For the first time, Dulux showcases a dynamic family of blues as its Colour of the Year 2026, offering more choice than ever before. The collection is built around three versatile shades:
- Mellow Flow™: a soft, light blue that restores and relaxes.
- Slow Swing™: a rich, deep blue with depth and gravitas.
- Free Groove™: a playful, vibrant blue brimming with energy.
Together, these colours form a versatile palette that adapts to every pace of life – whether reflective, connected, or carefree.
Colour Research Meets Lifestyle Design
Backed by AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre, the Rhythm of Blues™ palette is the result of more than 30 years of colour trend forecasting. Each year, architects, designers, and cultural experts gather to interpret the global mood and translate it into colour stories.
“With everything happening in the world, people are either slowing down to recharge, reconnecting with others, or choosing to celebrate life with boldness,” explains Heleen van Gent, Creative Director of AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre.
The 2026 colour story embraces this emotional spectrum by offering three palettes that reflect the rhythms of life.
The Three Colour Stories
Slow Colour Story
Designed for restorative, human-centred spaces where simplicity and calm rule. Perfect for bedrooms, wellness areas, and anywhere you need peace.
Flow Colour Story
A palette for togetherness, this story celebrates kinship, family, and natural connection – perfect for communal areas like kitchens and living rooms.
Feel Free Colour Story
For the boundary-breakers, this upbeat collection invites fun, freedom, and experimentation. Think playrooms, creative studios, and bold feature walls.
Beyond Interiors: A Cross-Industry Colour Language
The Rhythm of Blues™ palette isn’t limited to home interiors. Its impact is already extending to aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, furniture, cabinetry, lighting, and architecture.
“As a brand, we’re committed to delivering market-specific solutions that reflect evolving trends across industries,” says Nathalie Sweeney, Marketing Director for Dulux Paints, Sub-Sahara Africa. “The Rhythm of Blues family resonates widely – it’s colour as lifestyle and identity.”
Why Blue, Why Now?
Blue has long been a colour of trust, stability, and connection. In today’s fast-changing world, it offers comfort and calm while also allowing room for creativity and play. By positioning blue as a spectrum rather than a single shade, Dulux encourages individuals and industries alike to use colour as a form of emotional self-expression.
