Dulux has introduced its Colour of the Year for 2026, presenting a trio of blues under the theme Rhythm of Blues. This marks a significant shift for the brand, as it selects a complete colour family for the first time, offering architects, specifiers, and designers a harmonious collection of shades that reflect various moods suitable for diverse environments.
The 2026 palette features three versatile blues: light Mellow Flow, dark Slow Swing, and vibrant Free Groove. These colours were chosen following extensive trend research conducted by Dulux, aimed at providing professionals with shades that resonate with the emotional landscape of their projects.
For over 30 years, AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre has been at the forefront of translating trends into desirable colours. The annual ColourFutures meeting gathers experts, architects, designers, and journalists to discuss how societal reactions influence colour preferences. This year, the selection of three complementary shades highlights their unique qualities while sharing a common theme.
Mellow Flow offers a soothing, timeless quality, while Slow Swing provides a calming, meditative presence. In contrast, Free Groove injects energy and vibrancy into any space. These colours can be used individually or in combination, allowing for a dynamic expression of mood and energy across various sectors.
Dulux has also developed tailored interior and exterior palettes to complement the Rhythm of Blues collection. The interior palettes include:
– A Slow Colour Story: Featuring natural shades that create contemplative spaces, ideal for office or healthcare settings.
– A Flow Colour Story: Combining airy blues with warm earth tones, perfect for residential or hospitality environments.
– A Free Colour Story: A lively mix that fosters creativity and energy, suitable for educational and collaborative spaces.
Exterior palettes echo these themes, with calming tones that harmonise with natural surroundings and vibrant colours that add personality to buildings.
Dawn Scott, Dulux Trade Senior Colour Designer, emphasised the collection’s versatility, stating, ‘Each colour story offers inspiration for creating spaces that resonate with users’ needs.’ Marianne Shillingford, Dulux Creative Director, added that blue’s fluidity and connection to nature make it a timeless choice for modern design.
Frequently asked questions
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What are the key features of the Dulux Colours of the Year 2026?
The Dulux Colours of the Year 2026 feature a unique trio of blues: light Mellow Flow, dark Slow Swing, and vibrant Free Groove. This marks the first time Dulux has selected a colour family of the year, with these shades reflecting various moods suitable for diverse environments. The collection aims to provide architects, specifiers, and designers with versatile options that can be used individually or in combination to create dynamic spaces.
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How were the Colours of the Year selected?
The selection process for the Colours of the Year involved extensive trend research conducted by AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Centre. This annual ColourFutures trend forecast meeting gathers in-house experts, international architects, designers, and journalists to discuss how societal reactions influence colour choices. For 2026, three complementary shades were chosen, each offering a distinct quality while sharing a common theme.
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What types of environments are the Rhythm of Blues colours suitable for?
The Rhythm of Blues collection is designed to cater to a wide range of environments. Mellow Flow is ideal for creating calming spaces, such as in healthcare or office settings. Slow Swing promotes a meditative atmosphere, while Free Groove™ injects energy and vibrancy, making it suitable for educational and collaborative spaces. The collection's versatility allows for tailored applications across various sectors, including residential, hospitality, and commercial.
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Are there specific palettes associated with the Rhythm of Blues collection?
Yes, Dulux has developed both interior and exterior palettes to complement the Rhythm of Blues collection. The interior palettes include A Slow Colour Story, A Flow Colour Story, and A Free Colour Story, each designed to evoke specific moods and atmospheres. Similarly, the exterior palettes reflect the same themes, allowing for cohesive design choices that harmonise with the surrounding environment.
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When will the Rhythm of Blues collection be available for purchase?
The Dulux Colours of the Year 2026: Rhythm of Blues collection, along with the associated palettes, will be available for purchase starting September 9, 2025. Professionals can access additional resources, including the Dulux Trade Colours of the Year 2026 Specifier Guide and the Dulux Trade Colour Schemer, to aid in their design projects. For more information, visit the Dulux Trade website and follow the relevant social media hashtags.
