Q: What can you share about the future of the Color of the Year program?
A: Our Color of the Year program is always evolving, inspired not only by the trends today but also the possibilities of tomorrow. We see this program as a way to stay agile by experimenting with new finishes and hues that capture the current trends while also anticipating what’s next in design.
 
Q: Can you tell us about the Whirlpool Color, Material & Finish team’s involvement in the KitchenAid Color of the Year Program?
A: The Color of the Year program is led by the Whirlpool Color, Finish and Material team. We spend years analyzing and discussing what we’re seeing in sociocultural, interior design, and aesthetic trends with our global team to help narrow in on our options. Then we track those conversations over the course of a few years to make sure that we’re still on trend before finalizing the color.

Q: Can you give a brief overview of the Color of the Year process from inspiration and identification to color creation? 
A: Our work on Color of the Year starts well before it’s revealed to consumers. As a global team, we’re constantly tracking cultural trends, studying emerging shades, and looking back at where the colors have been to understand where they’re going. We also tap into the consumer mindset to imagine the color through the unique KitchenAid lens. From there, our team of experts fine-tune every detail from the undertones to the saturation and finish to ensure that we get it just right.

Q: This year’s Color of the Year is encouraging customers to “step into the fresh side.” How does the spearmint color represent this? 
A: This year’s Color of the Year, Spearmint, feels like a mood booster - it’s positive, uplifting, and revitalizing. The new tactile sand finish adds a grounding touch, while the color itself offers a fresh outlook and moment of lightness, calling Makers to be more present in the moment and in the kitchen.

Q: From start to finish, how long did the selection for Spearmint take?
A: The spearmint design process took about three years, but the color has been on our team’s radar for even longer. As part of our trend forecasting we’ve been tracking the enduring presence of blues and greens that we were seeing in both fashion and interior trends. 

Q: Were there any particular broader design, fashion or lifestyle trends you spotted that led you to this selection?
A: One of the biggest trends we’ve been tracking is the lasting popularity of blues and greens in kitchens. Spearmint taps into that, with a digital edge that balances the two in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. We’re also seeing minty greens show up in interiors and fashion, which signals a broader cultural moment. On top of that, our research found that consumers are craving more sensorially designed spaces which is something developing this year’s Color of the Year.  

Q: How would you describe the Spearmint color?
A: Spearmint is a vibrant minty green with distinct blue undertones, paired with a new Sand finish that softens its brightness and gently diffuses the light. The result is a shade that feels grounding and energizing that radiates joy while also bringing a sense of calm.

Q: What are the ways that Spearmint differs from similar colors in the KitchenAid portfolio? 
A: Spearmint is a bit brighter than any of our other blues and greens that we have in the KitchenAid portfolio. It’s more blue than Pistachio. It’s more green than Mineral Water. It’s more vivid than Blossom. And it’s a lighter and bluer than Cardamom. Then, of course, the new sand finish is new to our portfolio outside of its use on the 2021 limited edition color, Light and Shadow.

Q: Were there any surprising or unique methods the team used to develop the Spearmint color?
A: Yes! This color has been in the works for years, evolving from a softer green with a glossy finish to the shade it is now. We drew inspiration from packaging in the beauty segment where there are a lot of bright and playful colors, then grounded it with textures like soft boucle or ceramic glaze for a comforting feel. A lot of the magic also happens in our model shop, where we work closely with our painters to fine-tune the vividness and texture until it’s just right. In the end it’s a great partnership in creating unique colors for KitchenAid that truly speak to the trend and feeling we want to tap into.

Q: Can you tell us about the process behind developing the Sand Texture? 
A: For Spearmint, we spent a lot of time getting the finish just right. We explored everything from glossy, matte, satin, and textured. Ultimately, we looked to mint leaves for inspiration and wanted to tap into the soft, subtle texture you only notice when you touch them. That led us to a sandy finish that feels both inviting to the eye and soft to the touch, which took a lot of development to perfect. 

Q: Are there any particular feelings, emotions or specific sensory experience you hope people will feel when they see Spearmint and the Sand Texture?
A: The sand finish is not a texture that you immediately notice with your eyes, but rather one that pulls you in and invites you to touch it. It has a subtle, grounding warmth that feels reminiscent of baking, cooking, and the moments we spend creating in the kitchen.

Q: What was the biggest challenge that the team faced when creating Spearmint?
A: The Sand Finish took our team some extra time to perfect, because getting it just right was essential for this year’s design. Sand texture can sometimes feel too rough, so our goal was to create a texture that felt inviting and home-inspired with a touch that’s smooth and welcoming.

Q: How would you recommend consumers incorporate Spearmint into their home? 
A: Spearmint is incredibly versatile. It can be a fresh pop against stainless steel or a perfect complement in a colorful kitchen. It pairs just as well with dark or light woods and works beautifully in both cool and warm spaces. Thanks to its blend of blues and greens, Spearmint can either stand out as a statement or seamlessly blend into its surroundings.

Q: What other KitchenAid colors or products work well with Spearmint? 
A: Spearmint is super versatile and pairs beautifully with so many colors. It naturally looks great alongside other blues and greens in the KitchenAid portfolio, like Matcha, Shaded Palm, Pebble Palm, Blue Velvet, Agave, and Mint Julep. But it also really pops when paired with rich purples and burgundies, such as Beetroot. Citrus colors also are a fun, playful match as well. As for products, we love pairing it with the Citrus Juice, Shave Ice Attachment and Ice Cream Bowl.