The Dulux Colours of the Year 2026 are three versatile blues: light Mellow Flow™, dark Slow Swing™ and vibrant Free Groove™. They were chosen following the company’s extensive annual trend research and provide architects, specifiers and designers with a selection of shades that reflect the mood of every environment.
Whether housebuilders are looking to create a show home that really pops or find that little edge to their luxury new development, Dulux’s 2026 winning pallete has been selected to help in every way.
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 people’s reactions to the world impact colour choices.
For the first time, three colours were selected which all have common ground, but each bring a unique quality. From the timeless, soothing qualities of Mellow Flow™ to the meditative, calm and grounding nature of Slow Swing™, and the vibrant, exciting and uplighting Free Groove™ there is a shade to suit any brief.
Used individually or in combination, the Colours of the Year 2026 offer professionals the flexibility to create multiple expressions of energy, mood and pace. The Rhythm of Blues™ collection is also complemented by interior and exterior palettes, making it easier than ever for housebuilders to find the right colours for their project.
Marianne Shillingford, Dulux Creative Director and Colour Expert at AkzoNobel, explains: “Blue has been the world’s favourite colour for years – but it’s far from one note. It delivers a sense of fluidity, relief, stillness and freedom, which is exactly what’s needed in today’s fastpaced world.
“It’s roots in nature give us something to connect to, as well. When we see light blues like Mellow Flow™, we might think of soothing springs or sunrise skies, for example, or be reminded of the deep ocean’s chilled stillness with a dark blue like Slow Swing™. Whereas Free Groove™ offers a more intense heat, like that of summer pool parties. Some of us are slowing the beat to recharge and find balance, while others are looking to crank up the volume and create spaces that are simply fun. “Rhythm of Blues gives us the opportunity to do both – it’s a family of colours that can soothe, steady or excite, depending on how you play it. This collection offers colours you can find peace in, and colours you can dance to, centred around three distinct rhythms to offer endless possibilities for changing the pace of your space.”
To support architects, specifiers and designers and provide additional guidance on the use of the Rhythm of Blues™ collection, Dulux has created the Dulux Trade Colours of the Year 2026 Specifier Guide. This includes inspiration that can help create the perfect space across any sector.
For more information, go to www.rdr.link/dbg036
