cookie
cutters
bringing joy for three decades
BY A.J. FLICK
“ C o o k i e c u t t e r ” h a s c o m e t o m e a n i t e m s s o i d e n t i c a l t h e y ’ re
b o r i n g B u t t h e re ’ s n o t h i n g a b o u t c o o k i e c u t t e r m a k e r A n n
C l a r k L t d t h a t ’ s b o r i n g
No w i n i t s f o u r t h d e c a d e a n d a t t h e
t o p o f t h e m a r k e t , A n n C l a r k L t d . i s
w o r t h m i l l i o n s c h u r n i n g o u t m u c h -
s o u g h t - a f t e r c o o k i e c u t t e r s
I n a d d i t i o n t o i n n o v a t i v e s h a p e s o f
c o o k i e c u t t e r s – p i n k g u i t a r c o o k i e s f o r a
Ta y l o r S w i f t f a n , a n yo n e ? – t h e c o m p a n y,
u n d e r t h e l e a d e r s h i p o f A n n C l a r k’s s o n ,
B e n , h a s b e e n e x p a n d i n g i t s p ro d u c t s t o
i n c l u d e m i x e s t h a t m a k e c o o k i e s a n d
o t h e r b a k e d g o o d i e s , d e c o r a t i o n s ,
f l a v o r i n g s a n d b a k i n g s u p p l i e s f r o m
p a rc h m e n t p a p e r t o ro l l i n g p i n s .
B e n C l a r k’s e x c i t e m e n t s h o w s a s h e
t a l k s a b o u t t h e
b u s i n e s s o f c o o k i e
c u t t e r s , e s p e c i a l l y t h e
c o m p a n y ’ s e x p a n s i o n
i n t o m i x e s “ I t ’ s a l l a b o u t t h e
i n g re d i e n t s , ” s a i d t h e
n a t i v e o f Ve r m o n t , w h e re t h e b u s i n e s s i s
h e a d q u a r t e re d . “ G re a t
f o o d c o m e s f ro m g re a t
i n g re d i e n t s “ I t ’ s a b o u t t a k i n g
c l a s s i c , f a v o r i t e f o o d s
t o a n o t h e r l e v e l ”
A n n C l a r k L t d d o e s n’t d e l e g a t e i t s f o o d i n g re d i e n t s t o a
c o p a c k e r.
“ We ’ re b r i n g i n g e v e r y t h i n g i n h o u s e, ” C l a r k s a i d . “ I f yo u
w a n t t o m a k e s o m e t h i n g g re a t , yo u h a v e t o c o n t ro l e v e r y p a r t o f t h e p ro c e s s W h e n w e d o
v e r y t h i n g s m a l l b a t c h , w e
e t t h e q u a l i t y w e w a n t . ” T h a t g o e s f o r i t s c o o k i e
u t t e r s , t o o
“ O n t h e o n e h a n d , i t m a k e s i t m o re d i f fi c u l t f o r
s , ” h e s a i d “ B u t o n t h e
t h e r, i t ’ s e a s y t o s c h e d u l e
h i n g s o n yo u r o w n t i m e.
Yo u ’ re n o t w a i t i n g o n o t h e r
e o p l e ”
I n t h e e a r l y ye a r s o f t h e
o m p a n y, c o o k i e c u t t e r s w e r e s e n t o u t o f h o u s e t o m e e t d e m a n d . O v e r t h e ye a r s , t h o u g h , t h e
c o m p a n y l e a r n e d
t h a t b r i n g i n g t h e m h o m e , m a k i n g t h e m a t 3 0 0 a t a t i m e , l e n t a
f l e x i b i l i t y t h a t i t c o u l d n’t g e t f r o m
o u t s i d e r s W h e n t h e
s e a s o n s c h a n g e , t h e c o m p a n y
o r n b re a d a n d s c o n e s
“ We ’ re w o r k i n g o n f o n d a n t , ” C l a r k s a i d “ T h e re a re s e v e r a l
o u t t h e re o n t h e m a r k e t , b u t w e t h i n k w e h a v e t h e b e t t e r
re c i p e ”
T h e c o m p a n y i s t e s t i n g c h o c o l a t e c a k e m i x e s , e x p e r i m e n t i n g
w i t h a d d i n g f l a v o r s s u c h a s c o f f e e ( t h e re ’ s a l re a d y E s p re s s o
B a k i n g Po w d e r i n t h e l i n e u p ) .
B e n C l a r k d i d n’t s e t o u t t o w o r k t h e f a m i l y b u s i n e s s
“ I w a s l i v i n g i n A n n a p o l i s , b u t w a n t e d t o m o v e t o Ve r m o n t
t o r a i s e m y k i d s , ” s a i d C l a r k , w h o s e p a re n t s l i k e w i s e m o v e d
f ro m M a r y l a n d t o Ve r m o n t t o r a i s e t h e i r k i d s . “ M y d a d w a s
s i c k a n d t h a t ’ s a l s o w hy I m o v e d b a c k ”
C l a r k’s s i s t e r a l s o w o r k e d f u l l t i m e i n t h e c o m p a n y, u n t i l s h e
c u t b a c k t o b e a f u l l - t i m e m o m .
“ Ye s , t h e re a re s o m e t r i a l s a n d t r i b u l a t i o n s w o r k i n g w i t h
f a m i l y, ” h e s a i d , l a u g h i n g “ B u t I g e t t o s e e m y m o m e v e r y d a y
A n d ye s , s h e s t i l l t h i n k s I ’ m a n 8 - ye a r - o l d b oy T h a t d o e s n’t g o
a w a y. I h a v e g i r l s i n t h e i r 2 0 s a n d I t h i n k o f t h e m a s b e i n g 8 . ”
R e m e m b e r t h e p i n k g u i t a r c o o k i e s ? T h o s e w e re m a d e i n
h o n o r o f a t t e n d i n g a Ta y l o r S w i f t E r a s t o u r c o n c e r t w i t h h i s
d a u g h t e r s . “ I t ’ s a l s o n e a t t h a t s o m e t h i n g m y p a re n t s s t a r t e d a s a f u n
p ro j e c t h a s n o w t u r n e d i n t o a t h r i v i n g b u s i n e s s , ” C l a r k s a i d
“ I t ’ s s t i l l e x c i t i n g f o r m y m o m t o s e e t h e n a m e A n n C l a r k i n a l l
s o r t s o f p l a c e s . ”
A c o n v e r s a t i o n w i t h B e n C l a r k m e a n s t h e w o rd “ j oy ” c o m e s
u p a l o t – n o t t h a t i t ’ s a b a d t h i n g f o r t h e C E O o f a
mu l t i m i l l i o n - d o l l a r c o m p a n y t o e m p h a s i z e j oy
“ W h e n yo u m a k e s o m e t h i n g f u n a n d h a n d i t t o s o m e b o d y, t o
s e e t h e j oy o n t h e i r f a c e i s a w e s o m e, ” h e s a i d “ I t d o e s n’t h a v e t o
b e a P i c a s s o, j u s t h a v e f u n
w i t h i t .
“ I t ’ s t h e j o y o f m a k i n g
s o m e t h i n g , ” h e s a i d “ I ’ v e
s e e n a l l s i d e s o f t h e j oy o f
m a k i n g f u n t h i n g s . W h e n
yo u d o a p re s e n t a t i o n a n d
p e o p l e a r r i v e t o s e e
b e a u t i f u l , d e c o r a t e d c o o k i e s
– b u t u s u a l l y i t ’ s o n t h e
e a t i n g e n d – yo u s e e t h e
r e a c t i o n , m a k i n g p e o p l e
h a p py w i t h s o m e t h i n g yo u m a d e.
“ I t ’ s a n a f f o rd a b l e l u x u r y, ”
C l a r k s a i d “ Pe o p l e a r e
g e t t i n g p i n c h e d e v e r y d a y
a n d yo u m a k e a b e a u t i f u l
d e s s e r t t h a t m a k e s p e o p l e
h a p py ”
I n a d d i t i o n t o o p t i m i z i n g
i t s w e b s i t e t o i n c l u d e h e l p f u l
t u t o r i a l v i d e o s a n d s t o r i e s ,
A n n C l a r k L t d . h a s t a p p e d
i n t o t h e p o w e r o f s o c i a l
m e d i a t o w i d e n i t s re a c h O n t h e c o m p a n y I n s t a g r a m p a g e,
b e g i n n e r c o o k i e b a k e r s l e a r n f ro m a g ro u p o f e x p e r i e n c e d
c o o k i e d e c o r a t o r s . “ E v e r yo n e s h a re s w h a t t h e y ’ v e d o n e, ” C l a r k s a i d “ I t ’ s a f u n
g ro u p o f a m a z i n g l y t a l e n t e d p e o p l e A n d w e ’ v e b e c o m e f r i e n d s
“ T h e y j u s t w a n t t o s h a re t h e i r e x p e r i e n c e s w i t h o t h e r p e o p l e
a n d b e i n v o l v e d , b e a v a i l a b l e – s o m e t i m e s i n t h e m i d d l e o f t h e
n i g h t , t h e y ’ l l t e x t t o t e l l s o m e o n e h o w t o s o l v e a p ro b l e m I t ’ s
a n a m a z i n g g ro u p o f w o m e n a n d i t ’ s p re t t y n e a t f o r m e – a n d a
l i t t l e b i t h u m b l i n g, ” h e s a i d . KN
P E T is where the IS HOME
pet product trends reflect changing demographics in ownerships
BY A J FLICK
Perhaps ever y dog has had its day
“ We were a dog and cat wor ld,” Pete Scott, president and CEO of the American Pet Products Association said in a presentation at The Inspired Home Show 2025 on pet retail “But for the first time in our annual sur vey, cat ownership has increased over dog ownership.”
And, sorr y dogs, but your guy may have a new best friend.
Millennial and Gen Z men are obtaining more pets and many of them are choosing cats F if ty-eight percent of Gen Z and 63 percent of Millennial dog owners are men, a 15.2 percent and 18.6 percent increase from 2023, respectively, according to APPA’s
annual state of the industr y report In a surprise to APPA, the most significant growth in cat ownership was among Gen Z and Millennial men, with 38 percent of Gen Z and 46 percent of Millennial cat owners being men, a 17.8 percent and 23.9 percent increase from 2023, respectively
“ We believe in our post-COVID wor ld, cats are easier to have in a work from home wor ld,” Scott said. “Cats are less expensive to keep in this time of inflation ”
APPA’s annual report shows that pets are redefining the hybrid work model. Fourteen percent of people report that their workplace allows pets, a 17 percent increase from 2023.
Most human resources professionals and senior leaders believe
pets benefit the workplace, APPA says. Eighty percent agree that a pet-friend ly workplace helps recruit and retain the best talent, while 75 percent think it helps drive return-to-office efforts
Younger generations are choosing pets before having children, he said.
The total U S pet industr y expenditures reached $152 billion in 2024 and is projected to have $157 billion in sales this year, according to the APPA report.
“ The pet industr y continues to demonstrate resilience, even amid economic uncertainty,” Scott said in releasing the report. “ W hat ’ s encouraging is that pet ownership itself is expanding, with 94 million U.S. households now owning at least one pet, up from 82 million in 2023
“ These figures reaffirm that pet care remains a top priority for Americans, reflecting the deep and lasting bond between people and their pets, especially with the Millennials and Gen Zs who are more likely to have mu l t i p l e p e t s t h a n t h e i r B o om e r a n d G e n X counterparts.”
Scott shared findings of the report at TIHS, inc luding that 77 percent of U S pet owners say the current economy has not affected their pet ownership
However, pet owners are worried about affordability and access to pet ser vices and veterinar y care Thirtyseven percent of U S pet owners are concerned about ac c e s s t o ve t e r i n a r y c a re, w i t h 6 0 p e rc e n t c i t i n g affordability and 32 percent saying ease of getting an appointment as their top concerns Twenty-two percent are concerned about access to pet care ser vices, with 38 percent citing affordability and 31 percent saying ease of getting an appointment as their top concerns
O verall, pet ownership has increased for both dogs and cats, with 51 percent of U S households (68 million) owning a dog and 37 percent of U.S. households (49 million) owning a cat
In 2024, Gen Z comprised 20 percent (18 8 million) of U.S. households that owned a pet, a 43.5 percent i n c re a s e f rom 2 0 2 3 . G e n Z a l s o c on t r i b u t e d t o significant growth in dog and cat ownership, making up 20 percent of both dog and cat owners, an 18 percent and 25 percent increase from 2023, respectively.
Seventy percent of Gen Z pet owners have two or more pets
W hen it comes to shopping for their pets, consumers are showing a big omnichannel presence. F if ty-one percent of buyers typically shop for pet products online, with 47 percent of buyers shopping for pet products instore.
Gen Z ’ s fondness for pets, particular ly having multiple pets at home, is displayed in their use of social media to find products
“ W hat ’ s particular ly exciting is how they discover and engage with pet products,” said Ingrid Chu, APPA’s vice p re s i d e n t o f i n s i g h t s a n d re s e a rc h “ S o c i a l m e d i a platforms like T ikTok, YouTube and Instagram play a crucial role in their purchasing decisions. As pet brands look to the future, leveraging visual and digital-first strategies will be key to capturing the attention of this rapid ly growing demographic.”
Continued to page 8
Continued from page 7
One of the most encouraging trends among younger pet people is that they love not only pampering their animals – they throw them parties, making a big opportunity for retailers to provide special occasion products
These pet owners who humanize the animals they live with also spring for human-grade food for them, Scott said
This year, the International Housewares Association invited APPA members to exhibit at The Inspired Home Show. Products ranged from whimsical chew toys with popular brands, to coz y beds using the latest materials such as memor y foam and use of computer technolog y, such as a feeder that only opens for a particular pet based on the animal’s embedded chip.
As with the rest of us in this fast-paced human wor ld, our pets are getting stress relief Near l y 80 percent of Gen Z dog owners and about 70 percent c at owners use c alming products, with 72 percent of Millennial dog owners and 66 percent of c at owners using them
Pet retailers would be wise to offer the growing segment of pet owners products such as specialized dishware, more pet accessories and capitalize on products for pet celebrations, Scott said.
The times we live in also have an influence on the non-canine or non-feline animals we share our homes (or in this case, our yards) with. According to APPA, rising egg costs have brought back the numbers of backyard chicken ownership.
Eleven million U S households own backyard chickens, a 28 percent increase from 2023 No word yet on whether the humans are throwing parties for them, too. KN
PENDING patent
Inventor Creates Group to Help Fellow Innovators
BY A J FLICK
As the United States marks its 250th birthday this year, it ’ s noteworthy that our first president, George Washington, asked Congress to establish the Patent Act of 1790 and soon signed the first patent
As Washington’s Secretar y of State – later our third president, Thomas Jefferson ser ved as one of the first patent officers Jefferson also was an avid inventor, though some will say he was more of an innovator
“ The fact is that one idea leads to another, that to a 3d, and so on thro’ a course of time,” Jefferson wrote in 1818, “ until some one, with whom no one of these ideas was original, combines all together, and produces what is justly called a new invention ”
Coke Morgan Stewart, director of the U S Patent Office,
mentioned the office’s historic beginnings speaking in May before the 2025 National Inventors Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony “ Ever since the creation of this unique sy stem to protect the r ights of inventors, the United S tates has been the wor ld ’ s g re a t e s t i n n o v a t i o n p
undersecretar y of commerce for intellectual proper t y “Almost 70 years af ter the first patent grant, President Abraham Lincoln stated in his usual eloquence that, and I quote: ‘ The patent sy stem added the fuel of interest to the fire of genius ’
“His simple and astute obser vation remains as true today as it was almost 170 years ago. Indeed, these ver y words are etched into the stone above the Department of Commerce headquarters
Continued from page 9
building in Washington, D.C.,” Stewart said.
There is no shortage of inventors seeking patents. In fiscal year 2023, the patent office received more than 460,000 new patent filings and granted more than 346,000 patents
Self-dec lared “serial inventor ” Brian Fried knows how hard it is to be successful and the rewards of getting an invention to market
“I think that different stages of my life have made me aware of things,” Fried said. “Especially growing up, I would take things apart – not in an aggressive way, but in a curious way ”
Inventors are keenly aware of the way things work – and don’t work – around them, he said.
“ There are so many things happening a ro u n d yo u , ” h e s a i d “ Pe o p l e s t o p watching people and they see themselves and what they ’ re doing and say, ‘I think this can be done better ’”
“ I nve n t i n g i s c re a t i n g a s o l u t i on , solving a problem to make something b e t t e r, ” s a i d S h a w n Tay l o r, w h o s e SureCover utensil protectors are sold at L owe ' s, Walmart and on Amazon.
Now, Fried has numerous patents to his name and products in mass retail, home shopping channels, catalogs and online re t a i l e r s t h ro u g h p ro d u c t a n d b r a n d licensing and manufacturing At the time we talked, he was negotiating yet another deal with As Seen on TV Chances are, if you ’ re up late at night channel surfing, you ’ ve seen ads on products he’s touched in some way
Taylor relied on Fried to get her utensil protectors to market
“I was in the midd le of being about to lose ever ything from a company that did not keep their word,” she said “ Then I found Brian on LinkedIn and told him what was going on. ”
W ithin a week, Fried convinced the company to fulfill its promises to her
Taylor ’ s inventions were inspired by a family tragedy. Her daughter was in a severe car accident, actually dec lared dead at one but, but re vived on a ventilator. Slowly, her daughter healed and eventually was able to go home
But he had to start somewhere, which was reaching out to a local inventors group in L ong Island, N.Y., 25 years ago. Af ter a few years, his inventor ’ s brain whispered, “ This is good, but I think it can be done better ” He found a similar group in W isconsin that coordinated with that state’s economic development division
In due time, Fried contacted his local government and soon had his own group and began running another in Suffolk and Nassau counties on L ong Island The two groups merged in 2018 to form one of the largest inventors c lubs in the countr y, with help from the Small Business Development Center, a division of the Small Business Administration
The National Inventor Club held in-person meetings up to the COVID pandemic. The need to hold virtual meetings also led to a higher profile for the group, which now inc ludes many inventors outside of the United S tates G uests inc lude exper ts from government agencies, marketers, motivational and inspirational speakers.
“I bring experts in,” Fried said, “not just somebody with an opinion My goal is to keep listeners ”
In more than 14 years, the National Inventor Club has attracted more than 10,000 unique attendees.
“I absolutely love it,” Fried said “ That ’ s what keeps me going, getting feedback and watching other people be successful ”
Fried also coaches fellow inventors and even ser ves as a one-man “Shark Tank” at times.
“I love doing deals,” he said “I love seeing the inventor and how proud they are seeing their product out in retail ”
O n h e r d a u g h t e r ’ s n e x t b i r t h d ay, Taylor hosted a small family reunion and celebration in her back yard. Each year, the birthday celebration got bigger and bigger
“But I was always at the tables, c leaning spoons, ” Taylor said “I never got to take part in the festivities.”
In 2018, she was making sure flies didn’t set up homes on her utensils when she heard a “ laugh that came from the bottom of the stomach,” she recalled
“I don’t know what the joke was, ” Taylor said. “ W hatever it was, I missed it.”
If only there were a way to protect ser ving utensils from flies without constant tending, she thought
Two weeks later, she started a patent search for ways to cover utensils and eventually, she received her patent for the SureCover utensil rest
“Getting a patent is always a real fearful process, ” she said. “I was not sure about how to do anything.
“But by bringing Brian on as my coach – now I know someone is on my side, on my team, who has me in their best interest and 20 something years of experience.”
Taylor advises fledgling inventors to understand what the problem is that their invention solves
“F ind out what the market is,” she said
“It will take a lot of passion, commitment and finances.”
Hard work will pay off, she said
“Keep inventing Trust your gut Put the right people around you, ” Taylor said “Healthy working relationships and networking are ver y, ver y important.” KN
mahogany
Pittsburgh Paints’ 2026 Color of the Year
T h e P i t t s b u r g h Pa i n t s C o m p a n y ’ s 2 0 2 6 C o l o r o f t h e Ye a r i s
Wa r m M a h o g a n y ( P P G 1 0 6 0 - 7 ) . A r i c h re d t h a t i s
d y n a m i c a n d re fi n e d , Wa r m M a h o g a n y a n s w e r s t h e c a l l o f
h u m a n c o n n e c t i o n i n re s i d e n t i a l , h o s p i t a l i t y a n d c o m m e rc i a l
d e s i g n
T h e e s s e n c e o f Wa r m M a h o g a n y t u r n s s p a c e s i n t o
e x p e r i e n c e s , d r a w i n g a w a y f ro m t h e b o u n d a r i e s o f a n n u a l
t re n d s a n d a d a p t i n g i t s e l f t o s u i t t h e f u n c t i o n s o f a n y i n t e r i o r
I t s b ro w n u n d e r t o n e s g ro u n d a ro o m , w h i l e i t s l i v e l y, re d h u e s
a d d w a r m t h a n d a b u n d a n c e.
Wa r m M a h o g a n y t h r i v e s i n e n v i r o n m e n t s d e s i g n e d t o
e n c o u r a g e d e p t h o f c o n v e r s a t i o n ,
s u c h a s d i n i n g ro o m s a n d c a f e s , w h i l e
s i m u l t a n e o u s l y b r e a t h i n g
s o p h i s t i c a t i o n a n d t i m e l e s s n e s s i n
re j u v e n a t i n g s p a c e s s u c h a s l i b r a r i e s
a n d s t u d y r o o m s . T h e s t i m u l a t i n g
p r o p e r t i e s o f r e d t h a t i n c r e a s e
a p p e t i t e, a l s o m a k e i t w e l l - s u i t e d f o r
e a t i n g s p a c e s t h a t i n s p i re c o n n e c t i o n
“ I n 2 0 2 6 , w e a n t i c i p a t e c o n s u m e r s
w i l l e m b r a c e o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o r e s t ,
r e j u v e n a t e a n d c o n n e c t w i t h o t h e r s ,
p r i o r i t i z i n g t h e i r w e l l n e s s a c r o s s a l l
a s p e c t s o f t h e i r l i v e s , ” s a i d A s h l e y
M c C o l l u m , c o l o r e x p e r t a t T h e
P i t t s b u r g h Pa i n t s C o m p a n y “ T h e
d e s i r e f o r i n c r e a s e d s o c i a l i n t i m a c y
r e q u i r e s s p a c e s t h a t p r o m o t e
t o g e t h e r n e s s , a c o r e d e s i g n f o c u s
t h a t m o v e s a w a y f r o m a b i d i n g t o
p r a g m a t i c a n d d a r i n g , q u i e t a n d l o u d , i n t r o v e r t e d a n d
e x t ro v e r t e d . I t ’ s v i v i d e n o u g h t o d r a w i m m e d i a t e a t t e n t i o n a n d
re s e r v e d e n o u g h t o m a k e a t i m e l e s s s t a t e m e n t . T h i s v e r s a t i l i t y
l e n d s i t s e l f w e l l t o t h e s e n t i m e n t c o n s u m e r s a re l o o k i n g t o
e x p re s s t h ro u g h d e s i g n ”
T h i s ye a r ’ s C o l o r o f t h e Ye a r fi t s w i t h i n f o u r k e y d e s i g n
t h e m e s :
• Po r t a l : A l i g h t , i m a g i n a t i v e a e s t h e t i c t h a t c l e v e r l y b a l a n c e s n a t u r a l , a i r y s p a c e s w i t h h i n t s o f A I - i n s p i re d i l l u s i o n s i n t h e
f o r m o f u n i q u e t e x t u re s , fi n i s h e s a n d f u r n i s h i n g s . I t s m o o d i s
h i g h l y c re a t i v e, d re a m y a n d e x p re s s i v e
t r e n d s a n d d e l i v e r s r e f i n e d a e s t h e t i c s t h a t f e e l t i m e l e s s a n d
c l a s s i c ”
E v o k i n g re f e re n c e s t o s h a d e s o f r u s t a n d re d d e n e d s o i l s ,
Wa r m M a h o g a n y l i n k s t o t r a d i t i o n a n d c r a f t m a n s h i p, w i t h a
c o n n e c t i o n t o re c h a r g i n g o n e s e l f i n n a t u re . Ac c o rd i n g t o
M c C o l l u m , t h i s s u b s t a n t i a l h u e ’ s f u t u r i s t i c , e x p re s s i v e m o o d
w i l l e n c o u r a g e c re a t i v i t y, a r t i s t r y a n d c u r a t i o n Fro m a r t i fi c i a l
i n t e l l i g e n c e t o n e w f o r m s o f c r a f t s m a n s h i p, M c C o l l u m
a n t i c i p a t e s t h a t 2 0 2 6 w i l l b r i n g a d e e p l o n g i n g f o r n e w
e x p re s s i o n s i n d e s i g n
“ J u s t a s q u i e t l u x u r y b ro u g h t u s ye a r s o f w a r m n e u t r a l s , o u r
s p a c e s n o w re q u i re a c o l o r t h a t c a n f e e l b o t h c a l m i n g a n d
a d v e n t u ro u s , ” s a i d M c C o l l u m “ Wa r m M a h o g a n y i s e f f o r t l e s s l y
• O d e : A m o o d y,
i n t ro s p e c t i v e a n d o f t e n p o e t i c
j o u r n e y i n t o e n c h a n t e d d e s i g n ,
O d e h o l d s a f o c u s o n s o c i a l
i n t i m a c y W i t h i n t h i s t h e m e, a
s e n s e o f m y s t e r y a n d a r t - f u l l
d e s i g n a r e e m b r a c e d , a l o n g
w i t h a n i n t e r e s t i n s p e c i a l
t e x t u r e s , m a t e r i a l s , a n d
o r n a m e n t a t i o n .
• C o l l e c t i v e : V i b r a n t , l i v e l y
a n d e n e r g e t i c , C o l l e c t i v e
f o c u s e s o n g a t h e r i n g p e o p l e ,
m o m e n t s , p r i n t s , c o l o r s o r
m i x e d m e t a l s t o e n c o u r a g e
s h a r i n g a n d r e b u i l d i n g
c o m mu n i t y.
• H e i r l o o m : T h e t r e n d
e q u i v a l e n t o f a s a b b a t i c a l ,
H e i r l o o m s t e p s a w a y f r o m
s h a p e s a n d m a t e r i a l s t h a t a re “ o f t h e m o m e n t ” a n d d e l i v e r s re fi n e d a e s t h e t i c s w i t h u n d e r s t a t e d a p p e a l a n d e l e v a t e d q u a l i t y
Wa r m M a h o g a n y c a n b e f o u n d i n t h e P P G Pa i n t s b r a n d
p ro d u c t s , a v a i l a b l e a t P P G Pa i n t s s t o re s , i n d e p e n d e n t re t a i l e r s ,
T h e H o m e D e p o t l o c a t i o n s a c ro s s t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , a n d t h ro u g h H D S u p p l y Fo r M i d w e s t p a i n t s h o p p e r s , Wa r m
M a h o g a n y i s a l s o a v a i l a b l e i n P i t t s b u r g h Pa i n t s & S t a i n s
p ro d u c t s , e x c l u s i v e l y a t M e n a rd s s t o re s .
P P G Pa i n t s a n d P i t t s b u r g h Pa i n t s & S t a i n s b r a n d s a re p a r t
o f T h e P i t t s b u r g h Pa i n t s C o m p a n y, a l e a d i n g p ro d u c e r o f i n t e r i o r a n d e x t e r i o r p a i n t s , s t a i n s , c a u l k s , re p a i r p ro d u c t s ,
a d h e s i v e s a n d s e a l a n t s f o r h o m e o w n e r s a n d p ro f e s s i o n a l s i n t h e
U n i t e d S t a t e s a n d C a n a d a KN
secret
safari
PPG’s 2026 Color of the Year
S e c re t S a f a r i ( P P G 1 1 1 0 - 4 ) i s P P G ’ s 2 0 2 6 C o l o r o f t h e Ye a r A
v e r s a t i l e ye l l o w - g re e n , S e c re t S a f a r i b a l a n c e s s o o t h i n g c o m f o r t
w i t h a t o u c h o f e n e r g y a n d v i t a l i t y,
m a k i n g i t s u i t a b l e f o r a w i d e r a n f
a p p l i c a t i o n s
T h e s h a d e i s p a r t o f P P G ’ s 2
g l o b a l c o l o r t h e m e , Pa r a l l e l s , w
i n c l u d e s t h r e e d i s t i n c t p a l e
Au t h e n t i c , V i s i o n a r y a n d E x p re s s i v e
S e c re t S a f a r i w a s s e l e c t e d by P P
g l o b a l t e a m o f c o l o r e x p e r t s f o l l o w
o n g o i n g r e s e a r c h a n d c o l l a b o r a t
a c r o s s r e g i o n s a n d i n d u s t r i e s T
a n n u a l c o l o r s e l e c t i o n p ro c e s s i n c l u d
a n a l y s i s o f i n t e r n a t i o n a l t r e n d s
a r c h i t e c t u r e , d e s i g n , c o n s u m
b e h a v i o r a n d m a t e r i a l i n n o v a t i o n
T h e r e s u l t i n g s h a d e i s a k e
i n f l u e n c e i n i n t e r i o r d e s i g n b u t a l s
e x t e n d s t o a p p l i c a t i o n s i n c o n s u m e
g o o d s , i n d u s t r i a l c o a t i n g s
a u t o m o t i v e fi n i s h e s a n d b e yo n d .
“ S e c r e t S a f a r i i s a v e r s a t i l e s h a d e
t h a t a d a p t s t o i t s s u r r o u n d i n g s , ”
s a i d I r i n a H a n h i s a l o, P P G c o l o r
c a t e g o r y l e a d , A r c h i t e c t u r a l
C o a t i n g s “ I t e v o k e s a s e n s e o f
c a l m i n n a t u r a l d a y l i g h t a n d
r e v e a l s l a y e r e d d e p t h i n s h a d o w e d o r l o w - l i g h t s e t t i n g s , m a k i n g i t a
v e r s a t i l e c h o i c e f o r b o t h
r e s i d e n t i a l i n t e r i o r s a n d
c o m m e r c i a l s p a c e s . ” T h e Pa r a l l e l s t h e m e e x p l o r e s
h o w c o l l e c t i v e g l o b a l i n f l u e n c e s re s u
• E x p re s s i v e : V i b r a n t h u e s a n d d y n a m i c c o m b i n a t i o n s t h a t
c e l e b r a t e c re a t i v i t y a n d p e r s o n a l s t y l e
d i v e r s e i n d i v i d u a l re s p o n s e s . E a c h o f t h e t h re e p a l e t t e s o f f e r s a
u n i q u e d e s i g n d i re c t i o n :
• A u t h e n t i c : E a r t h y t o n e s a n d n a t u r a l t e x t u r e s t h a t
e m p h a s i z e s i m p l i c i t y a n d c o n n e c t i o n t o t h e e n v i ro n m e n t
• V i s i o n a r y : B a l a n c e d c o n t r a s t s a n d b o l d a c c e n t s t h a t
s u p p o r t f o r w a rd - t h i n k i n g d e s i g n
S e c r e t S a f a r i c o m p l e m e n t s a l l t h r e e p a l e t t e s , o f f e r i n g a f l e x i b l e f o u n d a t i o n f o r c o l o r
l a y e r i n g a n d s p a t i a l
s t o r y t e l l i n g I t s b o t a n i c a l a e s t h e t i c m a k e s i t e s p e c i a l l y e f f e c t i v e i n i n t e r i o r s t h a t
a i m t o f e e l c o n n e c t e d t o
n a t u r e . I n h o s p i t a l i t y
s e t t i n g s , t h e s h a d e c re a t e s a
re l a x i n g a t m o s p h e re, w h i l e i n re s i d e n t i a l s p a c e s , i t e v o k e s a
b o l d , c o n t e m p o r a r y f e e l . T h e
c o l o r ’ s a b i l i t y t o s h i f t w i t h
c h a n g i n g l i g h t a d d s
d i m e n s i o n a n d v i s u a l i n t e re s t
o w a l l s , c a b i n e t r y a n d s o f t u r n i s h i n g s
I n i n d u s t r i a l d e s i g n a n d
o n s u m e r p r o d u c t d e s i g n
p p l i c a t i o n s , S e c re t S a f a r i i s a
o l d y e t g r o u n d e d c h o i c e ,
c i t i n g e m o t i o n s o f t r a n q u i l i t y, t u r a l c o n n e c t i o n , p h i s t i c a t i o n a n d b a l a n c e. I t s
n n e c t i o n t o n a t u r e b r i n g s
c e p t i o n s o f d u r a b i l i t y a n d h n e s s , m a k i n g i t a s t r o n g
i c e f o r p r o d u c t s t h a t h a s i z e c a l m a n d u n d e r s t a t e d a n c e
P G ’ s c o l o r e x p e r t i s e e x t e n d s n d t r e n d s e l e c t i o n W i t h
n c e d t i n t i n g t e c h n o l o g y a n d a
c o m p re h e n s i v e r a n g e o f s e r v i c e s ,
t h e c o m p a n y e n a b l e s c u s t o m e r s t o a c h i e v e p r e c i s e c o l o r
m a t c h i n g a n d c o n s i s t e n t re s u l t s a c ro s s a p p l i c a t i o n s W h e t h e r
u s e d a s w a l l p a i n t , f u r n i t u re fi n i s h , o r d e c o r a t i v e a c c e n t , a w i d e
r a n g e o f P P G ’ s p ro d u c t s c a n b e f o r mu l a t e d i n S e c re t S a f a r i t o
m e e t a n y d e s i g n a n d p e r f o r m a n c e n e e d KN
Owens Corning’s 2026
Shingle Color of the Year
O w e n s C o r n i n g ’ s 2 0 2 6 S h i n g l e C o l o r o f t h e Ye a r i s E v e r g re e n
M i s t . A s a h i g h - p e r f o r m i n g b u i l d i n g p ro d u c t s l e a d e r, t h e
c o m p a n y c o n t i n u e s t o i n s p i re c o n t r a c t o r s a n d h o m e o w n e r s by
u n v e i l i n g a b r a n d - n e w c o l o r a s p a r t o f t h e O w e n s C o r n i n g
Tr u D e fi n i t i o n D u r a t i o n D e s i g n e r s h i n g l e l i n e.
T h e 2 0 2 6 S h i n g l e C o l o r o f t h e Ye a r c a p t u re s t h e q u i e t b e a u t y
o f a m i s t - c o v e re d g a rd e n p a t h w h i l e d e l i v e r i n g b o l d a n d
d i s t i n c t i v e c h a r a c t e r t h a t c o m p l e m e n t s a v a r i e t y o f h o m e
e x t e r i o r s .
E x p a n d i n g a n d i n s p i r i n g g re e n c o l o r o p t i o n s f o r h o m e
e x t e r i o r s
C o n t i n u a l l y c u r a t i n g i t s Tr u D e fi n i t i o n D u r a t i o n D e s i g n e r
s h i n g l e l i n e, O w e n s C o r n i n g e v a l u a t e s e m e r g i n g
c o l o r t re n d s a c ro s s a r a n g e o f h o m e a n d l i f e s t y l e
c a t e g o r i e s
R e c o g n i z i n g t h e g ro w t h o f g re e n t o n e s a c ro s s a
v a s t r a n g e o f h o m e, g a rd e n a n d l i f e s t y l e c a t e g o r i e s ,
O w e n s C o r n i n g c re a t e d t h e b o l d n e w c o l o r a n d
h i g h l i g h t e d i t a s t h e 2 0 2 6 S h i n g l e C o l o r o f t h e Ye a r
C a r e f u l l y s e l e c t e d s t y l e b o a r d s a n d s h i n g l e
p a i r i n g s p ro v i d e h o m e o w n e r s w i t h f re s h ye t t i m e l e s s
i n s p i r a t i o n
A s a n a d d i t i o n a l e l e m e n t o f t h e a n n u a l S h i n g l e
C o l o r o f t h e Ye a r r e v e a l , O w e n s C o r n i n g i s
s p o t l i g h t i n g i t s o n g o i n g p a i d p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h
d e s i g n e r a n d t e l e v i s i o n p e r s o n a l i t y E r i n Na p i e r,
w h o i s k n o w n f o r h e r p a s s i o n f o r h i s t o r i c h o m e s a n d
h e r s e l f - p ro c l a i m e d s t a t u s a s a “ ro o f g e e k ”
T h ro u g h a s e r i e s o f e n g a g i n g o n l i n e v i d e o s a n d
d e s i g n re s o u rc e s , Na p i e r i n v i t e s h o m e o w n e r s t o
v i e w t h e i r ro o f a s a d e fi n i n g e l e m e n t o f c u r b a p p e a l .
re m a i n re g i o n a l l y a v a i l a b l e i n t h e D u r a t i o n F l e x p ro d u c t l i n e.
M o u n t a i n P i n e i s a n e w, n a t u r e - i n s p i r e d c o l o r a l s o
p re m i e r i n g i n t h e Tr u D e fi n i t i o n D u r a t i o n D e s i g n e r s h i n g l e
l i n e I t i n t e g r a t e s l u s h g re e n w i t h e a r t hy t o n e s o f b ro w n a n d
g r a y t o c a p t u re n a t u re ’ s g r a n d e u r, w i t h c a l m i n g h u e s t o c re a t e a
c o n n e c t i o n t o n a t u re ’ s e n d u r i n g b e a u t y a n d p e a c e f u l s t re n g t h
A l l c o l o r s i n t h e O w e n s C o r n i n g Tr u D e fi n i t i o n s h i n g l e
p o r t f o l i o a r e a v a i l a b l e w i t h c o o r d i n a t i n g h i p a n d r i d g e
c o m p o n e n t s t o d e l i v e r a c o h e s i v e l o o k a n d h i g h - p e r f o r m i n g
ro o fi n g s y s t e m
A b e a u t i f u l s h i n g l e mu s t a l s o s t a n d u p t o t h e e l e m e n t s A l l
s h i n g l e s i n t h e
D u r a t i o n p o r t f o l i o c o m e e q u i p p e d w i t h
D r a w i n g f ro m v i n t a g e c o l o r c o m b i n a t i o n s a n d a rc h i t e c t u r a l
c h a r m , s h e s h o w c a s e s h o w t h e v i b r a n t p a l e t t e o f t h e
Tr u D e fi n i t i o n D u r a t i o n D e s i g n e r l i n e c a n e l e v a t e e x t e r i o r
d e s i g n a n d c re a t e a n a t u r a l h a r m o n y f o r a n y h o m e.
O w e n s C o r n i n g i s a l s o i n t r o d u c i n g G r a y Tw e e d a n d
M o u n t a i n P i n e , t w o a d d i t i o n a l c o l o r s a s p a r t o f i t s
Tr u D e fi n i t i o n D u r a t i o n D e s i g n e r l i n e, a p re m i u m c o l l e c t i o n
t h a t o f f e r s a v i b r a n t s e l e c t i o n o f e x c l u s i v e c o l o r s t o e l e v a t e c u r b
a p p e a l a n d e x p re s s a h o m e o w n e r ’ s u n i q u e s t y l e
C o m b i n i n g c l a s s i c g r a y w i t h a t i m e l e s s e l e g a n c e o f t e x t i l e,
G r a y Tw e e d b r i n g s a r i c h , d i m e n s i o n a l g r a y i n t e r s p e r s e d w i t h
f l e c k s o f s o f t b ro w n s a n d b l a c k t o c re a t e q u i e t s o p h i s t i c a t i o n
t h a t t r a n s f o r m s a n y h o m e e x t e r i o r i n t o a h a v e n o f w a r m t h a n d
c h a r m . G r a y Tw e e d i s r e p l a c i n g S t o r m C l o u d i n t h e
Tr u D e fi n i t i o n D u r a t i o n c o l o r p o r t f o l i o. S t o r m C l o u d w i l l
p a t e n t e d S u r e N a i l Te c h n o l o g y D e l i v e r i n g a d v a n c e d
p e r f o r m a n c e o n t h e ro o f, s e a s o n a f t e r s e a s o n , t h e c o m b i n a t i o n
o f b e a u t i f u l c o l o r s a n d h i g h q u a l i t y h a s p l a ye d a k
S ince introducing the inaugural S hingle Color of the Year in 2017, O wens Corning has highlighted how shingle color can transform a home’s roof from a protective covering into a highperforming design element that boosts curb appeal Remarking on O wens Corning ’ s commitment to color leadership, Grosjean said, “Color is inter woven into so many aspects of homeowners’ lives –from fashion and beaut y to appliances and landscaping. KN
walnut
Minwax’s
2026 Color of the Year
M i n w a x ’ s S p e c i a l Wa l n u t i s i t s 2 0 2 6 C o l o r o f t h e Ye a r. A
f a v o r i t e s h a d e a m o n g h o m e o w n e r s a n d d e s i g n e r s a l i k e, S p e c i a l
Wa l n u t i s a n e a r t hy s t a i n t h a t o f f e r s a t i m e l e s s a e s t h e t i c w i t h
b ro a d d e s i g n a p p e a l
“ W i t h w o o d e m e r g i n g a s a k e y e l e m e n t i n i n t e r i o r d e s i g n –
f r o m f u r n i t u r e a n d
f l o o r i n g t o c a b i n e t r y
a n d a r c h i t e c t u r a l
d e t a i l s – t h e r e ’ s a
re n e w e d a p p re c i a t i o n
f o r f i n i s h e s t h a t
e n h a n c e i t s n a t u r a l
c h a r a c t e r, ” s a i d
L i s b e t h Pa r a d a , c o l o r
a n d d e s i g n l e a d a t
M i n w a x .
“ S p e c i a l
Wa l n u t d e l i v e r s w i t h
a c l a s s i c , d i m e n s i o n a l
t o n e t h a t f e e l s b o t h
f a m i l i a r a n d f re s h .
“ I t s v e r s a t i l i t y
m a k e s i t a f a v o r i t e
a c r o s s s t y l e s a n d
a p p l i c a t i o n s –
w h e t h e r y o u ’ r e
r e s t o r i n g a v i n t a g e
p i e c e o r f i n i s h i n g a
w e e k e n d p ro j e c t ”
B u i l d i n g o n i t s
a d a p t a b i l i t y, Pa r a d a
s h a r e s h o w S p e c i a l
S p e c i a l Wa l n u t b r i n g s t h a t v i s i o n t o l i f e t h ro u g h t h e w a r m t h
a n d i n t e g r i t y o f re a l w o o d ”
T h i s e v o l v i n g d e s i g n a p p r o a c h s h a p e d t h e s e l e c t i o n o f
S p e c i a l Wa l n u t a s t h e M i n w a x 2 0 2 6 C o l o r o f t h e Ye a r,
h i g h l i g h t e d by t h re e m a j o r i n f l u e n c e s :
• Wo o d a s a D e s i g n A n c h o r : Wo o d i s re c l a i m i n g i t s ro l e
Wa l n u t re f l e c t s a d e e p e r e v o l u t i o n i n t h e m o d e r n d e s i g n
l a n d s c a p e
“ T h i s c o l o r c a p t u re s t h e e s s e n c e o f t o d a y ’ s d e s i g n s h i f t , w h e re d a r k , d i m e n s i o n a l w o o d t o n e s a re o v e r t a k i n g t h e c o o l e r, m o re m i n i m a l a e s t h e t i c s o f re c e n t ye a r s , ” s a i d Pa r a d a “ S p e c i a l
Wa l n u t o f f e r s a r i c h , l a ye re d l o o k t h a t a d d s v i s u a l w e i g h t a n d
a u t h e n t i c i t y, c r e a t i n g c o n t r a s t a n d i n t e r e s t i n b o t h
c o n t e m p o r a r y s p a c e s a n d c o z y, l i v e d - i n h o m e s
“A t a t i m e w h e n p e o p l e c r a v e c o n n e c t i o n a n d c o m f o r t ,
a s a c o r n e r s t o n e o f h o m e i n t e r i o r s , v a l u e d f o r i t s n a t u r a l
t e x t u re, v a r i e t y a n d e n d u r i n g a p p e a l . S p e c i a l Wa l n u t
b u i l d s o n t h i s m o m e n t u m by e n h a n c i n g t h e g r a i n a n d
d e p t h o f w o o d , o f f e r i n g a fi n i s h t h a t f e e l s g ro u n d e d a n d
w e l c o m i n g I t a l i g n s p e r f e c t l y w i t h t h e “ w o o d d re n c h i n g ”
t re n d , w h e re w o o d - w r a p p e d w a l l s , c e i l i n g s a n d b u i l t - i n s
c re a t e c o h e s i v e, v i s u a l l y i n v i t i n g s p a c e s
• No s t a l g i c C h a r m : A s m o re h o m e o w n e r s g r a v i t a t e
t o w a r d d é c o r w i t h s t o r y a n d s o u l , S p e c i a l Wa l n u t
c h a n n e l s t h e h a n d c r a f t e d f e e l o f r u s t i c , We s t e r n - i n s p i re d
s t y l e I t s w a r m t o n e re c a l l s w e a t h e re d r a n c h h o m e s a n d
h a n d - s h a p e d m a t e r i a l s , h i g h l i g h t i n g p i e c e s w i t h v i s i b l e
h i s t o r y a n d c h a r a c t e r. T h e re s u l t i s a h o m e e n v i ro n m e n t
t h a t f e e l s b o t h n o s t a l g i c a n d re f re s h i n g l y h o n e s t .
• S t y l e W i t h S t a y i n g Po w e r : I n a m o v e a w a y f ro m
p a s s i n g t re n d s , S p e c i a l Wa l n u t s u p p o r t s s p a c e s b u i l t t o
l a s t a n d t i m e l e s s f u r n i t u re d e s i g n ro o t e d i n c h a r a c t e r a n d
c h a r m . W h e t h e r a p p l i e d t o c e i l i n g b e a m s , c l a s s i c
f u r n i t u re o r s a l v a g e d w o o d e l e m e n t s , i t b r i n g s u n d e r s t a t e d
s o p h i s t i c a t i o n t o i n t e r i o r s w i t h d e p t h a n d i n t e n t i o n
S p e c i a l Wa l n u t i s a v a i l a b l e i n a w i d e r a n g e o f M i n w a x
f o r mu l a s , i n c l u d i n g Wo o d F i n i s h C o l o r S e r i e s Pre m i u m
O i l - B a s e d S t a i n a n d Wo o d F i n i s h Pre m i u m O i l - B a s e d
Pe n e t r a t i n g S t a i n ( b o t h o f f e r e d i n s e m i - t r a n s p a r e n t
o p a c i t y ) a s w e l l a s Wo o d F i n i s h Pre m i u m Wa t e r - B a s e d
Pe n e t r a t i n g S t a i n , a v a i l a b l e i n s o l i d a n d s e m i - t r a n s p a r e n t
o p a c i t i e s T h i s v a r i e t y o f f e r s v e r s a t i l i t y a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l -
l o o k i n g re s u l t s f o r a n y p ro j e c t .
I d e a l f o r f u r n i t u re, c a b i n e t r y, v a n i t i e s a n d o t h e r h i g h - t r a f fi c
w o o d s u r f a c e s , i t ’ s e a s y t o u s e a n d w i d e l y a v a i l a b l e a t m a j o r
re t a i l e r s n a t i o n w i d e
W i t h m o re t h a n 2 4 0 s t a i n c o l o r s , M i n w a x o f f e r s t h e w i d e s t
c o l o r a s s o r t m e n t i n t h e c a t e g o r y, h e l p i n g D I Ye r s a n d p ro s a l i k e
fi n d t h e p e r f e c t m a t c h f o r a n y p ro j e c t KN
cactus
California Paints’ 2026 Color of the Year
A l u s h , e a r t hy g re e n , C a c t u s Va l l e y c e l e b r a t e s o u r e n d u r i n g
c o n n e c t i o n t o t h e n a t u r a l w o r l d , m a k i n g i t a n o p t i m a l c h o i c e
t h a t h a r m o n i z e s w i t h t o d a y ’ s h o m e i n t e r i o r t re n d s
valley
C a l i f o r n i a Pa i n t s ’ 2 0 2 6 C o l o r o f t h e Ye a r i s C a c t u s Va l l e y
( 0 7 5 2 ) , a v e rd a n t h u e t h a t s y m b o l i z e s b a l a n c e, re n e w a l a n d
h u m a n s ’ i n h e re n t c o n n e c t i o n t o t h e w o r l d a ro u n d u s
I n s p i re d by d e s e r t l a n d s c a p e s a n d g a rd e n g re e n e r y, C a c t u s
Va l l e y i s re f l e c t i v e o f t h e g ro u n d e d , n a t u re - c e n t r i c d i re c t i o n o f
d e s i g n t re n d s f o r 2 0 2 6 a n d b r i n g s a s e n s e o f g ro u n d i n g a n d
re n e w a l t o a n y s p a c e I t s r i c h , o r g a n i c t o n e re f l e c t s a g ro w i n g
d e s i re t o c re a t e e n v i ro n m e n t s t h a t f e e l b a l a n c e d , t i m e l e s s , a s
w e l l a s w i t h a d e e p c o n n e c t i o n t o t h e o u t d o o r s .
“ C o n s u m e r s h a v e c o n s i s t e n t l y a n d i n c re a s i n g l y e x p re s s e d a
d e s i re t o b r i n g t h e s p i r i t o f t h e o u t d o o r s i n t o t h e i r i n t e r i o r s ,
a n d C a l i f o r n i a Pa i n t s ’ C a c t u s Va l l e y i s a n i d e a l w a y t o re a l i z e
e a r t h - c e n t r i c a e s t h e t i c s w i t h i n a n y h o m e, ” s a i d D a n i D o e r g e,
m a r k e t i n g m a n a g e r, C a l i f o r n i a Pa i n t s
C a l i f o r n i a Pa i n t s 2 0 2 6 C o l o r o f t h e Ye a r i s c o m p l e m e n t e d by
a t h o u g h t f u l l y c u r a t e d p a l e t t e o f c o o rd i n a t i n g c o l o r s t h a t a i m
t o b r i n g b a l a n c e a n d v e r s a t i l i t y t o a s p a c e. Pa i re d w i t h r i c h t e a l s
a n d d e e p m a u v e s , C a c t u s Va l l e y c a n c r e a t e d e p t h a n d
s o p h i s t i c a t i o n , w h i l e s o f t c re a m s a n d mu t e d l i g h t ye l l o w s
i n t ro d u c e w a r m t h a n d s u b t l e b r i g h t n e s s .
G e n t l e, p o w d e r y b l u e s a d d a c a l m i n g t o u c h , c re a t i n g a
h a r m o n i o u s r a n g e o f c o l o r s t h a t w o r k b e a u t i f u l l y t o g e t h e r o r o n
t h e i r o w n t o i n s p i re e n d l e s s d e s i g n p o s s i b i l i t i e s
C o m p a t i b l e C a l i f o r n i a
Pa i n t s c o l o r s i n c l u d e :
• R a n c h H o u s e ( 0 1 4 2 )
• G a rd e n C o u n t r y ( 0 2 7 9 )
• M i d n i g h t M a g i c ( 0 5 0 8 )
• C o l d No r t h ( 0 6 8 8 )
• C a v e Pa i n t i n g ( 0 1 4 7 )
• D e e p L a g o o n ( 0 5 0 7 )
• A b r a C a d a b r a ( 0 0 8 0 )
• A p p l e S a u c e ( 0 8 6 6 )
• G l i s t e n i n g ( 0 8 1 3 )
“ C a c t u s Va l l e y c a n b e u s e d w i t h e a r t hy b ro w n s o r mu t e d p i n k s
t o h i g h l i g h t i t s o r g a n i c c h a r a c t e r, o r c a n b e c o m b i n e d w i t h
d e e p e r s h a d e s f o r d r a m a t i c , l a ye re d d e s i g n s , ” s a i d D o e r g e
“Ac c e n t s o f l i g h t ye l l o w s o r s o f t a q u a s , c a n b r i n g b a l a n c e a n d
v i b r a n c y t o t h i s g ro u n d e d , v e r s a t i l e h u e ”
C a c t u s Va l l e y w o r k s b e a u t i f u l l y i n a v a r i e t y o f s e t t i n g s , f ro m
m o d e r n h o m e s t o r u s t i c re t re a t s Us e i t a s a m a i n w a l l c o l o r i n
l i v i n g ro o m s o r d i n i n g a re a s t o c re a t e a c a l m i n g, n a t u re -
i n s p i re d b a c k d ro p, o r a s a n a c c e n t i n k i t c h e n s a n d e n t r y w a y s f o r
a p o p o f e a r t hy s o p h i s t i c a t i o n I t ’ s a c o l o r t h a t e m b o d i e s
c o n s u m e r d e s i re s i n 2 0 2 6 , a n d h a s t h e p o t e n t i a l t o t r a n s f o r m
a n y s p a c e i n t o a t r u e, e a r t h - b o u n d re t re a t .
C a l i f o r n i a Pa i n t s i s p a r t o f t h e I C P G ro u p, a l e a d i n g No r t h
A m e r i c a n c h e m i c a l a n d c o a t i n g s m a n u f a c t u re r KN
Silhouette
Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2026
B e n j a m i n M o o re ’ s C o l o r o f t h e Ye a r 2 0 2 6 i s S i l h o u e t t e A F - 6 5 5
– a n a l l u r i n g m i x o f r i c h e s p re s s o h u e s w i t h s u b t l e n o t e s o f
c h a rc o a l . B a l a n c i n g re fi n e m e n t a n d d i s t i n c t i o n , S i l h o u e t t e A F -
6 5 5 w e a v e s a n a r r a t i v e o f e n d u r i n g s t y l e a n d g r a c e, i n s p i re d by
t h e m o d e r n t a k e o n c l a s s i c a l s u i t i n g “ T h e c o n n e c t i o n b e t w e e n f a s h i o n a n d i n t e r i o r s h a s a l w a y s
b e e n a s o u rc e o f i n s p i r a t i o n b u t t h i s ye a r i n p a r t i c u l a r, w e ’ v e
n o t i c e d a re n e w e d i n t e re s t i n s u i t i n g a n d c l a s s i c s i l h o u e t t e s , t h e re s u r g e n c e o f t i m e l e s s p i e c e s a n d t h e g ro w i n g i n t e re s t i n t h e
b r o w n c o l o r f a m i l y, ” s a i d A n d r e a M a g n o, d i r e c t o r, c o l o r m a r k e t i n g & d e s i g n a t B e n j a m i n M o o re. “ S i l h o u e t t e e m b o d i e s t h e s e q u a l i t i e s w i t h i t s d e p t h a n d l u x u r i o u s b l e n d o f b u r n t u m b e r a n d d e l i c a t e c h a rc o a l u n d e r t o n e s
“ L i k e a p e r f e c t l y t a i l o re d s u i t , t h i s h u e h a s t h e v e r s a t i l i t y a n d
s o f t n e s s t o b r i n g a s p a c e f ro m e x p e c t e d t o e x c e p t i o n a l . ”
S i l h o u e t t e A F - 6 5 5 i s c o m p l e m e n t e d by s e v e n q u i n t e s s e n t i a l h u e s o f t h e B e n j a m i n M o o re C o l o r Tre n d s 2 0 2 6 p a l e t t e T h e s e
c o l o r s a re a r t f u l l y c u r a t e d b a s e d o n t h e i r i n c o m p a r a b l e p re s e n c e
a n d a b i l i t y t o l a ye r e f f o r t l e s s l y f o r a s o p h i s t i c a t e d f e e l . W i t h a
f o c u s o n a t t e n t i o n t o d e t a i l , c r a f t s m a n s h i p a n d re fi n e m e n t , t h e
C o l o r Tr e n d s 2 0 2 6 p a l e t t e r e f l e c t s a g r a c e f u l b a l a n c e o f
e n c h a n t i n g p a l e s a n d h a n d s o m e m i d t o n e s :
• S i l h o u e t t e A F - 6 5 5
• R a i n d a n c e 1 5 7 2
• S w i s s C o f f e e O C - 4 5
• F i r s t C r u s h C S P - 3 1 0
• B a t i k A F - 6 1 0
• Na r r a g a n s e t t G re e n H C - 1 5 7
• S o u t h w e s t Po t t e r y 0 4 8
• S h e r w o o d Ta n 1 0 5 4 KN
SCIC’s Rossena Exists Between and
Materiality, Color Innovation
Super Cucine Italiane Componibili has always been synonymous with craf tsmanship, innovation, and made in Italy excellence Each SCIC kitchen is the result of a 100 percent Italian production chain, where manufacturing expertise and technological research come together to create functional, sustainable and visually striking solutions
Among the models unveiled at Milan Design Week 2025, Rossena – designed by Ballabeni & Catellani Studio – embodies a profound exploration of materiality and chromatic layering. Its design unfolds through a multi-level structure, where the peninsula – seamlessly integrated with the worktop – creates a harmonious flow, conceived to naturally support ever yday gestures.
Attention to detail is expressed through the choice of materials and finishes: warm tones and bold accents intentionally break the monochrome, acting as visual highlights that enhance the depth and complexity of the composition. The sculptural, imposing terminal element echoes the essential geometries of the kitchen, becoming an architectural counterpoint that infuses character into the entire space.
The absolute protagonist is Palladio Moro resin marble, with its vibrant texture: white pebbles, embedded in a dark background, seem to emerge like fragments of light, creating a dynamic and sophisticated chromatic contrast.
t
Rossena combines aesthetics and per f or mance: integr ated
complete a model designed for those who see the kitchen as a space to live in, share, and narrate Once again, SCIC reaffirms its vision: contemporar y design that blends elegance, functionality, and identity
Destined to become a staple in Italian homes, SCIC – Super Cucine Italiane Componibili – was founded in the heart of Emilia Romagna, producing furniture for both the Italian and global markets. The production extends over more than 70,000 square meters in factories with a distinctive silhouette along the Autostrada del Sole, housing showrooms, offices and production facilities
These are emblematic of an Italian company that remains entirel y loc aliz ed and recogniz able in Ital y. S tate-of-the-ar t production systems, attention to energ y consumption, and the selection of materials and production processes, inc luding those for use and waste, characterize SCIC ’ s philosophy today
Only with the in-depth knowledge of techniques and materials possessed by SCIC ’ s craf tsmen is it possible to maintain a highquality product that draws c lose to the craf tsmanship from which SCIC originated in the last centur y. The aesthetic dimension remains a primar y characteristic, thanks to the c lose and ongoing collaboration with prominent architecture studios, which find in SCIC a particular attention to the use of materials and functional systems.
Thanks to a policy of total quality, SCIC has earned numerous accolades over time, continually raising its standards KN
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Jean Dubost Black and Brass Collection
Introducing the Black and Brass Collection by Jean Dubost, a stunning range of knives, flatware and ser ving pieces crafted in France. Featuring sleek black handles complemented by elegant brass accents, this collection exudes modern sophistica tion while honoring the brand’s centur y-long tradition of fine French cutler y
The collection includes a variety of beautifully crafted pieces: 6 Knives in a Tray, 6 Knives in a Block, 4-Piece Mini Cheese Set, 24-Piece Ever yday Flatware Set, 6 Steak Knives in a Clasp Box, Car ving Set, Bread Knife, 3-Piece Cheese Set and 2Piece Salad Ser vers Each piece combines polished stainless steel with refined black and brass detailing – striking a perfect balance between timeless style and contemporar y flair, ideal for ever yday use, entertaining or gifting
Handcrafted in Thiers, France, since 1920, Jean Dubost continues to embody the excellence of traditional French craftsmanship The Black and Brass Collection offers a bold, modern interpretation of this heritage, making it a standout addition for upscale kitchen stores, gift boutiques, and design-forward retailers
To place an order or explore wholesale opportunities, contact The French Farm
The French Farm wholesale@frenchfarm.com wholesale.thefrenchfarm.com
Franmara Straight Spirit Decanter
The Straight Spirit Decanter (9452SET), which comes in a three-piece set, is a classic lined square decanter with the corner cut at an angle, holding slightly more than a fifth Matching spirit glasses are available Display a bit of elegance with this lead free cr ystal liquor decanter – a handsome addition for any bar Fitted with fla ttened square stopper with leaf motif design. Sets include one 9422 Straight Spirit Decanter and two 9433 Straight Spirit Glasses in a Beautiful Thick Black Gift Box with a Magnetic Lid and Foam insert to display and protect items
Retails for around $65
A five-piece set is also available
Call for your free 25th Anniversar y catalog
Franmara
800.423.5855
orders@franmara.com www franmara com
FinaMill FinaPods
FinaMill and its new FinaPod GT were selected for Time’s annual list of Best Inventions, featuring 200 groundbreaking innovations that are changing lives. Each year, TIME editors and correspondents from around the world evaluate products submitted through an online application process, focusing on key factors like originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact
The award-winning FinaMill is a reinvented spice grinder, boasting over 35 patents Each pod is designed to grind or grate specific dried herbs and spices The collection includes four pods, with a goal of expanding to 12 by the end of 2025
The FinaMill spice mill represents a new, disruptive categor y of cooking tools that will make salt and pepper single spice mills a thing of the past Use one hand to lower the FinaMill base over a pod and push down to secure it in place Push down again to release the pod No more two-handed cranking Each spice has its own dedicated pod Flavors stay fresh and distinct
FinaMill www.finamill.com
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Cook Pro Nylon Utensil Set
This premium six-piece kitchen utensil set combines the durability of stainless s t e e l h a n d l e s w i t h h e a t - r e s i s t a n t n y l o n h e a d s , e n s u r i n g l o n
u r i n g c
v e n t i n g s c r a t c h e s a n d p r e s e r v i n g y o u r p o t s
r
c o n t r o l D e s i g n e d f o r c o n v e n i e n c e , t h e u t e n s i l s f e a t u r e e r g o n o m i c h a n d l e s f o r
a c o m f o r t a b l e g r i p a n d b u i l t - i n h a n g i n g l o o p s f o r e a s y s t o r a g e , k e e p i n g y o
l o w i n g
essential addition to an y kitchen, combining functionality with a sleek, modern d e s i g n
Cook Pro, Inc.
951 686 8282
sales@cook-pro com
www.cook-pro.com
Männkitchen Pepper Cannon
Sleek lines, a formidable build, and 10X the output. Finally, there comes a device after a true steak-lover’s heart: the Pepper Cannon by Männkitchen
The Pepper Cannon is the best and only pepper mill you’ll ever own
As the Ferrari of pepper mills, the Pepper Cannon can get a large steak from pepperless to fully seasoned in seven cranks instead of 70 While ordinar y mills can only grind in the 12 to 28 mesh size, the Pepper Cannon boasts an eight to 60+ mesh range for complete control of spice levels This isn’t an ordinar y pepper mill!
Highlights include 10 times the output of top-rated mills, milled from a solid chunk of aerospace grade aluminum, crafted with hardened high-carbon stainless steel burrs, fitted with a double-bearing supported drive shaft, push-button top makes it easy to remove and replace without changing the grind setting, pre-grind up to one-third cup into the base for easy one-hand seasoning and holds a half cup of whole peppercorns.
Männkitchen, meaning “my kitchen” in old Norse, is on a mission to help consumers take back their cooking space with gadgets that get the job done Pepper Cannon retails for $199.99.
Männkitchen www.mannkitchen.com
Stölzle Lausitz – Power Collection
Stock the Power Collection, Stölzle Lausitz’s best-selling glassware worldwide, and give customers a line that blends refined design, commercial-grade durability and the trusted heritage of a 136year-old family company Retailers consistently choose Power for its proven sellthrough, strong visual appeal and accessible price point that makes trading up effortless
The collection’s purist silhouette and geometric bowl enhance wine aeration even with smaller pours, delivering a performance customers can see and taste A slightly waisted stem, generous bowl and stable base create a modern, lightweight look while maintaining impressive strength – a key driver for both retail and on-premise demand
Crafted in Europe, lead-free and certified dishwasher-safe, Power offers restaurant-level performance that stands up to everyday use Its durability helps reduce returns and replacement costs, while its premium clarity elevates any table.
The collection also opens incremental revenue opportunities through corporate gifting, wine club programs and custom logo etching
Stölzle Lausitz stolzleusa shop/b2b
SPECIAL LISTINGS
Franmara Straight Spirit Decanter Set
The Straight Spirit Decanter Set (9452SET), a threepiece set, fea tures a classic lined square decanter with the corner cut at an angle This lead-free cr ystal liquor decanter holds slightly more than a fifth. The set includes a Thick Black Gift Box with a Ma gnetic Lid and Foam insert to display and protect items Suggested retail price: $65
Franmara
800.423.5855 www franmara com
4Ocean Last Straw Bracelet
4Ocean’s captains and crews recover an average of 15,000 single-use plastic stra ws from the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines ever y week
Made with the straws and plastic we collect, the Last Stra w Bracelet helps fund daily cleanups and acts as a reminder to skip the straw or swap it with a reusable or more sustainable alternative.
The bracelets are handcrafted on the tropical island of Bali by local artisans Recycled material content is verified by GreenCircle Certified Guilt-free shipping is carbon neutral and plastic free
4Ocean
312 222 1880 www.andsales.com
1WolfChen Absorbing
Diatomite Bath Mat
The Absorbing Dia tomite Ba th Ma t uses high-quality n a t u r a l a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y f r i e n d l y m a t e r i a l d ia tomaceous earth from Changbai Mountain The dia t o m r e m a i n s h a v e n u m e r o u s t i n y p o r e s o n t h e surface of the microscope tha t provide up to 90 perc e n t p o r o s i t y s u r f a c e a b s o r b s e x c e s s m o i s t u r e quickly – providing conditions for super absorbtion of the ba th ma t
Within a few seconds, the moisture on feet is quickly absorbed and dries quickly The obvious brushed texture on the surface of the bath mat effectively prevents the ba th ma t from slipping on the ground when stepping.
D i a t o m a c e o u s e a r t h h a s t h e f u n c t i o n o f a bs o r b i n g o d o r s , w h i c h i s s a f e a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y f r i e n d l y I t c a n e f f e c t i v e l y a d s o r b f o r m a l d e h y d e i n t h e a i r a n d p r o t e c t t h e h e a l t h o f u s e r s I f t h e r
Jean Dubost 24 Piece
Ever yday Flatware Set in Ivor y and Brass
Elevate your table with the sleek elegance of the Jean Dubost 24 Piece Ever yday Flatware Set in Ivor y and Brass Crafted in France with high grade stainless steel, ivor y ABS handles and refined brass accents, this set brings ever yday luxur y to any meal
Suggested retail price: $303 25
The French Farm wholesale@frenchfarm com wholesale thefrenchfarm com
POWER Collection from STÖLZLE - LAUSITZ
Stock the STÖLZLE Po wer Collection – its best-sell-
Cook Pro 13" ExcelSteel Lightweight Cast Iron Chinese Wok
This lightweight cast iron cookware offers excellent heat distribution and responsive temperature control without the weight and discomfort of traditional cast iron cookware With it, you’ll be able to cook a wide selection of foods in the kitchen and experience the advantages of cooking with cast iron
This wok allows food to cook faster, maintain superior heat retention, and adds another layer of quality to your meals For added convenience, this cast iron wok comes pre-seasoned so you can get cooking as soon as it arrives at your door
Cook Pro Inc.
951.686.8282 www cook-pro com
Honey-Can-Do Deluxe Gullwing Dr ying Rack
.
Suggested retail price: Starting at $45 wholesale
Stölzle Lausitz
410.881.5387
stolzleusa.shop/b2b
Honey-Can-Do offers a wide range of dr ying racks and laundr y dr ying solutions for both indoor and outdoor The gullwing dr ying rack offers a large amount of dr ying space, special holders for dr ying shoes and easily folds for quick storage
Honey-Can-Do International 708.240.8100 www honeycando com
seminal year, and of the man y talented craftspeople who sha ped the community since its founding, J K Adams designed the 1761 Collection, made from ash with the brand’s exclusive driftwood teak oil finish
J K Adams Co 802 282 9765 www.jkadams.com
Spectrum 3D Novelty Pop Molds
Lively 3D Pop Molds create delicious frozen treats in fun popsicle shapes Fill molds with favorite fresh ingredients, insert sticks and freeze
The flexible silicone makes removing popsicles a breeze and creates incredibly detailed shapes Hidden skeletons are revealed in the sticks as the popsicles are eaten.
Spectrum Diversified 330.422.1850 www.spectrumdiversified.com
Experience year-round comfort and convenience with our advanced humidifier.
Cuckoo America
323.433.7606 cuckooamerica.com
