Mankiewicz presents Colors of the Year 2026 – resilience is fast becoming the theme of our times

The manufacturer of paints based in Hamburg is presenting three color trends for 2026:

• Tree House
• Ice Water
• Sour

These demonstrate how colors and material reflect social development.

The world is changing – politically, socially, and technologically. Mankiewicz responds to such changes annually with its Colors of the Year. The design team translates the theme of the times into color, surface, and texture.

The Colors of the Year are a dialogue between design and zeitgeist. At international trade fairs and on their travels, the design experts at Mankiewicz gather impressions, analyze developments, and condense their findings into color experiences that combine emotion with 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 present social context. They show how the world is changing – and what stories color can tell.”

Resilience, the ability to face challenges with strength while remaining open and confident, continues to be a key theme.

In this sense, this year’s color shades – Tree House, Ice Water, and Sour – are concerned with consistency, clarity, and joy.

Tree House – grounding during change

This shade represents a search for stability in turbulent times. The deep brown of Tree House is reminiscent of wood, leather, and coffee—natural materials that feel permanent and familiar. In an increasingly digital world, Tree House conveys warmth, tranquility, and a sense of security. It symbolizes a return to craftsmanship, durability, and a longing for authenticity. With its timeless elegance, Tree House fits seamlessly into design concepts that combine tradition with modernity.

Ice Water – clarity in action

Ice Water combines contrasts: coolness and activity, concentration and ease. In these times of global warming, coolness is sought after as a symbol for balance and sustainability. The metallic sheen of Ice Water is reminiscent of flowing water and represents focus and serenity. This shade is a visual response to the need for calm in a complex world—a color that plays with wide vistas and elegance without emitting coldness, thus combining a clear esthetic with emotional depth.

Sour – courage to be joyful

Sour makes a statement: fresh, lively, and full of energy. In times dominated by uncertainty and being overstretched, this shade offers a sense of playfulness and optimism. Its subtle sheen is reminiscent of tangy citrus notes—almost as if the surface is quietly tingling. Sour shows that humor and joie de vivre are just as important as structure and function. It is visual proof that color can evoke emotions and a zest for life.

Mankiewicz presents Colors of the Year 2026 – resilience is fast becoming the theme of our times

The paint manufacturer based in Hamburg is presenting three color trends for 2026 – Tree House, Ice Water, and Sour. These demonstrate how colors and material reflect social development. The world is changing – politically, socially, and technologically. Mankiewicz responds to such changes annually with its Colors of the Year. The design team has translated them into color shades based on the themes of stability, clarity, and zest for life.

“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 present social context. They show how the world is changing—and what stories color can tell.”

The key theme of this year’s selection is resilience—the ability to balance stability and versatility. Tree House stands for grounding, Ice Water for clarity, and Sour for optimism. Three colors that make strength, calm, and confidence visible.

About Mankiewicz Coating Solutions

Mankiewicz is a global paint manufacturer founded in Hamburg in 1895. Today, the Mankiewicz Group supplies high-quality coating systems for industrial series production to various industries, including demanding markets such as mechanical engineering, automotive, aviation, rail, commercial vehicles, medical technology, yachting and wind power. The in-house development department enables the production of all coating systems in all colors, gloss levels and structures, tailor-made for each customer. More than 1,800 employees worldwide work on implementing coating concepts to ensure the long-term preservation of consumer and capital goods. The products stand for high quality and a consistent focus on market requirements. A quality management system established many years ago ensures consistently high product and process quality.