Nippon Paint has revealed its 2026–27 Trend Beyond Colours report, spotlighting four global mindsets that are reshaping the way we live, connect, and design. Developed in collaboration with Colour Hive, this new edition, themed “Resonate”, demonstrates how shifts in human behaviour and culture can inspire fresh, purpose-driven design and colour stories.
The report invites architects, designers, and industry professionals to explore which of these macro-trends align with their clients’ needs, and to infuse these insights into future-forward spaces that truly resonate with people.
Turning Global Shifts Into Design Inspiration
Rooted in data and behavioural observation, the four macro-trends translate emerging societal values into meaningful colour narratives. Rather than prescribing a fixed aesthetic, the trends act as a creative toolkit, empowering designers to interpret and evolve the ideas for tomorrow’s living, working, and social environments.
Wellness Redefined: Living Well, and for Longer
With longevity, holistic living, and self-care becoming universal priorities, wellness has transformed from a lifestyle choice into a lifelong pursuit. Sustainability, natural ingredients, and modern takes on ancient healing are driving materials and colour preferences.
Expect clean, soft pastels that evoke clarity, balance, and renewal.
- Rose Thoughts and Lychee Float paired with reeded or fluted glass inspire serenity.
- Restful Spot and By The Pond with pale green marble offer space for quiet reflection and nature-connected calm.
Mindfulness in a Fast-Moving World
As life accelerates, people are grounding themselves through intentional living and a return to authenticity. There’s a growing desire for experiences and objects with meaning, heritage, and tactile comfort, a counterbalance to the disposable and digital.
This mindset reflects a palette of warm, organic shades rooted in tradition and soulfulness.
- Wicker textures with Postman Blue evoke handcrafted warmth.
- Walnut finishes enrich airy tones like Muted Emerald and Basket Straw for a cosy, cocooning feel.
Curiosity Fuelling Endless Possibilities
Amid uncertainty, imagination and innovation are thriving. From AI to entrepreneurship, there is a collective hunger for progress, reinvention, and the next big leap.
Here, boldness meets sophistication through sleek metallics and daring futuristic tones.
- Palest Glow contrasted with lava ceramic glaze mirrors the excitement of chasing the horizon.
- Blue Planet and Monsoon Light paired with perforated metal deliver a cool, cosmic edge that looks towards the future.
Balancing Digital and Real-Life Connection
As online and offline worlds blur, people are craving deeper, shared human experiences. Digital fatigue is shifting behaviour from scrolling to socialising, with more choosing immersive, in-person interactions.
This duality births a vibrant and energetic palette that bridges virtual escapism and real-world joy.
- Diving Pool and Glitzy Blue sit harmoniously with iridescent finishes for a playful digital-physical mashup.
- Stainless steel fused with Fascination and Party Time creates exciting, multisensory environments.
