Dulux introduces its 2026 Forecast - a Rhythm of Blues to match your mood, your space, and your pace
Dulux showcases a dynamic family of blues for the first time, offering more choice than ever before.
11/09/2025
It’s time to dance to
the Rhythm of Blues™ and celebrate AkzoNobel’s
Colours of the Year 2026 – an upbeat and
versatile colour family that’s calming,
connecting, and creative.
There’s a trio of
shades for next year – the light blue Mellow
Flow™, the dark blue Slow Swing™, and the
vibrant Free Groove™ – so everyone can find a
style that works for them. The harmonious
collection of signature indigos is just what we
need in our homes, according to the results of
the company’s extensive annual trend research
from AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre.
“AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre has
been translating trends into desirable colours
for more than 30 years. Its annual
ColourFutures™ trend forecast meeting brings
together in-house experts, international
architects, designers, and journalists to share
insights into how our reactions to the world
around us impact our colour choices,” says
Palesa Ramaisa, Dulux Colour Expert.
“With
everything that’s happening in the world, we see
that people are reacting in various ways,”
explains Heleen van Gent, Creative Director of
AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre. “They’re
either slowing down and recharging their
batteries, wanting to feel in tune with others,
and celebrate kinship. Or they’re choosing to be
bold, have fun, and feel carefree.”
She
adds that the three colour palettes will help
create living environments that fit everyone’s
individual decorative needs. “To reflect these
various moods – and because we understand that
colour is emotion and therefore personal – we’ve
chosen a family of colours for 2026. They’re
centered around three different rhythms that
offer endless scope for changing the pace of
your space.”
Slow Colour Story
A wholesome, human space that feels restorative. Somewhere we can reflect, refocus, and recharge our batteries. Simple and peaceful, it's where we can find ourselves and get ready to face the world.
Flow Colour Story
A friendly and connected space that feels in tune with the world. Somewhere, we can come together and bond with the natural networks of life: our families, our communities, and the earth around us.
Feel Free Colour Story
A boundary-breaking space that feels upbeat and carefree. Somewhere, we can think outside the box, embrace our inner child, and find the freedom and energy to play, experiment, and dream.
The colours, textures, and special effects that take centre stage in the Rhythm of Blues collection have been designed to resonate with a wide range of markets. Along with decorative paints, inspirational palettes have also been created for the aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, metal furniture, lighting, cabinetry, flooring, building products, and architecture markets.
“We pride ourselves on
setting the tone together with architects,
interior designers, trend specialists, and
product developers – who all make important
contributions to our in-depth research. Our
Rhythm of Blues family is perfectly in tune with
evolving trends in various industries and will
help us deliver market-specific solutions to
customers so they can more confidently apply
their own style to their projects,” adds
Nathalie Sweeney, Marketing Director for Dulux
Paints, Sub-Sahara Africa.
For more
information about the Colour of the Year 2026,
visit the
webpage. You can also follow the
#COTY26 #AkzoNobel #Dulux #ABlueForYou!
#BelieveInblue and #RhythmOfBlues hashtags on
social media.