Paint color trends: Mankiewicz "Colors of the Year 2026"

With Tree House, Ice Water and Sour, the paint manufacturer Mankiewicz is presenting three trend colors as "Colors of the Year 2026". They are intended to show how social developments are reflected in color and material.

The world is changing - politically, socially and technologically. With the Colors of the Year 2026, Mankiewicz is picking up on these changes. The in-house design team translates current trends into color, surface and structure. The Colors of the Year are a dialog between design and zeitgeist. At international trade fairs and on trips, the design experts gather impressions, analyze developments and condense them into color experiences that combine emotion and function. "Design trends are no coincidence," explains Nina Karsten, Head of Design at Mankiewicz Coatings. "Our colors are the result of observation and classification in the current social context. They show how the world is changing - and what stories color can tell."

The theme of resilience - the ability to accept challenges with resilience and at the same time openly and confidently - continues to establish itself as a central motif. In this sense, this year's tones - Tree House, Ice Water and Sour - deal with stability, clarity and lightness.

"Tree House" stands for the search for stability in turbulent times. The deep brown tone is reminiscent of wood, leather and coffee - natural materials that stand for stability and familiarity. In an increasingly digital world, "Tree House" conveys warmth, calm and a sense of security. It symbolizes a return to craftsmanship, longevity and a yearning for the real thing. With its timeless elegance, "Tree House" fits seamlessly into design concepts that combine tradition and modernity.

"Ice Water" unites opposites: Cold and movement, concentration and lightness. In times of global warming, cold is becoming a valuable commodity - a symbol of balance and vitality. The metallic shimmer of "Ice Water" is reminiscent of flowing water and stands for serenity and focus. This color is a visual response to the need for calm in a complex world - a hue that plays with expansiveness and elegance without radiating coldness, thus combining a clear aesthetic with emotional depth.

"Sour" is a statement: fresh, lively and full of energy. At a time when uncertainty and excessive demands dominate, this shade brings lightness and optimism into play. Its subtle sheen is reminiscent of sparkling citrus notes - it almost seems as if the surface is softly tingling. "Sour" shows that humor and joie de vivre are just as important as structure and function. It is visual proof that color can arouse emotions and provide energy." (OM-11/25)