Make every millimetre work. Joyce Kitchens designs and renovates small modular kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes across Perth and regional WA, combining custom cabinetry with practical, Australian-compliant construction.
What is small modular kitchen design?
Small modular kitchen design uses pre-sized cabinetry “modules” that can be configured like building blocks to fit your space. In skilled hands, modules combine with custom infills and benchtop adjustments to achieve a premium, tailored result without wasting space or budget.
Core design insights for compact Australian kitchens
1) Plan the working zones, not just the “triangle”
The classic cook–clean–store triangle still helps, but in small kitchens we prioritise zones: prep near the sink, cooking near ventilation, and a clear landing space beside the cooktop or oven. For most WA homes, 600 mm appliances are the sweet spot; a 450 mm dishwasher can save crucial space in a studio or granny flat.
2) Choose a layout that suits your room
- Galley kitchen for narrow rooms; keep aisles 900–1000 mm for comfort.
- L-shaped kitchen for open-plan spaces; add a compact peninsula for extra seating.
- Single-wall kitchen in micro apartments; use full-height storage for volume.
3) Storage is structure
- Deep drawer stacks with soft-close runners outperform shelves in small kitchens.
- Pull-out pantries, corner carousels and internal organisers reduce dead space.
- An appliance garage tucks away kettle/toaster and keeps benchtops clear.
4) Light and surfaces
- Matt, light-toned doors in 2‑pack or premium laminate hide fingerprints and brighten rooms.
- Run the splashback to the ceiling behind the cooktop to draw the eye up.
- LED strip lighting under wall cabinets lifts task visibility and safety.
5) Appliances sized for Australia
Standard 600 mm ovens, 600–900 mm cooktops, and 530–600 mm rangehoods suit most small modular kitchens. Compact 45 cm dishwashers and 300 mm pull-out pantries are excellent space-savers. Ventilation and electrical/gas work must comply with AS/NZS standards.
Our renovation process in WA
- In-home measure and brief: We document services, clearances, and appliance sizes.
- Design and 3D renders: See your new small modular kitchen in photorealistic views.
- Selections: Doors, benchtops, hardware and splashback finalised in our Perth showroom.
- Compliance and scheduling: We coordinate licensed trades for electrical and gas under AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) and AS/NZS 5601 (Gas Installations), plus ventilation clearances per manufacturer guidelines.
- Manufacture and installation: Precision-built cabinetry with soft-close hardware, installed by our experienced WA team.
- Handover and care: Finishing checklist, warranties and care guidance.
For peace of mind, we recommend engaging members of reputable bodies such as the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA. For gas and electrical licensing and compliance, see WA’s Building and Energy.
Materials and finishes that work in Australia
Small kitchens benefit from robust, easy-clean surfaces. Below is a quick comparison of engineered stone benchtops (noting regulatory changes) and high-pressure laminate, two terms you’ll see often when researching modular kitchen design.
Benchtop comparison: Engineered Stone vs Laminate
| Feature | Engineered Stone (legacy/where compliant) | High-Pressure Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look and feel | Stone-like appearance; seamless joins; undermount sinks common | Vast designs incl. stone-look; modern square edges; cost-effective |
| Heat/knife resistance | Good heat resistance; use trivets and boards | Moderate; always use trivets/boards to avoid damage |
| Maintenance | Low; avoid harsh chemicals | Very low; wipe clean; avoid abrasive pads |
| Cost (installed) | Higher; current regulations may affect availability/spec | Lower; excellent for tight budgets or rentals |
| Alternatives | Porcelain/sintered stone slabs; natural stone | Compact laminate; acrylic solid surface |
Doors, hardware and splashbacks
- Cabinet finishes: 2‑pack polyurethane for premium, melamine and laminate for value, thermofoil for smooth profiles (e.g., Shaker kitchen looks).
- Hardware: Soft-close drawers, quality hinges and pull-outs maximise storage in a small modular kitchen.
- Splashbacks: Porcelain slab or large-format tiles minimise grout lines; toughened glass gives a sleek, reflective finish.
Layouts and styles for small modular kitchens
Layouts that win in tight spaces
Galley kitchens are efficient in apartments; keep tall units at one end to open the sightline. L-shaped kitchens create natural flow in open plans; add a 300–400 mm breakfast overhang on the short leg. A U-shaped kitchen can work in very compact rooms when you maintain 1000 mm between opposing runs.
Styles with staying power
- Modern coastal/Hamptons: White or pale-grey Shaker doors, brushed nickel handles, light oak accents.
- Contemporary: Flat-panel cabinets, matt finishes, integrated handles and a porcelain benchtop waterfall end.
- Scandi small modular kitchen: Laminates in warm white and light timber, open shelving and simple lines.
Two local case examples
Subiaco apartment galley: We replaced bulky cupboards with 600 mm deep drawer banks, a 450 mm dishwasher, and full-height porcelain splashback. Result: 30% more storage and faster meal prep.
Fremantle worker’s cottage L-shape: Custom cabinetry WA-made to integrate a 600 mm oven, 600 mm induction cooktop and an appliance garage. A soft-white 2‑pack finish with oak-look laminate benchtops kept the budget in check.
Costs and budgeting in Perth/WA
Every project is unique, but these guide ranges help plan your small modular kitchen:
- Cabinetry and hardware: $6,500–$12,000 for a compact, well-specified modular layout with soft-close drawers.
- Benchtops: Laminate from $1,200–$2,800; porcelain/sintered stone typically $3,500–$6,500+ depending on thickness, edges and cut-outs.
- Splashback: Quality tiles $900–$2,000; toughened glass or porcelain slab $1,800–$4,500.
- Trades and installation: $3,000–$7,000 depending on services, demolition, and compliance.
Tip: Keep appliance sizes to standard 600 mm where possible to contain costs, and choose durable laminates or compact laminate to free budget for premium hardware.
Practical pre-renovation checklist
- Measure the room, window heights, door swings and ceiling height.
- List appliances with exact sizes (width, height, depth) and power/gas needs.
- Decide on your layout preference (galley, L-shape, single-wall).
- Set a realistic budget band with a 10–15% contingency.
- Confirm WA compliance for electrical/gas and any engineered-stone alternatives.
- Book your Joyce Kitchens design consult and showroom selections.
Talk to the small kitchen specialists
From kitchen renovations Perth-wide to tailored laundry and wardrobe storage, Joyce Kitchens delivers custom results with modular efficiency. Book a consult and see how much more your small kitchen can do.
FAQ
What is a small modular kitchen design?
A small modular kitchen design uses standard-sized cabinet units that are configured to fit compact spaces, then refined with custom infills, benchtops and hardware to achieve a tailored, efficient result.
How much does a small modular kitchen cost in Perth?
As a guide, expect $12,000–$25,000 for cabinetry, benchtops, splashback, trades and installation in a compact space, depending on materials, appliance choices and site conditions.
Which layout suits a small modular kitchen?
Galley layouts work best in narrow rooms, L-shaped kitchens suit open plans, and a single-wall layout suits micro apartments. Keep aisles around 900–1000 mm for comfort.
Are engineered stone benchtops still allowed in WA?
A national prohibition applies to engineered stone containing crystalline silica, so most new WA projects use porcelain or sintered stone alternatives. Always confirm current regulations before specifying.
How long does a small kitchen renovation take?
Typical timelines are 4–8 weeks from final sign-off to installation, plus one to two weeks for site works, trades and finishing depending on scope and product lead times.