Kitchen Renovation Trends Perth Homeowners Are Loving in 2026

The kitchen is the heart of every Australian home, and in Perth, it's where indoor and outdoor living come together. Whether you're updating a tired 90s kitchen or doing a full gut renovation, 2026 is bringing some beautiful — and practical — trends worth considering.

Here's what we're seeing across our kitchen renovation projects in Perth this year.

Warm Timber Meets Clean Lines

The all-white kitchen had a good run, but Perth homeowners are moving toward warmth. We're seeing a strong shift to natural timber cabinetry — think light oak, spotted gum, and American walnut — paired with clean, modern joinery profiles.

The key is balance. Full timber kitchens can feel heavy, so the most successful designs combine timber lower cabinetry with light upper cabinets (often white or soft grey) or open shelving. This creates visual warmth without making the space feel dark.

What's working in Perth: Timber-toned laminate or veneer (more affordable and humidity-resistant than solid timber) in a horizontal grain pattern with push-to-open hardware for a seamless, handleless look.

Stone Benchtops Are Getting Bolder

White marble-look quartz dominated for years, but 2026 is the year of character. We're specifying more benchtops with visible veining, warm grey tones, and even green-tinted stones that complement timber cabinetry.

Porcelain benchtops are also gaining traction — they're thinner, lighter, extremely scratch-resistant, and come in large-format slabs that minimise joins. They work particularly well for kitchen islands where you want a dramatic, seamless surface.

Practical note: In Perth's climate, if your kitchen opens to an alfresco area, consider using the same benchtop material for your outdoor kitchen. It creates a beautiful visual connection between inside and out.

The Butler's Pantry Is Now Standard

Five years ago, a butler's pantry (or scullery) was a luxury feature. Today, it's one of the most requested elements in our Perth kitchen renovations. And it's not hard to see why.

A well-designed butler's pantry lets you keep the mess out of sight — prep, cook, and stack dishes behind the scenes while your main kitchen stays magazine-ready. Even in smaller homes, we're carving out compact walk-in pantries with a sink, extra bench space, and closed storage.

Space-saving tip: You don't need a separate room. A galley-style butler's pantry running behind your kitchen wall, accessed through a pocket door, works brilliantly in many Perth homes. We typically need as little as 1.5 metres of width to make this work.

Integrated Appliances for a Streamlined Look

Panel-ready fridges, hidden rangehoods, and integrated dishwashers are becoming the standard in mid-range and upper renovations. The goal is a kitchen that looks like furniture rather than a showroom of appliances.

In Perth, we're also seeing strong demand for induction cooktops (faster, safer, and no gas connection needed), built-in steam ovens alongside traditional ovens, and boiling water taps that eliminate the need for a separate kettle.

Our recommendation: If your budget is limited, prioritise an integrated fridge and dishwasher — they have the biggest visual impact. The rangehood can stay visible if you choose a feature design in black or brushed brass.

Colour Is Making a Comeback

After a decade of white, grey, and black kitchens, colour is back — but in a measured, sophisticated way. The most popular accent colours we're working with in Perth right now are deep sage green, rich navy, warm terracotta, and dusty olive.

These are typically applied to the island bench, a feature wall of cabinetry, or an eye-catching splashback. The rest of the kitchen stays neutral, which keeps the design timeless while giving it personality.

Splashback trends: Large-format porcelain tiles in a single slab (no grout lines), fluted glass, and even textured plaster finishes are all showing up in Perth kitchens. Traditional subway tiles aren't going anywhere, but they're being laid in vertical or herringbone patterns to feel fresh.

Smart Lighting and Storage Solutions

Good kitchen design isn't just about aesthetics — it's about making daily life easier. Two areas where we're seeing major improvements:

Lighting: Layered lighting is essential. That means task lighting under wall cabinets (LED strip), pendant lights over the island for ambience, and recessed ceiling lights for general illumination. Warm white (3000K) is the preferred colour temperature in Perth homes for a relaxed, inviting feel.

Storage: Deep drawers are replacing traditional cupboards for pots, pans, and pantry items. Internal drawer organisers, pull-out spice racks, and corner carousel systems maximise every centimetre. For waste, dual or triple bin pull-out systems are now standard.

What Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Perth?

This is the question we hear most. The honest answer is: it depends on the size, finishes, and scope. But as a rough guide for 2026:

These figures include supply and installation but exclude any structural or plumbing relocation work, which can add $5,000–$15,000 depending on complexity.

Let's Talk About Your Kitchen

Every great kitchen renovation starts with a conversation. Whether you've got a clear vision or a vague Pinterest board, our team can help you turn ideas into a design that works for your home, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Book a free consultation with Maple Homes and let's bring your dream kitchen to life.