Our New Whirlpool Duets in Diamond Steel [and all the Heart Eyes Emojis]

If you follow @chrislovesjulia on Instagram--which you really should; I frequently post little project updates there when I am struggling to find time to post beefy updates here--you saw that our new washer and dryer arrived for the laundry room this weekend!

First, a little backstory. While we were adding a window to the living room earlier this year, which we special ordered through Lowe's, they (Lowe's) got wind of our project and loved how it turned out. I received an email from their Senior PR specialist saying they have been watching our work for some time and would love to work with us on an upcoming project. At this point, we were starting to make plans for the laundry room and they were very excited about it and wanted to be involved in any way they could. Lowe's. Lowe's! #pinchme. They guided us when it came to the recessed lighting for the room, helped me find a tiny sink that would fit in that base cabinet pictured above (still on its way), and let us pick out a washer and dryer for the space. It's a total honor to work with the loveliest people at Lowe's and we feel beyond grateful for their generosity and support in this laundry room project.

The washer and dryer--total stunners, right? We zeroed in on the Whirlpool Duet line (this washer and this dryer) because they had nearly 500 5 star reviews. What did we all do before online reviews anyway?! It comes in a few different colors, but the Diamond Steel finish felt like it would be fresh, but not lost, within our white cabinetry and walnut counters, and tie into the stainless steel appliances that we'll be installing in the adjacent kitchen. We really wanted this laundry room to feel like another part of our home--to blend seamlessly and not feel like an afterthought or a utility room only. And it's really getting there!

So this weekend, amid bonfires, yard work, and barbecues, I did load after load of laundry and for the first time--I was happy about it. Ha! I still have to break out the manual and give it a good read because I'm sure there is so much I have yet to learn with these dreamy machines, but right off the bat here are a few of my favorite features about the washer.

It can wash AND dry a small load! I can imagine this is really nice if, for instance, we remembered Greta has her soccer game first thing in the morning and it's midnight before we remembered to wash her uniform. Instead of staying up to change loads, we can just set it to that. I also like the idea of the delay wash feature, so I can set it to start in a couple hours if we're having a dinner party or won't be home. I did use the steam clean, EcoBoost (repeatedly!) and FanFresh buttons this weekend. We were headed to a barbecue and I threw a load in but wasn't sure when we'd be back. I hit FanFresh and when we came home the clothes were tumbling inside with a light fan going to keep them from getting that mildewy smell--you know the one.

And the Control Lock button is a favorite…for obvious adorable reasons. ;)

The dryer has a swanky drum light, wrinkle release buttons and they both have music-to-my ears sounds when you press a button--which absolutely makes a difference. Gone is the loud horn signaling it's time to change the laundry. Huzzah! Now laundry feels fun and is easy on the eyes, too.

All of our thanks to Lowe's for partnering with us on this project and sending the Whirlpool Duet 7.3 cu ft Stackable Electric Dryer with Steam Cycle in Diamond Steel and matching Whirlpool Duet 4.5 cu ft High Efficiency Washer with Steam Cycle in Diamond Steel our way.