CW: Please describe the research and process that goes into selecting the upcoming color palette.
Hodges: Our AkzoNobel Rhythm of Blues™ Colors of the Year are the result of extensive research into color, design, and the cultural, economic and social trends that shape our society. As an industry leader in color research and technology, our Global Color and Design Studio works with color designers and architects around the world to understand the latest influences on color and effects in paints and coatings – drawing inspiration from related fields such as fashion, architecture, lifestyle and nature. In addition, we work closely with technical experts and wood manufacturers to ensure that our surfaces are robust and can be industrialized worldwide.
The Rhythm of Blues family consists of three striking indigo tones: a light blue Mellow Flow™, a dark blue Slow Swing™ and the vibrant Free Groove™ – three different rhythms that offer endless scope for furniture, cabinets, building products and flooring. The collection has been specially designed to inspire furniture designers and cabinet makers and to make it easier to choose shades and combinations for a timeless look that is at the same time on trend.
CW: Which markets (fashion, consumer electronics, etc.) influence the popularity of the wood paint palette?
Hodges: The High Point Market, held twice a year in the spring and fall, serves as a showcase for the lumber segments we offer Surcharge. Influences from fashion, architecture, lifestyle and nature shape the range of wood varnishes and guide both design and functionality in the furniture sector. By tracking color trends across these broader industries, including popular accent tones and consumer preferences, we gain insights into the colors that are on the rise and gaining popularity.
The colors, textures and special effects at the heart of our AkzoNobel Colors of the Year 2026 “Rhythm of Blues™” collection are designed to help designers and manufacturers find on-trend wood finishes to differentiate their projects, while making it easier for customers to select colors and combinations that match their design preferences.
CW: How long does it take your color experts to identify the most popular color trends?
Hodges: Our Global Aesthetic Center has been translating trends into desirable colors for more than 30 years. We follow trends all year round; The annual ColourFutures trend forecasting meeting brings together in-house experts, international architects, designers and journalists to share insights into how our reactions to the world around us impact our color choices. There are subtle changes every six months, while certain finishes and designs remain timeless.
CW: In addition to new color palettes, what other trends are popular in the wood coatings market?
Hodges: We're seeing a lot of traction with more natural finishes – like light, dark and warmer brown tones, which are increasingly dominant in wood finishes in all rooms. These shades add balance, depth and a sense of authenticity to interiors, whether in rustic designs or sleek, modern settings. This is complemented by the warmer color trends as part of a broader movement in the design industry, with both professionals and consumers gravitating towards tones that are more inviting, calming and natural, moving away from grays and cool browns. Due to the neutrality of the wood tones and the pops of color in accent pieces and accessories, these palettes fit well with the popularity of the open home concept.
In addition to paint and wood finishes, sustainability has become a key focus across the industry, with companies launching initiatives to promote eco-friendly solutions. With this, AkzoNobel Wood Finishes introduced our “It all adds up” campaign in North America, highlighting ways wood product manufacturers can reduce waste, save energy and reduce their carbon footprint – all while improving operational efficiency. The campaign encourages manufacturers to consider sustainability on multiple levels – from using renewable materials to adopting coatings that help reduce waste.
CW: What are the most recently introduced wood coating products?
Hoedges: Recent trends in wood care coatings emphasize both performance and ease of use, with an increasing emphasis on durability, versatility and ease of use. Our Chemcraft brand's latest range, Selva™ Pro, reflects these trends. It includes 2K polyurethane and acrylic coating systems that provide exceptional protection against wear, moisture and scratches, making it ideal for demanding environments such as kitchens, bathrooms and commercial spaces.
Built on decades of experience, the Selva Pro range combines powerful features such as robust protection, excellent chemical resistance and fast drying times with the ease of use that professionals require. The range includes three systems: Selva Pro Chiaro and Selva Pro Bianco – both formaldehyde-free, high build, high solids formulations – and Selva Pro Acrilico, a smooth 2K acrylic system that highlights the wood grain. These systems offer a full spectrum of gloss levels, from high gloss to matte, offering limitless color possibilities to suit any creative vision.
To further optimize the application process, the Selva Pro range offers a compact selection of hardeners with a consistent 2:1 mixing ratio, reducing complexity for the user and simplifying inventory management. The coatings are compatible with standard paint shakers, making the mixing process faster and more convenient for professionals. Powered by AkzoNobel's MaestroHue color technology tools, the Selva Pro systems offer fast, precise color matching and an extensive color database, ensuring accurate and reliable results every time.
To further its sustainability mission, Sikkens Wood Coatings in Europe has expanded its portfolio of market-leading wood coatings with RUBBOL® WF 3350, an intermediate and top coat containing 20% bio-based material. This water-based, sprayable, opaque 1K coating reduces dependence on fossil fuels and supports a more circular economy. In addition to contributing to sustainability goals, RUBBOL® WF 3350 offers a lower carbon footprint – approximately 5% lower for BW01 and 8% lower for BN00 compared to non-biobased equivalents.
The bio-based portion in RUBBOL® WF 3350 is obtained from renewable materials and thus helps to reduce the use of non-renewable resources. AkzoNobel's commitment to sustainability extends beyond this product and is continually committed to reducing carbon emissions across all operations to support a more sustainable value chain for its customers.