A new trio of indigo-inspired shades is set to energize the coil and extrusion coatings market in 2026. Dubbed the “Rhythm of Blues” collection, the “Colors of the Year” feature three expressive hues: “Mellow Flow” (a soft light blue), “Slow Swing” (a deep navy), and “Free Groove” (a vibrant electric blue). These hues offer designers and specifiers a versatile, trend-forward palette for long-lasting applications.
Developed by AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Center, the annual color forecast is informed by cultural and design research, including input from international architects, designers, and trend forecasters. The 2026 collection reflects continued demand for colors that are calming, versatile, and emotionally resonant across both residential and commercial applications.
The new palette is intended for use in architectural metal systems, residential construction, domestic appliances, and other building products that rely on high-performance coatings. By bridging classic and contemporary aesthetics, the shades offer broad appeal for designers seeking durable finishes with on-trend color profiles.
“Over the last decade, the popularity of warm natural tones has been continually rising, complemented recently with growing interest in palettes of versatile blues. Our ‘Rhythm of Blues’ collection brings these trends together with a harmonious mix of vibrant colors that enable different moods to be expressed, while supporting on-trend color choices in both the home and the built environment,” says Heleen van Gent, creative director of AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Center.
This collection is the result of extensive research into the color, design, cultural, economic, and social trends that shape our society. The colors, textures, and special effects that take center stage in the collection have been designed to strike a chord in the residential applications and domestic appliances (DA) markets, ultimately making their way into the commercial and industrial construction markets.
“Our ‘Rhythm of Blues’ family provides inspiration for architects, designers, fabricators, and coaters to create stylish color combinations that reflect customer tastes. They enable us to personalize our environments to fit the times we live in, while bringing calm, comfort, and vibrancy to projects and products,” says Henri Bijsterbosch, color product marketing manager for AkzoNobel’s Industrial Coatings business.
For more than 30 years, AkzoNobel has published its annual “ColourFutures” forecast, designed to support product development and architectural specification through color expertise. The 2026 selection continues this tradition, offering both inspiration and specification-ready palettes for the building industry’s evolving needs.
