Planning a renovation or refresh? This guide covers practical storage options and home storage solutions for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes — designed and made locally for WA homes. Whether you love a classic shaker kitchen or a streamlined modern look, the right storage ideas will improve day‑to‑day life and add value.
Core storage insights that work in real homes
From kitchen renovations Perth to small apartment makeovers, the most effective storage options combine smart layout, quality hardware and easy-to-maintain finishes. Below are proven storage ideas and storage suggestions our designers use across kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes.
Kitchen storage options that earn their keep
- Deep drawers over doors: 600–900 mm wide soft-close drawers keep pots, plastics and pantry goods visible. Add internal drawer organisers and anti-slip mats.
- Pull-out pantry systems: Full-height pull-outs and internal wire pantries bring items to you — no more digging. Great in a scullery pantry or compact galley.
- Corner solutions: LeMans trays or a blind-corner pull-out recover otherwise lost space.
- Under-sink organisation: U-shaped pull-outs, integrated twin bins and caddies keep cleaning gear tidy.
- Vertical storage: Narrow pull-outs for oils/spices, divider racks for trays and chopping boards, and a tall broom cupboard near the fridge or laundry door.
- Appliance garage: A benchtop “garage” with a roller or pocket door hides the toaster and kettle while keeping them plugged in.
- Overheads to the ceiling: Take wall cabinets to a bulkhead for dust-free storage; add a step stool inside the broom cupboard.
Prefer a hands‑on approach? Explore DIY laundry cabinets to create closed storage that matches your layout, with guidance on materials, door styles and hardware selection.
Bathroom and laundry storage ideas
- Wall-hung vanities: Create floor space and easy cleaning; add drawer dividers for cosmetics and electric toothbrushes.
- Mirrored shaving cabinets: Hidden shelves for daily essentials without cluttering the vanity top.
- Laundry towers: Tall cabinets for ironing boards, hampers and a pull-out laundry basket; overheads above appliances.
- Utility drawers: Heat‑resistant drawers for hair tools (with GPOs installed by a licensed electrician).
Wardrobes and a dedicated storage room
- Modular wardrobe internals: Double and single hanging, adjustable shelves, shoe pull-outs and velvet‑lined jewellery drawers.
- Sliding vs hinged: Sliding robes save space; hinged doors allow full access and internal drawers.
- Storage ideas for a storage room: Heavy‑duty adjustable shelving, labelled crates, ceiling‑mounted bike hooks and a bench with charging station for devices and handheld vacs.
- Do it yourself storage add‑ons: Clip‑in shelf dividers, adhesive hooks, and stackable containers. DIY helps, but made‑to‑measure cabinetry maximises every millimetre.
Local case examples (WA)
Subiaco family kitchen: A U‑shaped shaker kitchen with a scullery added 1.8 m of pull-out pantry storage, a 900 mm drawer stack for cookware, and an appliance garage. Breakfast rush time dropped from 25 to 10 minutes — everything has a home.
Fremantle apartment laundry: Stacked washer/dryer with a slide‑out bench over the machines, tall storage for linens, and two pull-out hampers for sorting. Small footprint, zero clutter.
Our renovation and design process
- In‑home or showroom consult: Discuss lifestyle, appliance sizes (600/900 mm ovens are common in Australia), and budget. We measure and note services.
- Design and 3D renders: We propose layouts (galley, L‑shape, island, U‑shape) with custom cabinetry WA manufacturing, hardware, and finishes.
- Specification and compliance: Clearances to meet AS/NZS guidance (e.g., typical 600–650 mm to rangehoods; gas per AS/NZS 5601), moisture‑resistant substrates in wet areas, and ventilation.
- Manufacture in WA: Precision-cut cabinetry with soft-close hardware and durable edges suited to Perth heat and coastal conditions.
- Install and handover: Coordinated trades (cabinetry, stone/porcelain fabricator, plumber, electrician, tiler). We protect floors and keep you updated.
- Aftercare: Care guides and warranty information; we can return for shelf height tweaks if needed.
Tip: If strata approvals are required, allow extra time. For guidance on building standards, see the WA Building and Energy site and industry bodies like HIA and Master Builders WA.
References:
WA Building and Energy,
HIA,
Master Builders WA
Materials and finishes (WA-ready)
Perth’s climate (warm summers and coastal air) calls for durable surfaces. Below are popular choices for household storage cabinetry and benchtops.
Cabinetry
- Moisture‑resistant board (MR): Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.
- Melamine and thermolaminated (thermal wrap) doors: Cost‑effective, wide colour range, easy care. Options include shaker profile or flat finger‑pull.
- Two‑pack polyurethane: Premium satin or matte finishes in any colour.
- Hardware: Quality soft-close hinges and runners, internal bins, pull-outs and lift-up overheads improve access and lifespan.
Benchtops and splashbacks
Australia has implemented a national ban on the manufacture, supply and installation of engineered stone due to silica risks. For new projects, consider the alternatives below.
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Surface | High‑Pressure Laminate (HPL) |
|---|---|---|
| Heat & UV resistance | Excellent; suitable near cooktops and windows | Good for everyday use; use trivets for hot pots |
| Impact & scratch | Very high; cutting boards still recommended | Moderate; use chopping boards to avoid damage |
| Joints & look | Large slabs with minimal joins; stone-like realism | Visible joins; wide range of colours/finishes |
| Indicative installed cost (Perth) | $1,500–$3,000 per linear metre | $600–$1,200 per linear metre |
| Care | Low maintenance; non‑porous | Low maintenance; avoid harsh abrasives |
Splashback options include porcelain slabs, glass, or tiled splashbacks. For gas cooktops, observe clearances in AS/NZS 5601 and manufacturer instructions.
Layouts and styles
Layouts that unlock storage
- Galley: Efficient runs; add a tall pantry and overheads to the ceiling.
- L‑shape with island: Social hub with deep island drawers and an integrated bin system.
- U‑shape: Maximum bench area; corner pull-outs reduce dead zones.
- Kitchen + scullery: Keep appliances and bulk pantry items out of sight, perfect for open‑plan living.
Styles our Perth clients love
- Shaker kitchen: Classic profiles, cup pulls, stone‑look porcelain benchtop and a tiled or stone splashback.
- Contemporary coastal: Matte whites, warm woodgrains, finger‑pull doors, integrated appliances.
- Minimalist: Handleless rails, push‑to‑open overheads, concealed lighting.
We tailor layouts for appliance sizes common in Australia (e.g., 600/900 mm ovens, 900 mm cooktops, 84–88 cm‑high fridges). Typical bench height is 900–950 mm; our team adjusts for ergonomics.
Costs and timelines in Perth
Every project is unique, but these ballpark figures help planning. Prices include supply and install of cabinetry and standard hardware unless noted. Appliances, plumbing/electrical and specialty surfaces are additional.
- Kitchen cabinetry packages: $12,000–$35,000+ depending on size, hardware and finishes.
- Complete kitchen renovations Perth: $25,000–$60,000+ with benchtops, splashback, trades and installation.
- Benchtops: Laminate $600–$1,200/lin m; Porcelain/Sintered $1,500–$3,000/lin m.
- Bathroom or laundry cabinetry: $3,000–$12,000+ depending on scope.
- Built‑in wardrobes: $2,000–$8,000+.
- Hardware upgrades (pull‑outs, bins, dividers): $800–$2,500 typically.
- Lead time: Design 1–3 weeks; manufacture 4–8 weeks; installation 2–10 days depending on scope and surfaces.
All work is completed to relevant Australian Standards (e.g., AS/NZS 4386 for domestic kitchen assemblies). Your designer will coordinate licensed trades for compliance.
Pre‑renovation storage planning checklist
- List what needs a home: pots, appliances, bulk pantry, cleaning gear, pet food, linens, sports items.
- Measure big items: air fryer height, stand mixer, tallest bottle, vacuum, ironing board.
- Choose access: drawers vs doors, pull-outs for corners, internal bins, broom cupboard.
- Select finishes: door style and benchtop surface suited to WA conditions.
- Confirm services: GPOs in appliance garage/vanity, plumbing for fridges or filtered taps.
- Safety and standards: clearances to cooktops/rangehoods, moisture‑resistant substrates, ventilation.
- Future‑proofing: adjustable shelves, space for a 900 mm oven, allowance for a larger fridge.
- Timeline and budget: allow for design, manufacturing and install; book trades early.
Why Joyce Kitchens for storage and cabinetry
- Custom cabinetry WA made to size — no wasted space.
- Experienced designers across kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes.
- Quality hardware, thoughtful internals and neat, compliant installs.
- Showrooms in Perth and local aftercare.
Ready to explore home storage ideas that suit your lifestyle? Speak with a designer to turn your wish‑list into a plan that fits your home and budget.
FAQ
What are the best storage options for a small kitchen?
Prioritise deep drawer stacks (600–900 mm), a slim pull‑out pantry for oils and spices, overheads to the ceiling, and a corner pull‑out like a LeMans. Consider an appliance garage to keep benches clear and integrate bins under the sink.
How do I choose materials for Perth conditions?
Use moisture‑resistant cabinetry, durable melamine or two‑pack doors, and heat‑capable benchtops such as porcelain/sintered surfaces. Laminate is cost‑effective; just use trivets. Always follow AS/NZS clearances near cooktops and appliances.
Can I mix DIY storage with custom cabinetry?
Yes. Do it yourself storage like shelf dividers, stackable tubs and adhesive hooks can complement custom cabinetry. We recommend letting a designer set the core layout and hardware, then add DIY organisers as your needs evolve.
What’s a realistic budget for adding smart storage to a kitchen?
Expect $12,000–$35,000+ for custom cabinetry and hardware, with full kitchen renovations typically $25,000–$60,000+ depending on size, surfaces and trades. Pull‑outs, bins and dividers usually add $800–$2,500.
How long does a kitchen storage renovation take?
Design takes 1–3 weeks, manufacturing 4–8 weeks, and installation 2–10 days depending on scope and benchtop choice. Allow extra time for strata approvals and complex services relocations.