RAL Colour Feeling 2026+ color trend report published

The new color trend report RAL Colour Feeling 2026+ from RAL Farben is entitled "Know + Improve". It offers tried-and-tested, inspiring suggestions for the design of physical and virtual products, collections and spaces for 2026 and beyond. The practical design tool, the RAL Trendbox 2026+ with 75 color and material samples, is also being offered for the third time. Design is currently caught between innovation and the reinterpretation of the familiar. At the same time, many people are better informed than ever before. The demand for affordable, practical and emotionally appealing products that are also ecologically and ethically responsible is increasing. Context-sensitive and inclusive design remains a key element in promoting well-being. The current trend report is characterized by the values "communicative, informed, nuanced, focused, open and adaptive". The new color palette from the RAL color experts for 2026+ meets the complex requirements of the coming years. It combines warm and cool, restrained and striking, forward-looking and historically inspired nuances. Stronger contrasts also take into account the needs of people with impaired vision and color blindness. As all shades can be freely combined with each other, the color palette offers a particularly high degree of flexibility. It is suitable for a wide range of design applications - from architecture and interior design to the automotive sector and fashion through to graphic print products and user interface design.

"This year, our latest RAL Color Trend Report once again focuses on the proven and valued combination of inspiration and continuity," says Markus Frentrop, Head of RAL Colors. Five shades from the previous year have been retained and ten new colors have been added. All shades come from the RAL Design System plus, which enables systematic expansion and easy combinability, including with previous editions. "This approach allows us to offer unique possibilities for sustainable and future-oriented designs." RAL Color Feeling 2026+ was once again developed in close cooperation with the IIT Institute International Trendscouting at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Hildesheim (HAWK). It is based on scientific trend research, economic and ecological considerations, sound color psychology and many years of experience in sophisticated color design. The RAL Trendbox motivates practical work with the trend color palette and emphasizes the interplay of color and material. Each of the 15 colors has been translated into five different materials, making them ideal for mood boards and concept visualizations. The RAL Trendbox was created in cooperation with Covestro, Object Carpet, Tiger and Gabriel.