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It might be September rather than January, but this time of year always has a certain reset vibe. The leaves are turning, the summer is pretty much over, and it feels like it’s back to school, no matter your age.
With that vibe in mind, you might already be mood-boarding your interior design plans for 2026. And if you’ve decided that it’s time for a fresh lick of paint, Dulux has announced its Colour of the Year for all your inspo needs.
Want to be bang on trend next year? For its 23rd year of colour trend forecasting, Dulux is placing not one, but three colours on our radar – and they’re all shades of a timeless classic.
We’re not talking boring beige or anything overly bold or maximalist, either: it’s actually good old blue that’s making a comeback.
Collectively named Rhythm of Blues, the trio is designed to reflect the various paces of modern life – and that includes everything from the slower moments of calm and clarity to the more upbeat and fun.
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Mellow Flow is described as a soft, light blue that evokes memories of ‘fresh seaside walks and their rejuvenating quality,’ while Slow Swing consists of a ‘deep, velvety blue that offers grounding and reassurance,’ evoking all the same cosiness as an ‘inky starlit sky.’
And finally, the cherry on top of the interior design cake is Free Groove, touted as a ‘vibrant, energising blue with a playful, creative edge.’ Consider us firmly inspired to try a full home refresh – with our landlord’s permission, of course.
So, what is it about blue that’s inspiring the nation in 2026? As Marianne Shillingford, Dulux’s creative director and colour expert, explains, blue might’ve 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,’ she says.
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‘Its 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.’
With that in mind, the Rhythm of Blues family is perfectly malleable, and can either ‘soothe, steady or excite,’ depending on how you want to incorporate it into your home.
If you’re looking to visualise exactly how your new shades will look on your walls, Dulux’s Visualiser App uses augmented reality to help you do just that. Simply choose the shade you want to play with and go wild.
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