CW: Please describe the research and process that goes into choosing the upcoming color palette.

Hodges: Our AkzoNobel “Rhythm of Blues™” Colors of the Year are the result of extensive research into the color, design, cultural, economic and social trends that shape our society. As an industry leader in color research and technologies, our Global Color and Design Studio works with color designers and architects around the world to understand the latest influences affecting colors and effects in paints and coatings – drawing inspiration from related fields, such as fashion, architecture, lifestyle and nature. We also work closely with technical experts and wood manufacturers to ensure our finishes are robust and can be industrialized globally. 

The Rhythm of Blues family comprises three eye-catching indigo shades: 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 especially created to inspire furniture designers and joinery manufacturers, making it easy to choose shades and combinations for a timeless look that is also on-trend.

CW: What markets (fashion, consumer electronics, etc.) influence the popularity of the wood coatings palette?

Hodges: The High Point Market, held twice a year in spring and fall, serves as a showcase for the wood segments we serve. Influences from fashion, architecture, lifestyle, and nature all play a role in shaping the wood coatings palette, guiding both design and functionality in the furniture sector. By tracking color trends across these broader industries, including popular accent shades and consumer preferences, we gain insight into which colors are emerging and gaining popularity.

The colors, textures and special effects that take center stage in our AkzoNobel Colors of the Year 2026 collection ‘Rhythm of Blues™’ have been designed to help designers and manufacturers find on-trend wood coatings to differentiate their projects, while making it easier for customers to choose colors and combinations that match their design preferences.

CW: How long do your color experts take 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 track trends all year round; the annual ColourFutures trend forecast 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.  Subtle changes emerge every six months, while certain finishes and designs remain timeless.

CW: Besides new color palettes, what are some other trends that are popular for the wood coatings market?

Hodges: We have started to see a lot of traction with more natural surfaces – such as light, dark and warmer brown tones that are increasingly dominating wood finishes in all spaces. These shades bring 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 across the design industry, where both professionals and consumers are leaning toward tones that feel more inviting, comforting, and natural, and away from grays and cool brown shades. These palettes are doing well with the popularity of the open home concept because of the neutrality of the wood tones and the pops of color in accent pieces and accessories.

In addition to color and wood finishes, sustainability emerged as a key focus area across the industry, with companies launching initiatives to promote eco-friendly solutions. With that, AkzoNobel Wood Finishes introduced our “It all adds up” campaign in North America, highlighting ways that producers of wood products can reduce waste, save energy, and reduce their carbon footprint – as well as improving operational efficiency in the process. The campaign encourages manufacturers to consider sustainability at multiple levels –  from using renewable materials to adopting coatings that help reduce waste.  

CW: What are the most recently launched wood coatings products?

Hoedges: Recent trends in wood care coatings emphasize both performance and ease of use, with a growing focus on durability, versatility, and user-friendly application. Our Chemcraft brand’s latest range, Selva™ Pro, is a reflection of these trends. It includes 2K polyurethane and acrylic coatings systems that are engineered to deliver exceptional protection against wear, moisture, and scratches, making them ideal for demanding environments like kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces.

The Selva Pro range is backed by decades of expertise, combining high-performance features such as robust protection, excellent chemical resistance, and fast drying times with the ease of use that professionals need. The range includes three systems: Selva Pro Chiaro and Selva Pro Bianco – both high-build, high-solids, formaldehyde-free formulas – and Selva Pro Acrilico, a smooth 2K acrylic system that enhances wood grain. These systems provide a complete spectrum of sheens, from high gloss to dead flat, offering limitless color possibilities to suit any creative vision.

To further streamline the application process, the Selva Pro range features a compact selection of hardeners with a consistent 2:1 mix 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. Supported by AkzoNobel’s MaestroHue color technology tools, the Selva Pro systems offer quick, precise color matching and an expansive color database, ensuring accurate and reliable results every time.

In Europe, to further its sustainability mission, Sikkens Wood Coatings has enhanced its portfolio of market-leading wood coatings with RUBBOL WF 3350, a midcoat and topcoat with 20% bio-based material. This waterborne, sprayable 1K opaque coating reduces reliance on fossil-based raw materials, supporting a more circular economy. In addition to contributing to sustainability goals, RUBBOL WF 3350 offers a lower carbon footprint – around 5% lower for BW01 and 8% lower for BN00 compared to non-bio-based equivalents.

The bio-based content in RUBBOL WF 3350 is derived from renewable materials, helping to reduce the use of non-renewable resources. AkzoNobel’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond this product, with ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions across its operations to support a more sustainable value chain for its customers.