THE BEAUTY OF NEW POSSIBILITIES
YOU CAN FEEL IT IN THE AIR – THE HINT OF SOMETHING FRESHER, LIGHTER, MORE PROMISING...
You can see it all around you, the earth brimming with new life. It’s spring, the season that stirs something hopeful in all of us; the desire to turn a new page – to stretch, to grow, to renew. And maybe this spring more than any other, we’re ready to turn off survival mode and take on new possibilities.
SO LET’S RELEASE A COLLECTIVE EXHALE BECAUSE WE DID IT...
We made it through the long winter. Let’s breathe in the satisfaction that comes with mastering a new recipe or discovering new ways to create. And let’s get started by plugging in our Stand Mixers, igniting burners on our cooktops, firing up our ovens, digging into some fresh inspiration – from nature – for who we are and the way we make.
DREAM SPACE
As we open the windows and let the spring air in, we’re filled with the desire to revitalize and reimagine our surroundings. We talked to Jessica McConnell, Director, Whirlpool Color, Finish & Material Design about trends in color to keep in mind as we breathe new life into our spaces. She shared that earth tones are very much at the forefront of design right now:
”What we’re seeing is a lot of earthiness of every color so everything is kind of toned down. It looks like there’s a little piece of earth in everything. You see a lot of earthy pastels, a lot of beiges, warm tones and softer shapes because there’s a cozy thing going on.”
TAKING INSPIRATION FROM MOTHER EARTH
To create that warm, earthy vibe McConnell shared some of the things she loves to incorporate in her surroundings.
CONNECTING WITH THE EARTH AND EACH OTHER
McConnell first saw earth tones cropping up in design a couple of years back when she was in Italy. The desire to connect with nature and the “desire to connect together as a human race... a yearning for community...” – as McConnell puts it – has really been gaining momentum over the past few years and has impacted every single trend out there. She believes that the renaissance of warm, natural colors is, in part, a backlash to technology “...it’s a way of combating tech fatigue...” she says, which has really been compounded by quarantine and people spending so much time alone, in front of screens. As we dream of unplugging and reconnecting, there’s a movement away from shiny blacks and cold metallics and a movement towards warm metals, desaturated colors, matte finishes and more natural forms.
scroll to continue
START A NEW STORY
The way you incorporate trends can evolve and grow over time. The beauty of earth tones is that there are a lot of neutrals in the palette so they can work with lots of different colors seamlessly. Here are some tips from Jessica McConnell on how to start telling a new story with earth tones.
scroll to continue
START SMALL, THEN GRADUALLY BUILD
Upgrade your Stand Mixer with a new bowl, KitchenAid has lots of colors, textures and finishes to choose from to reflect your new style without a big investment.
Throw pillows and blankets are an easy way to change things up.
Put some things away. Make room for a few new things that reflect the moment.
Think about layering. Add a new rug on top of your old one to freshen things up.
Bring in a little nature with a few plants.
Add a few new dish towels in natural fibers, look for utensils or a utensil holder in earthier colors.
Paint a wall. This is a small investment with a lot of design “ROI.”
scroll to continue
STORIES EVERY GREAT GARDEN BEGINS WITH A GREAT DESIGN
Many of us have been longing for months to push outside, to dig in the dirt and plant something new. But where to begin? Do you start with seeds or plants, raised or in ground beds? Discover how to let inspiration be your guide.
BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN
Adding a little bit of the earth inside is a great way to make your home feel more alive. Including plants in your kitchen decor is not only a fun way to add color and texture, but having herbs, specifically, at your fingertips makes cooking more spontaneous and creative. Start small with a hanging herb garden or go big with floor plants that make a bold statement. Here are some of our favorite ways to decorate with plants in the kitchen.
PLANTING ART IN THE KITCHEN
Kitchens can be a great canvas for creating a little “plant art” and window sills can be a perfect spot to start but you’ll want to consider how much, and what kind of light you have before you get growing.
scroll to continue
THE MAGIC OF AIR PLANTS
A popular and super low maintenance way to add a little green into your kitchen decor is with Air Plants. These plants are epiphytes which mean they grow without soil in bright light. The only real care they require is a little misting about once a week to keep them hydrated. These plants thrive in warmer conditions so the kitchen could be the ideal spot to keep them happy. If your plant flowers, you know it’s getting what it needs. Once the flowers start to turn brown just snip them off and they should bloom again. These plants work well in terrariums and you often see them in hanging glass globes which can look great in a window that doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight.
scroll to continue
PLANT A STATEMENT
A great way to add interest to a kitchen is with a wall feature and installing a vertical herb garden in your kitchen combines style and function. We’ve seen Makers create beautiful hanging herb gardens with wall pocket planters or by mounting matching pots on wooden frames. If space limitations are a concern consider planting herbs in matching mason jars or in a hanging window planter. To keep things streamlined and clean choose pots in styles and colors that complement your existing kitchen decor.
As a general rule, more tropical looking plants or plants with big, glossy leaves like Rubber Trees, Monstera Deliciosa or Snake Plants look great in contemporary or mid-century spaces while more romantic plants like lacey ferns and flowering plants including African Violets lend themselves to a country or rustic vibe. But as is true of all rules, they’re meant to be broken.
scroll to continue
scroll to continue
Welcome to Loria’s world
Discover how this California native draws on the inspiration of the natural beauty surrounding her to create works of art that are also delectable.
STORIES Portrait of a Maker: Loria Stern
Loria Stern is an LA based chef and baker who creates food inspired by nature and made with all natural ingredients. Edible flowers grace her cookies and secret garden focaccias with wit, whimsy and a little something wild. Discover how Stern has created over 100,000 “art pieces” with her KitchenAid® Stand Mixer and the “imperfectly perfect” beauty of flowers.
TIPS FOR MAKING WITH EDIBLE FLOWERS
How are edible flowers used to flavor foods and what are the most popular varieties – find out more about how to incorporate the delicate beauty of edible flowers in a variety of drinks and dishes.
EATING WITH YOUR EYES
There are few things more visually intoxicating than a dish composed with fresh, colorful blossoms – a cookie or cake enhanced with delicate flower petals. With a little knowledge and a few simple tips you can add the beautiful and expressive “language” of edible flowers to your culinary arsenal.
scroll to continue
POPULAR EDIBLE FLOWERS
Calendula - These bright orange and yellow flowers are often compared to saffron and have a taste ranging from tangy to peppery. Toss a few in a salad for a pop of color and a little extra zest.
English Lavender - Every part of this plant is edible and the flowers impart a slightly earthy, minty flavor. Sprinkle a few of the buds over ice cream or in a glass of champagne.
Pansies - These vibrant flowers have been described as “grassy” or even minty. Crystallizing or candying blossoms like these is a classic way to elevate a cake or finish a pastry.
Pineapple Sage - The leaves of this plant smell strongly of pineapple and the base of the brilliant red flowers contain a sweet nectar. Make a tea with them or use them to infuse pineapple juice before turning it into a sorbet.
Nasturtiums - Often compared to the taste of watercress, these beautiful orange blossoms have a slightly peppery taste with a mustard-like scent. Include them in a vinaigrette or as a garnish for a dip.
Bachelor Buttons - Mild in flavor, these intensely colored flowers bring a hint of sweet spice to dishes and are perfect for creating colorful, edible confetti.
Flower tip from Loria Stern
Give yourself the freedom to experiment. Edible flowers can react in different ways when heated and different ingredients may bring out surprising flavor notes. For instance, Stern likes the way Borage turns grey when it’s baked. You’ll find distinctive colors and flavors to suit your tastes too when you start exploring.
Here are a few important things to keep in mind before you start creating with edible flowers.
• Look for flowers that have been organically grown, without pesticides or other sprays.
• Do your research, it’s vitally important to understand which flowers, and which parts of the flowers are edible. Even though the petals or blossoms may be edible, the stems and leaves may not be.
• Don’t pick flowers from the roadside, look for culinary-grade flowers from a reputable farmer’s market, florist, grocery store or online.
• If you’re growing edible flowers in your own garden keep in mind it’s best to pick them early in the morning. Wash them in cold water and let air dry. If you’re not using immediately wrap them in a damp paper towel and store in the fridge for up to a week.
• Once your flowers have been cleaned and dried, lay them flat on a piece of parchment, cover with another sheet of parchment and press between the pages of a heavy book.
scroll to continue
scroll to continue
STORIES HEIRLOOM PRODUCE – DECADES IN THE MAKING
A purple tomato, a yellow carrot, a black radish, we’re talking about heirlooms. Discover more about how these open-pollinators contribute to our plates and our planet.
HITTING REFRESH
As spring gets underway, the pace of life speeds up. The to do lists get longer with the days. It’s more important than ever to carve out a little time to refresh. The natural rhythms and sounds of the kitchen – the chopping, kneading, mixing and stirring – can be a meditative and restorative experience in and of itself. But getting organized and finding a spot to take a few deep, cleansing breaths can be helpful in creating a calm environment as well. Here are a few tips for making a peaceful oasis right in your kitchen.
FIND YOUR BLISS
The goal with any meditative space is to create a simple, uncluttered place where you can take a moment to center your day and clear your mind. Think about the appliances in your space. An organized refrigerator will help you feel more in control and a quiet dishwasher helps create calm. The KitchenAid® FreeFlex™ dishwasher has the largest third rack available* and at only 44 dBA it won’t disturb your “peace.”
scroll to continue
Our sense of smell has the power to stir up emotions that can evoke a memory or alter our state of mind...
The scent of something delicious cooking on the stove or in the oven, a pot of fresh herbs, a vase of cut flowers, an indoor plant – all of these can instantly impact mood or trigger happy associations. And don’t forget to open the windows and breathe in through your nose – hold it, hold it – then breathe out through your mouth.
scroll to continue
scroll to continue
Pinch Of Help AN UNCLUTTERED MIND BEGINS WITH AN UNCLUTTERED SPACE
There’s something deeply satisfying – and even calming – about opening up a clean, well organized refrigerator. Find the best ways to maximize space and store your groceries so they stay fresh longer in How to Organize Your Fridge.
Pinch Of Help ROOT TO STEM COOKING – SMART AND SUSTAINABLE
Snout to tail cooking has been popular for a while but the concept works for produce as well. Discover How to Cook More Sustainably by using every stem, seed, stalk and peel in soups, sauces, stocks and more.
SPRING LOOKBOOK COLLECTION
FEATURED RECIPES
APPLIANCE SALES TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPECIAL OFFERS
Find special savings on KitchenAid® appliances.
