Jonathan Adler has become a self-made icon in the world of design. He began his career as a potter and soon expanded his talent into home furnishings and décor. Known for his vibrant use of color and witty sensibility, Adler’s collaboration with KOHLER—KOHLER Colors featuring Jonathan Adler—was a natural extension of his work.
Adler’s well-known motto, “If your heirs won’t fight over it, we won’t make it,” speaks to his dedication to quality, lasting design, and pieces that feel timeless. That same spirit is evident in this new KOHLER collection.
At ICFF in New York this year we were able to preview the collection and were struck by its bright, cheerful palette and the signature KOHLER enameled cast iron sinks. The line includes four special-edition colors available exclusively on six select KOHLER enameled cast iron kitchen and bathroom sinks. Each sink is crafted at the foundry in the Village of Kohler, Wisconsin, and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
C&H: Hi Jonathan – Can you share your inspiration behind the collection and how you selected the four distinct colors?
Jonathan Adler: Each color draws its name and spirit from a place that has stayed with me from my travels. They are clear, modern colors—I didn’t want the sinks to feel like a retro avocado throwback. Greenwich Green evokes the freshly manicured gardens of an English estate. Piccadilly Yellow channels the exuberant riot of color in London’s Piccadilly Circus; it’s bright, playful, almost like a lemon sorbet for the kitchen or bathroom. Palermo Blue is as serene as the Mediterranean waters around Palermo in Sicily—almost like taking a dip in the sea. Annapolis Navy is classically American, full of nautical elegance inspired by the sailing city of Annapolis on Maryland’s Severn River.
C&H: These are very bold colors. How can someone with a more traditional kitchen incorporate these sinks? What countertops would you recommend pairing with them?
Jonathan Adler: Every space benefits from a burst of color, and these sinks offer a straightforward way to introduce that. Embracing color is about embracing life—if one of these shades resonates, there are many ways to work it into a home. Annapolis Navy reads as classic Americana and pairs well with other strong hues. Piccadilly Yellow can brighten a traditional kitchen with a cheerful, sorbet-like presence. In general, white or neutral environments make a great backdrop for a colored sink: a white canvas allows a vibrant sink to be the focal point and instantly enlivens the room. For countertops, classic options—marble, honed or polished quartz, or simple butcher block—support these colored sinks without competing with them, depending on whether you want a refined or more casual look.
C&H: You’ve said, “If your heirs won’t fight over it, we won’t make it.” How do you decide which products meet that standard?
Jonathan Adler: That principle made partnering with KOHLER easy—both of us prioritize joyful color and uncompromising quality. KOHLER’s enameled cast iron sinks are built to last and have true heirloom quality, aligning with the durability and enduring style that guide my own work. It’s about pieces that combine timeless color with long-lasting construction.
C&H: How has your background as a potter influenced your approach to design and construction?
Jonathan Adler: I began as a potter, and that hands-on making sensibility still informs everything I do. Today I consider myself a maker across many categories—pots, pillows, furniture, lighting, accessories, and now this KOHLER collection. The tactile, craft-driven roots of pottery continue to guide my attention to proportion, finish, and material quality.
C&H: Are there plans to expand the color palette or extend this collaboration into other bath products?
Jonathan Adler: This partnership is a first for KOHLER in this form. The four colors in this introduction are offered for a limited time and are available on three lavatory sinks and three kitchen sinks. Any future expansion would depend on how the collection is received, but for now these limited-edition choices emphasize exclusivity and thoughtful design.
Below is a short video of Jonathan describing the inspiration behind the collaboration and the collection.