storage first: internal drawers, pull‑out bin, spice/oil pull‑outs near cooktop.
- Choose resilient finishes: porcelain, compact laminate, durable melamine internals.
- Lighting plan: under‑cabinet task lights plus dimmable ceiling/feature lighting.
- Ventilation: duct rangehoods externally where possible; verify apartment by‑laws.
- Compliance: licensed electrician (AS/NZS 3000) and gasfitter (AS/NZS 5601).
- Schedule: confirm lead times for benchtops and splashbacks to avoid downtime.
- Aftercare: request maintenance guides and warranty documents.
Ready to start?
Book a free design consultation with Joyce Kitchens for personalised small kitchen ideas, kitchen renovation ideas and a quote tailored to your home. From interior design kitchen design advice to custom cabinetry, we deliver modern kitchen designs Australia homeowners trust.
FAQ
What is the best layout for a small kitchen in Australia?
Galley and L‑shape layouts typically work best. They optimise bench length and reduce walking. Add a slim peninsula or mobile island if you need casual seating without crowding the room.
How much does a small kitchen renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide, a cosmetic refresh starts from $8,000–$15,000+, a mid‑range replacement is $25,000–$45,000+, and premium compact kitchens range from $50,000–$90,000+. Final pricing depends on finishes, appliances and access.
What benchtop should I choose after the engineered stone ban?
Porcelain (sintered stone) and solid surface are excellent modern alternatives. Compact laminate and high‑quality laminate are cost‑effective options that look great in a small space.
How long does a small kitchen renovation take?
Most small kitchens take 2–4 weeks from demolition to handover, plus lead times for benchtop fabrication and glass splashbacks. We’ll confirm a detailed schedule before we start.
Do I need council approval for a kitchen renovation in WA?
Generally, replacing like‑for‑like doesn’t need council approval. Structural changes, window alterations or major plumbing/gas/electrical reconfiguration may require permits and must comply with AS/NZS standards. Always use licensed trades.
