Every year, after a long period of market research and introspection, paint companies come out of the woodwork to proclaim their “color of the year.” These attempts to capture the design zeitgeist can often reveal interesting associations between mood and color, as the most recent round of trend forecasting saw.
And as it turns out, the world of kitchenware has a thing or two to say about the role of color in our homes, too—at least if KitchenAid’s bright, bold choice for their own color of the year is any indication. This week, the 102-year-old appliance company, which is known for its sleek line of stand mixers and blenders, unveiled Honey as its 2021 Color of the Year. The choice expanded the brand’s already-broad palette to include a golden-orange territory that’s sure to stand out on any kitchen countertop.
As its name suggests, Honey is all about joy and sweetness. While 2021 colors of the year from paint brands tended to emphasize our desires for wellness, calm, and healing at a time when our homes play a more prominent role in our lives, KitchenAid thinks Honey emphasizes the sense of harmony and community that results from people coming together—ideally over a fresh batch of cookies. As a look book on KitchenAid’s website attests, Honey is perfectly capable of playing nicely with classic, midcentury modern styles, and even more eclectic kitchen design motifs.
“For KitchenAid, it has become increasingly evident that the warmth of humanity is paramount,” KitchenAid global marketing director Jon Bellante said in a press release. “Honey isn’t just a product we use in recipes around the globe; it’s an invitation to connect and a reminder of the joy that comes from collaboration.”
The idea of an appliance brand jumping into the color of the year conversation might seem unexpected, but KitchenAid’s history proves it’s certainly earned a say when it comes to inspiring shades. Launching their first colorful product back in 1955, their iconic Artisan Stand Mixer is now sold in more than 40 tones ranging from Aqua Sky to Empire Red to Matte Black. Along the way, the collection has proven that self-expression in the kitchen isn’t limited to what you cook, but extends to the tools at your disposal as well.
Should this trending kitchen color strike your fancy, KitchenAid’s K400 Blender and Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer are now available in Honey. Though we may not be able to come together with as many friends and family members in our kitchens as we’d like to these days, there’s no doubt that Honey will have us looking forward to brighter, sweeter days ahead.
