ARTICLE
Top Laundry Trends: The Appliances And Tech You Need To Make Life Easier
Published Mar 11, 2025 • Updated Aug 25, 2026 - 3 min read
Smarter washing machines and dryers can save time, cut energy use and treat clothes more gently, while also bringing a more stylish look to the laundry. The key trends are fast cycles, heat pump drying, dark finishes, fabric care features and better utility-room design.
Key takeaways from this article
Fast wash cycles and sensor drying help clear laundry quicker.
Heat pump dryers use less energy and are gentler on clothing.
Dark grey and black appliances bring a more modern laundry look.
Auto-dosing and lower heat settings help protect fabrics longer.
Peter Simic (National Category Manager (Refrigeration)) says to check star and WELS ratings for efficiency.
Laundry chores are one of life’s true certainties, but the right appliances can dramatically reduce the daily drudgery. Enter the latest washing machines and dryers, which are smart, savvy and infinitely more sustainable than previous models, fusing energy-efficient design with time-saving, fabric-loving features. Here are the top laundry trends, and our edit of life-changing laundry appliances.
Trend 1: Time-Saving Features
Conquer your endless piles of laundry with smart laundry tech! For clothes that are lightly soiled or just need a quick freshen up, look for washing machines with short, fast cycles that can refresh the urgent items and get them clean in no time. When it comes to dryers, look for auto-sensing technology, which predicts the perfect run time for each load.
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Trend 2: Heat Pump Dryers
The experts and leading laundry brands agree on one thing: heat pump dryers are the future. That said, these game-changing models which draw on refrigerant technology are available right now, with an extensive selection to choose from. “Heat pump dryers circulate ambient air inside and outside the dryer to cool the system,” explains Andrew Wand, director of home appliances at Samsung Electronics Australia. The upshot? Heat pump dryers are less abrasive on clothing than traditional vented or condenser models and consume up to 50 per cent less energy – a boon for both the environment and your energy bills. In addition, with no vent required they offer complete flexibility of placement, though for optimal performance allow space between the unit and the wall.
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Trend 3: Dark Appliances
No longer just a utilitarian zone to be hidden out of sight and out of mind, the laundry is now a hotbed for bold design statements. Cue dark appliances, from deep grey washing machines to black stainless-steel dryers, each blending functionality and form. “There’s an inherent sophistication in a black appliance – we’ve seen them become a major trend in the kitchen, so it makes sense that they’re moving into laundries too,” says Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer - Laundry. Dark appliances are a thoroughly modern alternative to standard white and work best in rooms with good natural light – find more tips and products here.
“There’s an inherent sophistication in a black appliance – we’ve seen them become a major trend in the kitchen, so it makes sense that they’re moving into laundries too.”
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Trend 4: Fabric-Loving Features
Can the right washer and dryer make your clothes last longer? In short, yes, says Shannon Tweedie. “Some appliances will shrink clothing and fade colours, and the heat from dryers can be damaging to fabrics if used incorrectly. Customisable and intelligent technology is key,” she explains. Auto-dosing, for example, intuitively dispenses the right amount of detergent to keep your clothes clean and soft (too much can be damaging and leave a residue; too little won’t shift stains). Then there are the aforementioned heat pump dryers, the gold standard in fabric care. These models utilise lower temperatures to prevent over-drying and, in turn, reduce shrinkage and crustiness.
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Trend 5: Energy Efficiency
These days we want gadgets that are not only high-performing and good-looking, but that also tread lightly on the earth. By nature, laundry appliances consume a lot of power, so it pays to invest in clean and green tech. “Always check the star energy rating and the WELS water consumption rating,” says Peter Simic. “The more stars on the label, the more efficient that machine is – though you should only compare star ratings on models with a similar capacity.”
Trend 6: Functional Design
Make everyday life a little easier with streamlined design and sleek accessories: the supporting act to your hard-working laundry appliances. “Add a hanging rail for delicates that require gentle drying,” suggests interior designer Jane Thomson. “There are a plethora of materials out there to choose from: black, chrome, timber, brass and powder-coated colours.” Laundry chutes are enjoying a resurgence, while inbuilt or pull-out hampers – concealed behind cabinetry – let you reclaim precious floor space. If space comes at a premium, try a wall-mounted, fold-down ironing board – just be sure to position power points accordingly.
An efficient washer and dryer are essential building blocks when creating a laundry you’ll love. View our full range of appliances in-store or online today, and for more inspiration, check out our laundry design ideas.
