KitchenAid products are a countertop staple and visual status symbol in many kitchens. From the classic Empire Red to Aqua Sky and Contour Silver, consumers are close to monitor the vision behind the #1 Mixer Brand in the World.
This morning’s announcement naming Spearmint the 2026 Color of the Year invites global inspiration to the kitchen. The brand doubled-down on their announcement, layering the shade with a unique Sand-texture finish.
“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,” explained Brittni Pertijs, Design Manager: Color, Material & Finish at Whirlpool Corporation. She added, “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.”
The brand’s COTY predictions dictate more than mixer sales. It influences how millions of homeowners will approach their home’s palette in the coming year. It inspires, drives change, and results in a channeled effort for renovating homeowners to coordinate backsplashes, countertops, dinnerware sets, and more.
Without even seeing the swatch, we know that spearmint is synonymous with refreshing. It’s different from their popular Pistachio and Cardamom hues. Minty-green is both bright and calming, yet you don’t see many consumers angling for it as a primary hue in their backsplash.
As a secondary color palette, it’s a vibe. It’s global, yet retro, and while you can’t convince me that last year’s Butter didn’t start with Molly Baz, when named Color of the Year, Butter soared in visibility.
We expect Spearmint to do the same, and based on the work that went into the texturing, it could be bigger: “The Sand Finish took our team some extra time to perfect, because getting it just right was essential for this year’s design," shared Pertijs. "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.”
Artisan® Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer ($549.99) is now available in Spearmint.
Bonus: From February 12-26, KitchenAid is running a Color of the Year Sweepstakes on KitchenAid.com. Five winners will receive a Spearmint Stand Mixer plus a matching, limited edition 36-inch Dual Fuel Commercial-Style Range.
Matte is Amazing
Matte finishes aren't new to the kitchen design conversation. In fact, it’s KitchenAid that keeps floating the aesthetic to the surface.
Back in September 2024, KitchenAid released its Design Series Stand Mixer in Evergreen, a deep forest green with a lush matte finish that caught everyone's attention. The brand paired it with their first-ever walnut bowl and brass-plated details, and its steadfast popularity signaled to us that matte surfaces weren’t just a passing trend.
Only now can we say it confidently: Matte moved from niche to mainstream.
The 2024 Evergreen launch wasn't an experiment—it was KitchenAid reading where design was heading. Homeowners have been choosing matte appliances because they photograph well, hide wear better, and create a cohesive look without feeling too polished. This finish works whether your style leans industrial, farmhouse, or contemporary. The prediction isn't surprising; it's confirmation of what's been building for months.
