I am moving into a new apartment in a few months and as a graduation
gift, my parents said they would buy me a washer/dryer. I am in love
with this washing machine:
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=APPL&pid=02645089000

however, it is very expensive. My parents are OK with spending the
extra cash for a front loader because they are so much more efficient,
however my mom thinks that because this is such a large machine, any
efficiency savings (justifying spending the extra $ for a front
loader) would be lost because it is way more washing machine than I
need (I am single & childless), and thinks I should find a smaller
front loader. So my question is, when looking at energy ratings etc,
do they take into account the size of the washer/dryer and include
doing small loads, or is the effeciency based on doing maximum sized
loads?

Basically, I want to be able to justify asking for this machine for
reasons other than it is orange and beautiful. If not, are there any
other readily available machines that are available in orange that
might be more reasonably priced?

That sure is a monster of a machine. You can buy smaller front loaders
(aka horizontal axis and H-axis) but they aren't all that less
expensive. Used ones are much cheaper. There are even washer/dryer
units in one!

A small load run in this (or any H-axis) machine will still use less
water than a standard washer.

One argument for H-axis washers is that they are inherently gentler on
clothes. You may see a savings on the back end from that. Run that one
by your folks. Besides, washers last years (sometimes decades) so you
might be not single and not childless sooner than when you need a new
washer.

Consumer Reports can be consulted for their washer ratings, which
include H-axis units.

Appliance paint in a pile of colors is cheap and readily available
from any small hardware store (don't go to Home Despot or it's
competitor, go to a neighborhood store and tell them what you are
doing). I have painted my dryer in a zebra pattern.

[For everyone that just muttered under their breath, the answer is "
'Cuz I was bored one Saturday!"]

Kudos on your graduation!