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The Rhythm of Blues – Dulux’s Colours of the Year 2026
Dulux’s Colours of the Year 2026 are a soulful trio of indigo shades: Free Groove™, Mellow Flow™, and Slow Swing™. This versatile blue family is designed to help you create spaces that feel calm, creative, and connected – whether you’re looking to cosy up, fly free, or slow down.
Commenting on the Colours of the Year, Heleen Van Gent, Creative Director, Global Aesthetic Centre AkzoNobel says, “We believe in blue for 2026! A versatile colour family that’s cooling, calming and creative – just what we need in our homes this year, according to the sentiments that came out of our annual Trend Forecast.
People around the world want to slow down and recharge their batteries. They want to feel in tune with others and celebrate kinship. They want to be bold, have fun and feel carefree. To reflect these moods, we’ve centred our colour stories around three different rhythms – Slow, Flow and Free, and chosen ‘Your space, your pace’ as our theme.”
From your kitchen to your bedroom, as well as your living space – Dulux’s Colours of the Year 2026 bring a soulful blend of indigo tones to your home, designed to inspire calm, creativity and connection in every corner.
The Rhythm of Blues – Dulux’s Colours of the Year 2026
The Rhythm of Blues, In Every Sense
Blue has always been a colour that resonates deeply – evoking feelings of calm, clarity, and creativity. For 2026, Dulux has embraced this emotional depth by selecting not just one, but three indigo-inspired shades that reflect the pace of modern life: Free Groove™, Mellow Flow™, and Slow Swing™.
At STORI, we understand how colour can shape the way we feel in our spaces. Indigo offers a rare versatility – it can be bold or soothing, expressive or grounding. Whether you’re designing a space to recharge, connect, or create, these blues offer a palette that adapts to your rhythm.
This year, Dulux has crafted four distinct palettes around its Colours of the Year 2026 collection, each one telling a different story through tone and emotion. These colour stories were shaped by a global panel of trend analysts, interior designers, architects, and cultural commentators.
The Rhythm of Blues – Dulux’s Colours of the Year 2026
A Free Colour Story
The Free Colour Story is all about embracing creativity and letting go of limitations. It’s a celebration of bold design choices and playful energy – perfect for spaces where imagination takes centre stage.
At the heart of this story is Free Groove™, a vibrant blue that brings instant joy and movement to any room. With its clean, modern tone, it’s ideal for injecting life into workspaces, studios or anywhere that needs a spark of inspiration.
Heleen Van Gent describes this palette as upbeat and fun – a reflection of the desire for stimulation and fresh ideas in today’s fast-paced world. Whether paired with bright accents or softened with neutrals, Free Groove™ encourages you to think outside the box and design with confidence.
To complement Free Groove™, pair it with Taupe Grey, Stone or Cardamom from the STORI Paint to Order paint palette to create a dynamic and uplifting space that sparks imagination and energises your everyday.
A Flow Colour Story
The Flow Colour Story is all about creating spaces that feel warm, open and in tune with the people who use them. It’s designed for moments of togetherness – where comfort, conversation and calm come naturally.
At the heart of this palette is Mellow Flow™, a soft, sky-toned blue that brings a breath of fresh air to any room. Light and serene, it’s perfect for spaces where harmony matters – from living rooms to guest bedrooms and welcoming hospitality settings.
Heleen Van Gent describes this story as one of comfort and connection, ideal for places where people gather and feel at home. Mellow Flow™ brings a gentle rhythm to interiors, helping you slow down and feel grounded.
We’ve complemented Mellow Flow™ with Vintage Pink, Antique Red or Light Grey from STORI’s Paint to Order paint palette to create inviting spaces that feel balanced, welcoming and effortlessly in sync with everyday life.
Clifden – Vintage Pink | Lawrenson – Antique Red | Strada Gloss – Light Grey
A Slow Colour Story
The Slow Colour Story invites us to pause. It’s about creating spaces that feel grounded and peaceful – places where we can switch off, reflect, and recharge.
At its core is Slow Swing™, a rich, meditative blue that brings depth and calm to any interior. With its dark, velvety tone, it’s perfect for quiet corners, restful bedrooms or focused workspaces that need a sense of stillness.
Heleen Van Gent describes this story as one that dials down the noise – ideal for environments where calm is key. Slow Swing™ helps you create a space that feels centred, composed and completely your own.
We’ve paired Slow Swing™ with Pantry Blue, Parisian Blue or Lava from STORI’s Paint to Order paint palette to create a soothing, layered look that invites rest, reflection and a deeper sense of calm.
A Blue Symphony – Balanced, Layered, Harmonious
The Blue Symphony brings all three hero blues together in perfect harmony. It’s a palette designed for depth and emotion, where each shade plays its part in shaping the mood of a space.
By blending Free Groove™, Mellow Flow™ and Slow Swing™, you can shift the atmosphere from playful to peaceful, depending on how you layer them. It’s about finding balance – using colour to reflect your pace, your personality, and your purpose.
To complete the look, experiment with textures and finishes, and add accents like Light Grey, Airforce or Slate Blue from STORI’s Paint to Order paint palette for a polished, cohesive feel.
Clifden – Light Grey | Georgia – Airforce | Zola Matte – Slate Blue
Feel inspired? We’d love to hear your blue-themed ideas and help bring your STORI to life. Visit one of our independent retailer showrooms across the UK & Ireland to begin your design journey. Book A Design Appointment with an approved STORI retailer today and start crafting a space that’s uniquely yours!
