Pairing Tea With Design: How to Match Your Tea to Your Michael Graves Design Kettle

Tea is more than a beverage, it’s a ritual. A pause. A moment of care that unfolds slowly, one pour at a time. At Michael Graves Design, we believe the objects you use in these moments should feel just as intentional.

Our iconic kettles are designed to support daily rituals with clarity, character, and joy. To celebrate that idea, we’re pairing each Michael Graves Design kettle, and each colorway, with a tea that complements its personality, mood, and moment.

Think of this as a guide to brewing with intention.

9093/1 Kettle: A Classic, Reimagined

Yellow Colorway - Bright, Optimistic, Energizing

Tea pairing: Lemon Ginger or Turmeric Citrus

The yellow-handled 9093/1 brings warmth and optimism to the kitchen. Pair it with a tea that feels equally uplifting, something citrus-forward or gently spiced that energizes without overwhelming.

Why it works:

Bright color meets bright flavor. This is a morning kettle, the kind that welcomes the day.

Teal Colorway - Calm, Balanced, Grounded

Tea pairing: Jasmine Green Tea or Sencha

Cool and calming, the teal-handled 9093/1 pairs beautifully with light green teas that feel restorative and intentional.

Why it works:

Both the color and the tea invite a slower pace — perfect for quiet afternoons or reflective moments.

 

9093 Kettle: The Icon, in Color

Original Colorway - Playful, Iconic, Expressive

Tea pairing: Earl Grey or Bergamot Black Tea

This bold, color-blocked classic deserves a tea with presence. Earl Grey’s citrus notes mirror the kettle’s expressive personality.

Why it works:

Both are unmistakable icons.

White Colorway - Clean, Minimal, Versatile

Tea pairing: White Peony (Bai Mu Dan) or Chamomile

The white 9093 is serene and understated. Pair it with teas that are gentle, subtle, and calming.

Why it works:

Minimal design meets minimal flavor — nothing loud, nothing rushed.

 

30th Anniversary TRex 9093 Kettle - Sophisticated, Grounded, Intentional

Tea pairing: English Breakfast or Assam

The black kettle feels steady and classic, best paired with a full-bodied tea that holds its own.

Why it works:

This is a grounding combination, perfect for slow mornings or evening resets.

40th Anniversary Kettle - Reflective, Celebratory, Timeless

Tea pairing: Oolong or Aged Pu-erh

Designed to honor four decades of iconic design, the 40th Anniversary kettle pairs beautifully with teas that deepen with time.

Why it works:

Both reward patience. Both tell a story. This pairing is about legacy.

Virgil Abloh × Michael Graves Design Kettle — Bold, Cultural, Disruptive

Tea pairing: Masala Chai or Smoked Lapsang Souchong

This kettle lives at the intersection of design, culture, and conversation. Pair it with a tea that challenges expectations and sparks dialogue.

Why it works:

Unexpected. Layered. Expressive. This pairing is meant to be noticed.

Brewing Is a Design Choice

Every kettle tells a story, and every cup of tea does too. Whether your ritual is quiet or communal, familiar or experimental, pairing tea with your Michael Graves Design kettle is an invitation to slow down and design your everyday moments with care.

Because good design isn’t just about how something looks, it’s about how it supports the way you live.