At the start of each year, KitchenAid dives into global design trends to capture the cultural zeitgeist with its highly anticipated Color of the Year.
More than just an appliance, the KitchenAid stand mixer is a countertop icon; a cherished kitchen heirloom, and often the focal point of a well-designed space. Many homeowners even build their kitchens around it, using it as a bold statement piece as well as a time-saver in the kitchen – they really do make some of the best stand mixers on the market. That’s why I was just as excited as fellow kitchen professionals and design enthusiasts, as I watched the KitchenAid team pull back a dramatic velvet curtain to reveal the Color of the Year for 2025.
But when the moment arrived, the color was nothing like I had imagined. At Homes & Gardens, we’ve been debating it for days and it has divided our opinion. To settle the discussion, I turned to our experts, including Paint & Color Editor and Head of Interiors. Here's what we have to say.
KitchenAid Color of the Year 2025: Butter
KitchenAid explain that the shade of the year is inspired by every baker's best friend: butter. They add, 'The nostalgia associated with yellow spreads warmth and cherished memories, creating a heartwarming atmosphere like melted butter on toast.'
Our Color Editor, Emily Moorman, agrees that KitchenAid's retro shade is an energizing choice, that's not too far off Dulux's sunshiney color of the year: True Joy. Emily says, 'It could add the perfect pop of mood-boosting color to a neutral kitchen.'
However, our Head of Interiors, Hebe Hatton, says she expected a shade called 'Butter' to be much paler and softer. I have to agree; the brightness of this yellow really surprised me, too.
I tend to prefer the pastel-toned, buttery shades we've seen from Nordic kitchenware brands like Hay. KitchenAid's color is far too citrussy and bold for my tastes. Our color editor, Emily, concedes that KitchenAid's interpretation of butter yellow might be a little 'too playful' if you have a more traditional kitchen scheme.
Hebe continues, that although she can see the charm of the retro yellow shade, 'When it comes to anything in my kitchen I want it to be timeless, and yes that does often mean neutral. I am all for adding pops of color into my space, but they tend to be more subtle, rich tones like a deep red, dark brown, or a pale, more mustard-y hue. I can definitely imagine this yellow working in a kitchen where someone has been far braver with color than me. Against a glossy olive-tiled backsplash, KitchenAid's Butter shade would look so chic. But, alas I am a self-confessed colorphobe and will be sticking to my long-loved Almond Cream.'
Our favorite pale yellow picks
If you're keen on the butter color trend, we think these paler yellow tones might have more staying power in the years to come
This adorable cutting board is a low-lift way to add some brightness to your kitchen. It's only $24.60 – if you're still on the fence about committing to the butter-yellow trend.
We're obsessed with GreenPan's butter-toned pans. The shade is called 'Sunrise yellow', and it feels timeless – just like the durable build of these PFAS, PFOA, lead or cadmium-free pans.
Mackenzie-Childs are known for the cutest pastel pieces – and yellow is no exception. This utensil canister could add some country cottage charm to your cooking space.
When it comes to my personal opinion (as Homes & Gardens' Kitchen Appliances Editor and resident chef), I have echo the sentiment of thousands of social media fans, who left comments on KitchenAid's posts to say they'd been hoping for a chocolatey brown mixer this year.
This is exactly what we've seen from brands like Our Place, who recently dropped the most gorgeous Espresso brown duo of pots and pans – curated by Beyoncé's interior designer, Brigette Romanek. The limited-edition set has actually just arrived in my kitchen for testing – and I have to admit, the chic brown tone is already bringing timeless class and sophistication to my stovetop.
My favorite KitchenAid colors
These are my top three neutral shades from KitchenAid; timeless hues that will elevate your space without overpowering it.
I think that if you're spending hundreds of dollars on an appliance, you can't go wrong with neutral. This creamy tone exudes the timeless elegance of a Nancy Meyers classic, effortlessly blending into any kitchen aesthetic. Plus, it's currently on sale – over $100 off the original price at KitchenAid.
I have to champion my personal favorite KitchenAid color: the Evergreen Stand Mixer. Its deep olive green frame and walnut wood bowl add a natural touch that complements the wood countertops in my own kitchen. It’s a statement piece that blends trendy and timeless.
If you want to add a subtle twist to a neutral KitchenAid, swapping out the bowl is a nice idea. This Fresh Linen tone maintains a soft, timeless look, and it comes with a unique copper bowl that introduces a gentle warm hue to your space.
Whichever shade you prefer, one thing is for certain: shades inspired by our favorite food and drinks are a big trend for this year. It just depends on whether you'll go for a joyful slab of butter, a subtle splash of almond cream, or if you'll wait for KitchenAid to answer their fans with a sharp shot of espresso.
