Sometimes, all it takes is a blank page, a pen and a few quiet minutes for a new idea to emerge. This is exactly the moment LEUCHTTURM1917 focuses on with its 2026 colour collection. Under the motto “Grow your mind,” the brand introduces four new shades: Indigo, Sunflower, Pumpkin and Cherry. They stand for calm, optimism, inspiration and self-expression.
The collection is more than a seasonal colour update. It combines writing culture with the creative spirit of the 1970s while highlighting something that feels increasingly relevant in a digital world: the conscious act of writing by hand.
Four Colours, Four Moods
Each of the new shades has its own character. Indigo is calm, harmonious and enduring. The deep blue is designed to create clarity and give thoughts room to unfold.
Sunflower, on the other hand, brings lightness and energy. The bright yellow feels fresh and optimistic, making it an uplifting choice for any desk.
Pumpkin is bolder. The vibrant orange represents drive, inspiration and creative energy.
Finally, Cherry makes a strong statement. The bright red stands for confidence, presence and expressive power.
Together, the four colours form a striking palette that works both individually and as a coordinated set. At the same time, they transform a classic everyday object into a genuine lifestyle accessory.
Inspired by the 1970s
The colour palette is no coincidence. LEUCHTTURM1917 deliberately draws inspiration from the design and cultural spirit of the 1970s. Bold shades of yellow, orange, blue and red shaped fashion, graphic design and visual communication during the decade. It was also a period associated with change, self-expression and cultural diversity.
Beyond aesthetics, the 1970s also represented a shift in attitudes. Personal freedom, creative development and a growing awareness of environmental and educational issues became increasingly important. LEUCHTTURM1917 translates this spirit into the present with its “Grow your mind” campaign.
The result feels nostalgic without looking outdated. Retro design meets a very modern desire: to slow down, think more consciously and make space for creativity.
Writing by Hand as a Conscious Moment
At the heart of the campaign is the act of handwriting. LEUCHTTURM1917 presents this moment as a starting point for creativity and thought.
In a daily routine filled with screens, messages and digital distractions, a notebook can feel almost like a counterbalance. It does not flash, send notifications or demand an immediate response.
Instead, it simply waits to be opened.
Analog and digital tools do not have to compete. An idea may begin in a notebook, develop further on a laptop and eventually be shared online. What matters is the first moment when a thought becomes visible.
That is where paper has a special quality. A page can be imperfect. Words can be crossed out, arrows can connect ideas and notes can grow in every direction.
There is room for ideas before they have to be finished.
Retro Graphics Meet Modern Writing Culture
The visual language of the campaign also reflects the 1970s. Its central motif is a stylised hand offering a Drehgriffel writing instrument. The image symbolises the beginning of “thinking with the hand.”
According to LEUCHTTURM1917, the motif is inspired by the style of Otl Aicher, whose use of tonal separation and modular design helped shape the visual identity of the 1972 Olympic Games. The reduced graphic hand is combined with broad colour blocks in Indigo, Sunflower, Pumpkin and Cherry.
The result is bold, clear and colourful. At the same time, the design feels contemporary because strong colours and simple graphic forms work just as well on paper as they do on digital channels.
Which Colour Suits You?
Choosing between the four shades ultimately comes down to personal style.
Indigo is ideal for those who prefer calm, focus and a more classic look. The deep blue is understated, yet distinctive.
Sunflower suits anyone who wants more brightness and positivity on their desk. The cheerful yellow is hard to overlook.
Pumpkin is perfect for retro lovers. The rich orange feels warm, energetic and strongly connected to the design language of the 1970s.
Cherry is the statement shade. Its bold red feels confident, powerful and expressive.
Of course, the most interesting choice may be the one that breaks with your usual habits. If you normally choose blue, Pumpkin might offer a refreshing change. If your desk is mostly neutral, Sunflower can add a single bright accent.
After all, “Grow your mind” is also about being open to something new.
More Colour for the Home Office
Stationery has become part of interior design, especially now that many workspaces are integrated into our homes.
That means everyday objects can be functional and beautiful at the same time.
A Sunflower notebook can brighten a minimalist desk. Pumpkin works well with warm natural tones and retro-inspired interiors. Cherry creates a bold contrast, while Indigo brings a quieter and more elegant note.
You do not need to redesign an entire room in a 1970s style.
Sometimes, one small detail is enough.
What Is Available in the New Colours?
The collection goes beyond notebooks. Indigo, Sunflower, Pumpkin and Cherry are available in the popular Medium (A5) format with both hardcover and softcover options.
The colours are also available for the award-winning Drehgriffel Nr. 1, as a ballpoint pen or with a gel refill, as well as the Drehgriffel Nr. 2 mechanical pencil. Pencils and Pen Loops complete the range.
This makes it possible to create coordinated monochrome sets or to combine the four shades for a more playful look.
More Than Four New Colours
With Indigo, Sunflower, Pumpkin and Cherry, LEUCHTTURM1917 combines bold colour, retro design and the pleasure of writing by hand.
The collection is therefore more than a visual update. It carries a simple idea: thoughts need space before they can grow into something bigger.
“Grow your mind” feels less like a traditional advertising slogan and more like an invitation to slow down, pick up a pen and put ideas on paper.
Sometimes, change begins very quietly.
With the first word on a blank page.
Further information: www.leuchtturm1917.com
