Each September, Dulux announces its Colour of the Year — and it’s one of my favourite industry moments. Alongside the big reveal, Dulux publishes the Colour Futures trend book. It’s a beautifully put-together brochure full of photography, palettes, and inspiration. I’ve kept every single one since I first started working with Dulux back in 2013!
This year, Dulux has done something different. Instead of a single Colour of the Year, they’ve chosen a Colour Family: a trio of soulful indigos, known collectively as #RhythmOfBlues.
The collection features three shades:
the airy and serene Mellow Flow™,
rich and grounding Slow Swing™, and
vibrant and expressive Free Groove™.
This versatile family of blues reflects the different paces of modern life – from moments of calm reflection, to carefree bliss and bold fun – giving us the freedom to choose our own tempo.
Why Blue for Colour of the Year 2026?
Blue has always been a designer’s favourite. It’s versatile, timeless, and universally loved. It feels both grounding and expansive – perhaps because of its connection to sea and sky?
Like most interior designers, I’m not particularly trend led. What works for a client, and a home, is choosing a colour that has longevity – and that means a shade they truly love – not just ‘love for the moment’.
This notion is echoed by Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director and Colour Expert at Dulux, she explains that choosing a collection of colours helps us steer away from focusing on trends, and reconnect with what we need our homes to provide:
“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 fast-paced 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.”
The Dulux 2026 Colour Palettes
Dulux has created three colour stories to showcase this trio – each inspired by a different “tempo” of life.
Whether layered with soft neutrals for a peaceful ambience, paired with rich earth tones for a grounded and welcoming feel, or contrasted with bright, playful accents for a creative burst, the palettes offer endless possibilities for personal expression.
The Free Colour Story:Free Groove – A Vibrant Blue for Creative Spaces
Dulux describes Free Groove (62BB 08/369) as “letting the good times rock and roll.” Creates a boundary-breaking space that feels upbeat and carefree.
Bedroom styled with the Free Groove palette, combining vibrant blue with warm neutrals for a playful, uplifting space.Dining space featuring Dulux Free Groove and accents of yellow on the ceiling, creating a lively atmosphere for shared meals and conversation.Kitchen design using the Free Groove palette, where vibrant blue cabinetry is paired with bright yellow accents for a bold yet inviting look.Living area with staircase showcasing Free Groove’s cobalt-inspired blue with accents of green and yellow,, bringing energy and flow to a multifunctional space.
Mood: Creative, playful, and energetic
Palette: Warm neutrals with zesty greens and yellows (Citrus Sunburst makes an appearance here, though last year’s True Joy is notably absent)
Where to use it: Dynamic, uplifting spaces — education, offices, or anywhere you want energy and experimentation
Shades include: Free Groove™ , Del Mar Shores, Spring Willow, Citrus Sunburst, Distant Mountain, Brave Olive, Mellow Flow™, Slow Swing™, Precious Jasper, Bamboo Twist
A Flow Story: Mellow Flow – A Calm, Airy Blue for Connection
Mellow Flow (10BB 39/100) invites us to pause for thought. Creates a friendly and connected space that feels in tune with the world.
Mood: Peaceful, reflective, and gentle
Palette: Warm earthy tones — terracotta, clay, and brick
Where to use it: Homes and hospitality spaces where warmth and relaxation are key
Mellow Flow palette: calming light blue with terracotta and warm earthy tones.
A Slow Story: Slow Swing – A Meditative Dark Blue for Balance
Slow Swing (66BB 06/077) is deep, thoughtful, and restorative. Creates a wholesome, human space that feels restorative.
Mood: Community, interconnectedness, and calm
Palette: Natural shades of blue and brown — quiet, wintery tones
Where to use it: Offices, healthcare settings, or your own home sanctuary where you need respite from the digital noise
Slow Swing palette: restorative dark blue with wintery earth tones.
Shades include: Slow Swing™, Cameo Stone, Mellow Flow™, Gathering Dusk, Free Groove™, Ancient Pottery, Stone Sensation, Horizons, Cottage Chocolate, Espadrille
My take on Dulux Colour Futures 2026
Choosing a Colour Family instead of a single Colour of the Year feels like a clever commercial move from Dulux. Whilst they’re not neutrals, all three colours are easy to live with. I can see them working well in both residential and commercial projects.
Whilst I might be biased (living by the sea has made me partial to blue interiors), I think the Rhythm of Blues collection is a timeless choice that designers and homeowners alike will love!
What do you think of Dulux’s choice for 2026? Would you use one of these soulful indigos in your next project, or is blue already a staple in your home?
Want to Try the Colours Yourself? Order Dulux tester pots for Mellow Flow, Slow Swing, and Free Groove and find out more information about the Colour of the Year 2026 here https://www.dulux.co.uk/en/dulux-colour-of-the-year-2026 plus follow #RhythmOfBlues on social media.
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