AkzoNobel celebrates “Rhythm of Blues™” as the 2026 Color of the Yea

AkzoNobel is setting the tone for the future of mobility with Rhythm of Blues™, its 2026 Color of the Year.

Phil Black - PII Editor 17/12/2025

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Based on insights from AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Center and its comprehensive annual trend forecast and developed in collaboration with in-house experts, international architects, designers and journalists, the 2026 focus is on your space, your pace – exploring how colour can shape emotional connection and inspire creative expression.

Backed by over 30 years of global colour forecasting experience, AkzoNobel continues to lead the industry through its ColorSurfaces initiative, an annual programme examining the future of colour and material design across automotive, aerospace and consumer electronics sectors.

Each year, the ColorSurfaces team translates global design trends into visionary palettes for professionals worldwide. Their work informs AkzoNobel’s Automotive Color Trend Collections, inspiring creativity and innovation with expertly crafted finishes and advanced visual effects.

An upbeat and versatile colour family that is calming, connecting and creative, Rhythm of Blues™ reflects the moods, movements and emotional rhythms shaping the next generation of automotive design.

The Rhythm of Blues™ story is expressed through a trio of distinctive blue shades – Slow Swing™, Mellow Flow™ and Free Groove™ – each representing a unique rhythm and design mood for the road ahead.

“In today’s fast-moving and changing world, people are responding in different ways,” explains Gareth Bryant, Color Design Lead, Automotive and Specialty Coatings Marketing. “They either feel the need to slow down, focus and recharge or to be connected to others and celebrate kinship while others want to be bold and express themselves more freely. As we understand that colour is emotion and therefore personal, we’ve chosen a family of Blues that allow automotive designers to explore and express different styles and meet individual needs.”

Engineered with AkzoNobel’s advanced coatings technology, each shade features tailored effects that deliver depth, durability and visual movement – making them ideal for OEM design studios, concept development and custom refinish applications alike.

Slow Swing™ – A deep, dark blue symbolising strength, composure and quiet confidence
Mellow Flow™ – A light, sophisticated blue that brings balance, calm and modern elegance
Free Groove™ – A vibrant, expressive blue radiating creativity, freedom and individuality

“We’re proud to bring colour innovation into every part of the automotive value chain,” says Rob Lagendijk, Commercial Marketing and Product Management Director, Automotive and Specialty Coatings. “Whether for a concept car, a production line or a custom refinish project, these new shades empower our customers to define their own rhythm and style – with confidence.”

As the automotive industry accelerates towards electrification, digitalisation and personalisation, Rhythm of Blues™ demonstrates how colour continues to define emotional design. Colour is no longer just an aesthetic choice – it is a language of communication, a way to express brand identity and create emotional connection.

Rhythm of Blues™ combines the emotional power of design with AkzoNobel’s commitment to a sustainable future. Each shade is developed using advanced coating technologies that support sustainability goals – reducing emissions, enhancing durability and improving material efficiency.

From the subtle serenity of Mellow Flow™ to the bold expression of Free Groove™, the 2026 Color of the Year provides OEMs and refinishers with an inspiring creative toolkit that captures the spirit of connection, creativity and change, reflecting the moods and movements shaping the future of driving.

For more information about AkzoNobel’s ColorSurfaces Trend Collections, visit www.colorsurfaces.com