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Colour trends 2027+ in application

ENVISION + CRAFT

The RAL COLOUR FEELING 2027+ palette is designed to address the complexities of contemporary design tasks, such as hybrid usage scenarios, adaptive room concepts, and the integration of circular design principles. Each colour shade has been evaluated in terms of its spatial effect, material suitability, and cultural resonance.

Combining systematic colour research with experimental material exploration gives rise to design processes that anticipate future living and working environments. This iterative methodology, which is based on the interplay between conceptual thinking and haptic experience, transforms trend observations into substantial design solutions. Colour is recognised as an element that defines space, creates atmospheres, influences behaviour and promotes well-being.

The RAL DESIGN SYSTEM plus allows the 2027+ colour selection to be expanded and adapted as needed for individual projects and products. This colour system, comprising 1,825 standardised shades, enables clear and systematic colour communication and colour-accurate implementation worldwide.

FIVE DESIGN DIRECTIONS

Our research reveals five fundamental design directions based on the most prevalent contemporary colour combinations. These inspiring colour profiles facilitate user-centred decisions for creating diverse and engaging work and living environments. Colours enhance wellbeing across different user groups, aid wayfinding and spatial organisation, while supporting both functional performance and emotional resonance of products.

COLOUR MEANING

The palette's architecture follows a well-thought-out system: versatile neutral tones such as Pepper White, Pale Sienna and Olivine Grey form the creative foundation. These colours allow for understated, timeless room concepts and act as connecting elements in complex designs. The accent colours – Marzipan Pink, Topaz Yellow, Kiwi Sorbet green and Spicy Red – bring spaces and objects to life, creating visual tension and enabling striking design statements.
Distinctive main tones such as Pinkish Brown, Corundum Blue and Spanish Green, as well as the tried-and-tested Light Teal, define surfaces and lend substance to designs. These tones are particularly well-suited to bold architectural interventions or as identity-creating elements in product design.

GIVING COLOURS SUBSTANCE

The effect of a colour tone is changed by surfaces and materials. The following colour-material collages therefore give the colours substance. The colour names suggest associations and ideas about the colours' origin and meaning. These connections then become part of the concept in application, forming part of the multisensory design narrative.

COLOUR MATERIAL FINISH

The RAL Trendbox is the hands-on companion to the trend report. All 15 shades are realised in RAL D6 single sheets, powder coated metal samples, plastic samples and translated to flooring samples and textile samples allowing colour concepts to be developed and executed consistently across material boundaries. The haptic component is fundamental to well-considered and sensitive design decisions.

All colours are selected from the RAL DESIGN SYSTEM plus. The colour system allows for easy expansion of the 2027+ selection and adaptation for specific projects and products. With 1,825 standardised shades, the system ensures colour communication worldwide.

We extend special gratitude to the RAL Trendbox 2027+ collaboration partners: Covestro, Gabriel Fabrics, Object Carpet, Tiger Coatings and the German Design Council.

The RAL Trendbox expands the theoretical colour concept to include the material dimension.

Tools

Free to download:

Design-Kit (Colour Libraries, Leporello, Images including copyrights, Colour overview)

Press-Kit (Press Release, Images including copyrights, Leporello)