diff --git a/.skillware.yaml.example b/.skillware.yaml.example
index e930652..3b99472 100644
--- a/.skillware.yaml.example
+++ b/.skillware.yaml.example
@@ -25,6 +25,11 @@ legacy:
   # When true, SKILLWARE_SKILL_PATH is merged as external roots (default).
   honor_skillware_skill_path: true
 
+# Optional project override for the global CLI theme.
+# Supported values: pastel (default/fallback), ocean, mono.
+# presentation:
+#   theme: ocean
+
 # Mail operator settings for office/gmail_handler (active in Skillware 0.5+):
 # mail:
 #   addressbook_path: ~/.config/skillware/addressbook.yaml
@@ -48,7 +53,5 @@ legacy:
 # CLI: skillware mail addressbook init | skillware mail signature set
 
 # Reserved for future releases (ignored today; preserved by skillware config show):
-# theme:
-#   preset: default
 # chains:
 #   default: []
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 6612fe5..bd44f78 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -8,6 +8,11 @@ Contributors add user-facing entries under `[Unreleased]` in the same PR. Mainta
 
 ## [Unreleased]
 
+### Added
+
+- **CLI:** User-configurable `pastel`, `ocean`, and `mono` presentation themes; interactive menu selection persists globally, project config can override it, and unknown values fall back to `pastel` (#248).
+- **CLI:** The mail submenu and direct mail commands now follow the active presentation theme (#248).
+
 ## [0.5.3] - 2026-09-01
 
 ### Added
diff --git a/docs/usage/cli.md b/docs/usage/cli.md
index d933563..0cf6ac4 100644
--- a/docs/usage/cli.md
+++ b/docs/usage/cli.md
@@ -20,8 +20,8 @@ version tagline, and footer links. The block art (from `skillware/cli.py`):
 ```
 
 Tagline: `Skillware v{version} — Skill Management Framework`. Gradient colors
-are listed under [Color theme](#color-theme). See [Interactive menu](#interactive-menu)
-for a terminal screenshot.
+follow the active [color theme](#color-themes). See
+[Interactive menu](#interactive-menu) for a terminal screenshot.
 
 ## Installation
 
@@ -120,6 +120,7 @@ Available commands:
 | `5` / `doctor` | Check manifest deps and skill.py import readiness | Available |
 | `6` / `help` | Grouped help (Skills, Examples, Paths, Config, Mail, General) with doc links | Available |
 | `7` / `mail` | Mail submenu — address book and signature setup for `office/gmail_handler` | Available |
+| `8` / `theme` | Choose `pastel`, `ocean`, or `mono` and save it to global config | Available |
 
 ## Grouped help
 
@@ -131,10 +132,11 @@ Available commands:
 | `2` / `examples` | indexed runnable scripts |
 | `3` / `paths` | resolution and paths submenu |
 | `4` / `config` | merged YAML settings |
-| `5` / `general` | menu, `--help`, `--version` |
-| `6` / `install` | pip install skillware |
-| `7` / `docs` | link to this CLI guide |
-| `8` / `interactive` | numbered splash menu |
+| `5` / `mail` | address book and signature setup |
+| `6` / `general` | menu, `--help`, `--version` |
+| `7` / `install` | pip install skillware |
+| `8` / `docs` | link to this CLI guide |
+| `9` / `interactive` | numbered splash menu |
 
 Brief `--help` groups (same topics, less detail):
 
@@ -143,7 +145,8 @@ Brief `--help` groups (same topics, less detail):
 | **Skills** | `list`, `test`, `doctor` |
 | **Examples** | `examples` |
 | **Paths** | `paths`, interactive paths submenu |
-| **Config** | `config show` |
+| **Config** | `config show`, interactive theme picker |
+| **Mail** | `mail`, interactive mail submenu |
 | **General** | interactive menu, `--help`, `--version` |
 
 ## Commands
@@ -291,7 +294,9 @@ Interactive menu: **`5` / `doctor`**.
 
 ### skillware config
 
-Show merged global + project Skillware configuration (read-only). The `paths` and `mail` sections are active today; other top-level keys are preserved for future settings (themes, chains, etc.).
+Show merged global + project Skillware configuration (read-only). The `paths`,
+`mail`, and `presentation` sections are active; other top-level keys are
+preserved for future settings.
 
     skillware config show
 
@@ -313,6 +318,8 @@ resolution:
     - bundled
 legacy:
   honor_skillware_skill_path: true
+presentation:
+  theme: ocean
 mail:
   addressbook_path: ~/.config/skillware/addressbook.yaml
   signature_path: ~/.config/skillware/mail_signature.txt
@@ -325,6 +332,17 @@ mail:
 
 When no config file exists, resolution stays **legacy**: `SKILLWARE_SKILL_PATH` → `./skills/` walk → bundled. When config exists, `resolution.order` applies (default: project → external → bundled). The **bundled** registry from `pip install skillware` is always included and cannot be disabled. **Pip-only installs with no local `skills/` folder still resolve bundled registry skills** — only roots that exist on disk are searched; an empty project tier does not block bundled.
 
+`skillware config show` reports the effective `presentation.theme`. To change
+the global theme without editing YAML, run `skillware`, choose **`8` / `theme`**,
+then select a built-in theme by number or name. The picker writes only
+`presentation.theme` in the global config and preserves unrelated settings.
+
+A project `.skillware.yaml` value overrides the global selection while the CLI
+runs inside that project. The picker still saves the global preference and
+prints a notice that the project theme remains active. Remove or change the
+project `presentation.theme` value to use the global selection there. Missing,
+malformed, or unknown theme values fall back safely to `pastel`.
+
 ### skillware mail
 
 Operator UX for **`office/gmail_handler`** address book, email signatures (including multi-profile), and attachment path settings — without editing bundled skill files. **Full operator guide:** [`docs/skills/gmail_handler.md`](../skills/gmail_handler.md) (fresh install checklist, precedence, plain vs HTML MIME, attachments, persistence).
@@ -418,18 +436,28 @@ the same condition `SkillLoader` requires to load a skill successfully.
 
 `skillware list` always shows the **path-derived ID**; it does not read `manifest["name"]` for the ID column. Keep manifest `name` aligned with that ID so agent loops and `SkillLoader.to_*_tool()` stay consistent. `SkillLoader.load_skill()` warns via `SkillwareIdentityWarning` when a registry-layout skill has a missing or mismatched `name` (flat private skills under `<skill_root>/<skill_name>/` are not checked). See [Agent loops](agent_loops.md#tool-name-matching).
 
-## Color theme
+## Color themes
 
-The CLI uses a pastel color palette consistent with the project's visual identity:
+The selected theme is applied to tables, headings, categories, skill IDs,
+menus, links, statuses, errors, and the splash gradient.
 
-| Element | Color | Hex |
+| Theme | Description | Splash gradient |
 | :--- | :--- | :--- |
-| Table headers and borders | Lavender | `#C7CEEA` |
-| Category column | Peach | `#FFDAC1` |
-| Skill ID column | Mint | `#B5EAD7` |
-| Splash logo and tagline | Gradient (ice → sky → blush) | `#D4E4F1` → `#79B6D8` → `#EBD8DC` |
-| Splash footer links | Lavender | `#C7CEEA` |
-| Interactive menu | Peach | `#FFDAC1` |
+| `pastel` | Default and fallback; preserves the original Skillware lavender, peach, mint, ice, sky, and blush palette | `#D4E4F1` → `#79B6D8` → `#EBD8DC` |
+| `ocean` | Deep blue, sky blue, and cyan | `#0C4A6E` → `#0284C7` → `#7DD3FC` |
+| `mono` | Grayscale presentation | `#F0F0F0` → `#A0A0A0` → `#606060` |
+
+Choose a theme interactively:
+
+```text
+skillware
+> 8
+theme> ocean
+```
+
+The selection takes effect for subsequent output in the same session and is
+used on the next CLI start. The splash is printed once at startup, so restart
+the CLI to see the newly selected splash gradient.
 
 ## short_description field
 
@@ -440,4 +468,3 @@ a concise one-line summary shown in `skillware list`:
 
 If `short_description` is absent, the CLI falls back to the first sentence
 of `description`, truncated to 80 characters.
-
diff --git a/skillware/cli.py b/skillware/cli.py
index 60211be..d96e9ec 100644
--- a/skillware/cli.py
+++ b/skillware/cli.py
@@ -27,10 +27,12 @@
     load_merged_config,
     load_project_paths_settings,
     project_config_write_path,
+    save_global_presentation_theme,
     save_project_config,
 )
 from skillware.core.mail_config import format_mail_config_lines
 from skillware.cli_mail import cmd_mail, cmd_mail_submenu
+from skillware.cli_theme import THEMES, ThemePalette, active_theme
 from skillware.core.discovery import (
     SKILLWARE_SKILL_PATH_ENV,
     bundled_skill_root,
@@ -42,13 +44,45 @@
 )
 from skillware.version_policy import emit_upgrade_advisory, get_installed_version
 
-TABLE_STYLE = "bold #C7CEEA"  # lavender  - headers
-CATEGORY_STYLE = "bold #FFDAC1"  # peach     - category column
-ID_STYLE = "#B5EAD7"  # mint      - skill ID column
-BORDER_STYLE = "#C7CEEA"  # lavender  - table border
 
-SPLASH_STYLE = "#C7CEEA"  # lavender  - skillware splash color
-MENU_STYLE = "#FFDAC1"  # peach     - menu category
+def _active_theme() -> ThemePalette:
+    """Return the configured palette; config normalization guarantees fallback."""
+    return active_theme()
+
+
+_DEFAULT_PALETTE = THEMES["pastel"]
+TABLE_STYLE = _DEFAULT_PALETTE.heading_style
+CATEGORY_STYLE = _DEFAULT_PALETTE.category_style
+ID_STYLE = _DEFAULT_PALETTE.id_style
+BORDER_STYLE = _DEFAULT_PALETTE.border_style
+SPLASH_STYLE = _DEFAULT_PALETTE.splash_style
+MENU_STYLE = _DEFAULT_PALETTE.menu_style
+ERROR_STYLE = f"bold {_DEFAULT_PALETTE.error_color}"
+ERROR_DIM_STYLE = f"dim {_DEFAULT_PALETTE.error_color}"
+SPLASH_GRADIENT_START = _DEFAULT_PALETTE.gradient_start
+SPLASH_GRADIENT_MID = _DEFAULT_PALETTE.gradient_mid
+SPLASH_GRADIENT_END = _DEFAULT_PALETTE.gradient_end
+
+
+def _apply_active_theme() -> None:
+    """Refresh module styles from the currently merged configuration."""
+    palette = _active_theme()
+    global TABLE_STYLE, CATEGORY_STYLE, ID_STYLE, BORDER_STYLE
+    global SPLASH_STYLE, MENU_STYLE, ERROR_STYLE, ERROR_DIM_STYLE
+    global SPLASH_GRADIENT_START, SPLASH_GRADIENT_MID, SPLASH_GRADIENT_END
+
+    TABLE_STYLE = palette.heading_style
+    CATEGORY_STYLE = palette.category_style
+    ID_STYLE = palette.id_style
+    BORDER_STYLE = palette.border_style
+    SPLASH_STYLE = palette.splash_style
+    MENU_STYLE = palette.menu_style
+    ERROR_STYLE = f"bold {palette.error_color}"
+    ERROR_DIM_STYLE = f"dim {palette.error_color}"
+    SPLASH_GRADIENT_START = palette.gradient_start
+    SPLASH_GRADIENT_MID = palette.gradient_mid
+    SPLASH_GRADIENT_END = palette.gradient_end
+
 
 _DOCS_CLI = "docs/usage/cli.md"
 _DOCS_CLI_LIST = f"{_DOCS_CLI}#skillware-list"
@@ -97,6 +131,7 @@
         "Config",
         [
             ("skillware config show", "merged global + project YAML (read-only)"),
+            ("skillware (menu 8 / theme)", "choose and save the global CLI theme"),
         ],
         _DOCS_CLI_CONFIG,
     ),
@@ -137,6 +172,12 @@
     ("6", "flat", "diagnose flat-layout skills not shown in list"),
 ]
 
+_THEME_CHOICES = [
+    ("1", "pastel", "original Skillware palette"),
+    ("2", "ocean", "deep blue, sky, and cyan"),
+    ("3", "mono", "grayscale"),
+]
+
 _NAV_EXIT = "exit"
 _NAV_BACK = "back"
 
@@ -163,10 +204,6 @@
     "skillware mail addressbook show",
     "skillware doctor --category compliance",
 )
-SPLASH_GRADIENT_START = (0xD4, 0xE4, 0xF1)
-SPLASH_GRADIENT_MID = (0x79, 0xB6, 0xD8)
-SPLASH_GRADIENT_END = (0xEB, 0xD8, 0xDC)
-
 _SPLASH_LOGO_LINES = (
     "  ███████╗██╗  ██╗██╗██╗     ██╗     ██╗    ██╗ █████╗ ██████╗ ███████╗",
     "  ██╔════╝██║ ██╔╝██║██║     ██║     ██║    ██║██╔══██╗██╔══██╗██╔════╝",
@@ -215,7 +252,7 @@ def _example_github_url(script: str) -> str:
 def _example_github_cell(script: str) -> Text:
     """Compact clickable label for the examples table (full URL is the link target)."""
     url = _example_github_url(script)
-    return Text.from_markup(f'[link="{url}" dim #C7CEEA]{script}[/link]')
+    return Text.from_markup(f'[link="{url}" dim {SPLASH_STYLE}]{script}[/link]')
 
 
 def _examples_readme_path() -> Optional[Path]:
@@ -447,6 +484,7 @@ def cmd_test(
     console=None,
 ) -> int:
     """Run bundle tests via pytest. Returns pytest's exit code."""
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console(stderr=True)
 
@@ -456,7 +494,7 @@ def cmd_test(
         category=category,
     )
     if error:
-        console.print(error, style="bold #FF9AA2")
+        console.print(error, style=ERROR_STYLE)
         return 2 if skill_id and category else 1
 
     pytest_args = [sys.executable, "-m", "pytest"]
@@ -478,6 +516,7 @@ def cmd_list(
     console=None,
 ) -> None:
     """Print a formatted table of all available skills."""
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
 
@@ -500,7 +539,7 @@ def cmd_list(
             console.print(
                 "examples/README.md not found locally or on GitHub; "
                 "cannot show example counts.",
-                style="bold #FF9AA2",
+                style=ERROR_STYLE,
             )
         else:
             example_counts = _example_counts_by_skill(rows)
@@ -547,6 +586,7 @@ def cmd_examples(
     console=None,
 ) -> int:
     """Print runnable example scripts from examples/README.md."""
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
 
@@ -554,7 +594,7 @@ def cmd_examples(
     if readme_source is None:
         console.print(
             "Could not load examples/README.md from the repo or GitHub.",
-            style="bold #FF9AA2",
+            style=ERROR_STYLE,
         )
         return 1
 
@@ -563,7 +603,7 @@ def cmd_examples(
         if len(parts) != 2 or not all(parts):
             console.print(
                 f"Invalid skill ID '{skill_id}'. Expected category/skill_name.",
-                style="bold #FF9AA2",
+                style=ERROR_STYLE,
             )
             return 2
 
@@ -572,7 +612,7 @@ def cmd_examples(
             console.print(
                 f"No indexed examples for '{skill_id}'. "
                 f"See {_examples_readme_display_path(readme_source)} for the full inventory.",
-                style="bold #FF9AA2",
+                style=ERROR_STYLE,
             )
             return 1
 
@@ -649,7 +689,7 @@ def _print_help_command_group(
     console, group: Tuple[str, List[Tuple[str, str]], str]
 ) -> None:
     group_name, commands, doc_link = group
-    console.print(Text(group_name, style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text(group_name, style=TABLE_STYLE))
     for command, description in commands:
         console.print(f"  {command} — {description}", style=MENU_STYLE)
     console.print(f"  Read more: {doc_link}", style=f"dim {SPLASH_STYLE}")
@@ -657,20 +697,20 @@ def _print_help_command_group(
 
 
 def _print_help_index(console) -> None:
-    console.print(Text("Usage", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("Usage", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     console.print(
         "  Run skillware and choose help (6) for full topic details.",
         style="dim",
     )
     console.print()
-    console.print(Text("Topics", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("Topics", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     for key, slug, summary, _target in _HELP_MENU:
         console.print(f"  {key} {slug:<12}— {summary}", style=MENU_STYLE)
     console.print()
 
 
 def _print_cli_usage_examples(console) -> None:
-    console.print(Text("CLI usage examples", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("CLI usage examples", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     for line in _CLI_USAGE_EXAMPLES:
         console.print(f"  {line}", style=MENU_STYLE)
     console.print()
@@ -678,32 +718,33 @@ def _print_cli_usage_examples(console) -> None:
 
 def _print_help_static_topic(console, topic: str) -> None:
     if topic == "install":
-        console.print(Text("Install", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+        console.print(Text("Install", style=TABLE_STYLE))
         console.print("  pip install skillware", style=MENU_STYLE)
         console.print('  pip install -e ".[dev,all]"  # local development', style="dim")
     elif topic == "docs":
-        console.print(Text("Docs", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+        console.print(Text("Docs", style=TABLE_STYLE))
         console.print(
             "  https://github.com/arpahls/skillware/blob/main/docs/usage/cli.md",
             style=f"dim {SPLASH_STYLE}",
         )
     elif topic == "interactive":
-        console.print(Text("Interactive mode", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+        console.print(Text("Interactive mode", style=TABLE_STYLE))
         console.print("  skillware — open splash menu", style=MENU_STYLE)
-        console.print("  1-6 or command name — run a command", style="dim")
+        console.print("  1-8 or command name — run a command", style="dim")
         console.print("  0 — exit from any menu level", style="dim")
     console.print()
 
 
 def _print_help_groups(console, *, compact: bool = False) -> None:
     """Print all help groups (legacy flat dump). Prefer cmd_help(brief=True)."""
-    console.print(Text("Usage", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("Usage", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     for group in HELP_GROUPS:
         _print_help_command_group(console, group)
 
 
 def cmd_help_submenu(console=None, input_fn=None) -> Optional[str]:
     """Interactive help topics. Returns _NAV_EXIT to quit Skillware."""
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
 
@@ -711,7 +752,7 @@ def cmd_help_submenu(console=None, input_fn=None) -> Optional[str]:
     topic_map.update({slug: target for key, slug, _summary, target in _HELP_MENU})
 
     while True:
-        console.print(Text("Help", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+        console.print(Text("Help", style=TABLE_STYLE))
         for key, slug, summary, _target in _HELP_MENU:
             console.print(f"    [{key}] {slug:<12}— {summary}", style=MENU_STYLE)
         _print_nav_footer(console, show_back=True)
@@ -727,7 +768,7 @@ def cmd_help_submenu(console=None, input_fn=None) -> Optional[str]:
 
         target = topic_map.get(choice.lower())
         if target is None:
-            console.print(f"  Unknown topic: '{choice}'", style="dim #FF9AA2")
+            console.print(f"  Unknown topic: '{choice}'", style=ERROR_DIM_STYLE)
             console.print()
             continue
 
@@ -746,7 +787,7 @@ def cmd_help_submenu(console=None, input_fn=None) -> Optional[str]:
 
 
 def _print_paths_submenu(console) -> None:
-    console.print(Text("Paths", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("Paths", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     console.print(
         f"  Project config: {project_config_write_path()}",
         style="dim",
@@ -763,7 +804,7 @@ def _print_paths_submenu(console) -> None:
 
 def _cmd_paths_show_bundled(console) -> None:
     root = bundled_skill_root(include_missing=True)
-    console.print(Text("Bundled registry (read-only)", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("Bundled registry (read-only)", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     console.print(f"  path: {root.path}", style=MENU_STYLE)
     console.print(f"  status: {'ok' if root.exists else 'missing'}", style="dim")
     if root.exists:
@@ -788,13 +829,13 @@ def _cmd_paths_shadows_only(
         console.print("No shadowing detected across active roots.", style=MENU_STYLE)
         return
 
-    console.print(Text("Shadowing (first root wins)", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("Shadowing (first root wins)", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     for conflict in conflicts[:30]:
         console.print(
             f"  {conflict.skill_id}: "
             f"{conflict.winner.tier.value} at {conflict.winner.path} "
             f"shadows {conflict.shadowed.tier.value} at {conflict.shadowed.path}",
-            style="bold #FF9AA2",
+            style=ERROR_STYLE,
         )
     if len(conflicts) > 30:
         console.print(f"  … and {len(conflicts) - 30} more", style="dim")
@@ -804,9 +845,7 @@ def _cmd_paths_flat_diagnose(
     console, skills_root_override: Optional[Path] = None
 ) -> None:
     roots = get_skill_roots(skills_root_override, for_display=True)
-    console.print(
-        Text("Flat-layout skills (loadable, not in list)", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}")
-    )
+    console.print(Text("Flat-layout skills (loadable, not in list)", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     found_any = False
     for root in roots:
         if not root.exists:
@@ -851,7 +890,7 @@ def _cmd_paths_edit_project(console, input_fn=None) -> None:
     else:
         candidate = Path(raw).expanduser()
         if not candidate.is_dir():
-            console.print(f"  Not a directory: {candidate}", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+            console.print(f"  Not a directory: {candidate}", style=ERROR_STYLE)
             return
         paths.project = str(candidate.resolve())
 
@@ -862,9 +901,7 @@ def _cmd_paths_edit_project(console, input_fn=None) -> None:
 def _cmd_paths_edit_external(console, input_fn=None) -> None:
     paths = load_project_paths_settings()
     while True:
-        console.print(
-            Text("External paths (project config)", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}")
-        )
+        console.print(Text("External paths (project config)", style=TABLE_STYLE))
         if paths.external:
             for index, entry in enumerate(paths.external, start=1):
                 console.print(f"    [{index}] {entry}", style=MENU_STYLE)
@@ -888,7 +925,7 @@ def _cmd_paths_edit_external(console, input_fn=None) -> None:
                 continue
             candidate = Path(path_raw).expanduser()
             if not candidate.is_dir():
-                console.print(f"  Not a directory: {candidate}", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+                console.print(f"  Not a directory: {candidate}", style=ERROR_STYLE)
                 continue
             resolved = str(candidate.resolve())
             if resolved not in paths.external:
@@ -908,16 +945,16 @@ def _cmd_paths_edit_external(console, input_fn=None) -> None:
             try:
                 index = int(index_raw)
             except ValueError:
-                console.print("  Enter a list number.", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+                console.print("  Enter a list number.", style=ERROR_STYLE)
                 continue
             if index < 1 or index > len(paths.external):
-                console.print("  Invalid number.", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+                console.print("  Invalid number.", style=ERROR_STYLE)
                 continue
             removed = paths.external.pop(index - 1)
             target = save_project_config(paths)
             console.print(f"  Removed {removed}; saved to {target}", style=ID_STYLE)
         else:
-            console.print("  Unknown choice.", style="dim #FF9AA2")
+            console.print("  Unknown choice.", style=ERROR_DIM_STYLE)
 
 
 def cmd_paths_submenu(
@@ -926,6 +963,7 @@ def cmd_paths_submenu(
     input_fn=None,
 ) -> Optional[str]:
     """Interactive paths submenu (menu option 4). Returns _NAV_EXIT to quit Skillware."""
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
 
@@ -969,7 +1007,7 @@ def cmd_paths_submenu(
         elif command == "flat":
             _cmd_paths_flat_diagnose(console, skills_root_override=skills_root_override)
         elif command is None:
-            console.print(f"  Unknown choice: '{choice}'", style="dim #FF9AA2")
+            console.print(f"  Unknown choice: '{choice}'", style=ERROR_DIM_STYLE)
         console.print()
 
 
@@ -978,11 +1016,12 @@ def cmd_paths(
     console=None,
 ) -> int:
     """Show skill root resolution order, tiers, and shadowing (read-only config via skillware config show)."""
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
 
     cwd = Path.cwd().resolve()
-    console.print(Text("Skill path resolution", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("Skill path resolution", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     console.print(f"  cwd: {cwd}", style="dim")
     console.print()
 
@@ -991,7 +1030,7 @@ def cmd_paths(
         console.print(
             "No skill roots configured. Set "
             f"{SKILLWARE_SKILL_PATH_ENV} or use --skills-root.",
-            style="bold #FF9AA2",
+            style=ERROR_STYLE,
         )
         return 1
 
@@ -1010,7 +1049,7 @@ def cmd_paths(
     for index, root in enumerate(roots, start=1):
         skill_count = len(list_registry_skill_ids(root.path)) if root.exists else 0
         status = "ok" if root.exists else "missing"
-        status_style = ID_STYLE if root.exists else "bold #FF9AA2"
+        status_style = ID_STYLE if root.exists else ERROR_STYLE
         table.add_row(
             str(index),
             root.tier.value,
@@ -1024,26 +1063,24 @@ def cmd_paths(
 
     conflicts = find_shadow_conflicts(roots)
     if conflicts:
-        console.print(
-            Text("Shadowing (first root wins on load)", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}")
-        )
+        console.print(Text("Shadowing (first root wins on load)", style=TABLE_STYLE))
         for conflict in conflicts[:20]:
             console.print(
                 f"  {conflict.skill_id}: "
                 f"{conflict.winner.tier.value} at {conflict.winner.path} "
                 f"shadows {conflict.shadowed.tier.value} at {conflict.shadowed.path}",
-                style="bold #FF9AA2",
+                style=ERROR_STYLE,
             )
         if len(conflicts) > 20:
             console.print(f"  … and {len(conflicts) - 20} more", style="dim")
         console.print()
 
-    console.print(Text("Resolution order", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("Resolution order", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     for label, detail in resolution_order_summary():
         console.print(f"  {label}: {detail}", style="dim")
     console.print()
 
-    console.print(Text("Tips", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("Tips", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     console.print(
         "  • One-shot override: skillware list --skills-root /path/to/skills",
         style=MENU_STYLE,
@@ -1070,20 +1107,25 @@ def cmd_paths(
 
 def cmd_config_show(console=None) -> int:
     """Print merged global + project configuration (read-only)."""
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
 
     config = load_merged_config(refresh=True)
     paths = config.paths
-    console.print(Text("Skillware config", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("Skillware config", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     console.print()
 
-    console.print(Text("Config files", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("Config files", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     console.print(f"  Global (default): {global_config_path()}", style="dim")
     for line in format_config_sources(config):
         console.print(f"  Loaded: {line}", style=MENU_STYLE if config.layers else "dim")
     console.print()
 
+    console.print(Text("presentation (active)", style=TABLE_STYLE))
+    console.print(f"  theme: {config.presentation.theme}", style=MENU_STYLE)
+    console.print()
+
     if not config.has_config_files:
         console.print(
             "No config files found — using legacy resolution "
@@ -1103,7 +1145,7 @@ def cmd_config_show(console=None) -> int:
             console.print(line, style=MENU_STYLE)
         return 0
 
-    console.print(Text("paths (active)", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("paths (active)", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     project_label = paths.project if paths.project is not None else "auto"
     console.print(f"  project: {project_label}", style=MENU_STYLE)
     if paths.external:
@@ -1127,7 +1169,7 @@ def cmd_config_show(console=None) -> int:
     console.print()
 
     if config.extra:
-        console.print(Text("Other sections (reserved)", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+        console.print(Text("Other sections (reserved)", style=TABLE_STYLE))
         for key in sorted(config.extra):
             console.print(f"  {key}: (present, not applied yet)", style="dim")
         console.print()
@@ -1137,12 +1179,60 @@ def cmd_config_show(console=None) -> int:
         style="dim",
     )
     console.print(
-        "Edit via interactive menu (paths, mail) or YAML manually.",
+        "Edit via interactive menu (paths, mail, themes) or YAML manually.",
         style="dim",
     )
     return 0
 
 
+def cmd_theme_picker(console=None, input_fn=None) -> Optional[str]:
+    """Select and persist a global CLI theme. Returns _NAV_EXIT when requested."""
+    if console is None:
+        console = Console()
+
+    choices = {key: name for key, name, _description in _THEME_CHOICES}
+    choices.update({name: name for _key, name, _description in _THEME_CHOICES})
+
+    while True:
+        _apply_active_theme()
+        current = load_merged_config().presentation.theme
+        console.print(Text("Theme", style=TABLE_STYLE))
+        console.print(f"  Current: {current}", style=ID_STYLE)
+        console.print()
+        for key, name, description in _THEME_CHOICES:
+            console.print(
+                f"    [{key}] {name:<8}— {description}",
+                style=MENU_STYLE,
+            )
+        _print_nav_footer(console, show_back=True)
+
+        raw = _read_line("  theme> ", input_fn)
+        choice, nav = _parse_nav(raw)
+        if nav == _NAV_EXIT:
+            return _NAV_EXIT
+        if nav == _NAV_BACK:
+            return None
+        if not choice:
+            continue
+
+        selected = choices.get(choice.lower())
+        if selected is None:
+            console.print(f"  Unknown theme: '{choice}'", style=ERROR_DIM_STYLE)
+            console.print()
+            continue
+
+        target = save_global_presentation_theme(selected)
+        _apply_active_theme()
+        effective = load_merged_config().presentation.theme
+        console.print(f"  Saved global theme '{selected}' to {target}", style=ID_STYLE)
+        if effective != selected:
+            console.print(
+                f"  Project config keeps '{effective}' active in this directory.",
+                style="dim",
+            )
+        return None
+
+
 def _doctor_load_target(
     skill_id: str, skills_root_override: Optional[Path] = None
 ) -> str:
@@ -1214,6 +1304,7 @@ def cmd_doctor(
     console=None,
 ) -> int:
     """Check manifest deps and skill.py import without running execute()."""
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console(stderr=True)
 
@@ -1223,7 +1314,7 @@ def cmd_doctor(
         category=category,
     )
     if error:
-        console.print(error, style="bold #FF9AA2")
+        console.print(error, style=ERROR_STYLE)
         return 2 if skill_id and category else 1
 
     table = Table(
@@ -1251,7 +1342,7 @@ def cmd_doctor(
                     sid, skills_root_override=skills_root_override
                 )
             except FileNotFoundError as exc:
-                console.print(str(exc), style="bold #FF9AA2")
+                console.print(str(exc), style=ERROR_STYLE)
                 return 1
 
             if deps_status != "ok" or load_status == "fail":
@@ -1259,14 +1350,14 @@ def cmd_doctor(
 
             deps_cell = Text(
                 deps_status,
-                style=ID_STYLE if deps_status == "ok" else "bold #FF9AA2",
+                style=ID_STYLE if deps_status == "ok" else ERROR_STYLE,
             )
             if load_status == "skip":
                 load_cell = Text("—", style="dim")
             elif load_status == "ok":
                 load_cell = Text(load_status, style=ID_STYLE)
             else:
-                load_cell = Text(load_status, style="bold #FF9AA2")
+                load_cell = Text(load_status, style=ERROR_STYLE)
 
             rows.append((sid, deps_cell, load_cell, detail or "—"))
 
@@ -1304,7 +1395,7 @@ def _prompt_examples_skill_id(
     if len(parts) != 2 or not all(parts):
         console.print(
             f"  Invalid skill ID '{choice}'. Expected category/skill_name.",
-            style="dim #FF9AA2",
+            style=ERROR_DIM_STYLE,
         )
         return None, _NAV_BACK
     return choice, None
@@ -1318,24 +1409,25 @@ def _print_menu(console, menu) -> None:
 
 def cmd_help(console=None, *, brief: bool = True) -> None:
     """Print CLI help. Brief mode (default) shows topics + examples only."""
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
 
     if brief:
         _print_help_index(console)
         _print_cli_usage_examples(console)
-        console.print(Text("Install", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+        console.print(Text("Install", style=TABLE_STYLE))
         console.print("  pip install skillware", style="dim")
         console.print()
-        console.print(Text("Docs", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+        console.print(Text("Docs", style=TABLE_STYLE))
         console.print(
             "  https://github.com/arpahls/skillware/blob/main/docs/usage/cli.md",
             style=f"dim {SPLASH_STYLE}",
         )
         console.print()
-        console.print(Text("Interactive mode", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+        console.print(Text("Interactive mode", style=TABLE_STYLE))
         console.print(
-            "  skillware — menu 1-6; help topic drill-down via 6", style="dim"
+            "  skillware — menu 1-8; help topic drill-down via 6", style="dim"
         )
         console.print("  0 — exit from any menu level", style="dim")
         console.print()
@@ -1396,6 +1488,7 @@ def _package_version_str() -> str:
 
 def cmd_interactive(console=None, parser=None) -> None:
     """Launch ASCII splash screen and interactive menu."""
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
 
@@ -1425,6 +1518,7 @@ def cmd_interactive(console=None, parser=None) -> None:
         ("5", "doctor", "check manifest deps and skill.py import readiness"),
         ("6", "help", "grouped help topics and doc links"),
         ("7", "mail", "address book and signature for office/gmail_handler"),
+        ("8", "theme", "choose and save the CLI color theme"),
     ]
 
     commands = {
@@ -1442,6 +1536,8 @@ def cmd_interactive(console=None, parser=None) -> None:
         "help": "help",
         "7": "mail",
         "mail": "mail",
+        "8": "theme",
+        "theme": "theme",
     }
 
     _print_menu(console, menu)
@@ -1482,7 +1578,9 @@ def cmd_interactive(console=None, parser=None) -> None:
         elif command == "doctor":
             rc = cmd_doctor(console=console)
             if rc:
-                console.print(f"  doctor exited with status {rc}", style="dim #FF9AA2")
+                console.print(
+                    f"  doctor exited with status {rc}", style=ERROR_DIM_STYLE
+                )
         elif command == "mail":
             mail_nav = cmd_mail_submenu(console=console)
             if mail_nav == _NAV_EXIT:
@@ -1493,8 +1591,13 @@ def cmd_interactive(console=None, parser=None) -> None:
             if help_nav == _NAV_EXIT:
                 console.print("  Bye.", style="dim")
                 return
+        elif command == "theme":
+            theme_nav = cmd_theme_picker(console=console)
+            if theme_nav == _NAV_EXIT:
+                console.print("  Bye.", style="dim")
+                return
         else:
-            console.print(f"  Unknown command: '{choice}'", style="dim #FF9AA2")
+            console.print(f"  Unknown command: '{choice}'", style=ERROR_DIM_STYLE)
 
         console.print()
         _print_menu(console, menu)
diff --git a/skillware/cli_mail.py b/skillware/cli_mail.py
index 27e4b66..2fae0a3 100644
--- a/skillware/cli_mail.py
+++ b/skillware/cli_mail.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@
 from rich.console import Console
 from rich.text import Text
 
+from skillware.cli_theme import THEMES, active_theme
 from skillware.core.mail_config import (
     DEFAULT_SIGNATURE_PLAIN,
     ENV_ADDRESSBOOK_PATH,
@@ -43,9 +44,25 @@
 )
 from skillware.core.config import global_config_dir
 
-TABLE_STYLE = "bold #C7CEEA"
-ID_STYLE = "#B5EAD7"
-MENU_STYLE = "#FFDAC1"
+_DEFAULT_PALETTE = THEMES["pastel"]
+TABLE_STYLE = _DEFAULT_PALETTE.heading_style
+ID_STYLE = _DEFAULT_PALETTE.id_style
+MENU_STYLE = _DEFAULT_PALETTE.menu_style
+ERROR_STYLE = f"bold {_DEFAULT_PALETTE.error_color}"
+ERROR_DIM_STYLE = f"dim {_DEFAULT_PALETTE.error_color}"
+
+
+def _apply_active_theme() -> None:
+    """Refresh mail styles from the shared active CLI palette."""
+    palette = active_theme()
+    global TABLE_STYLE, ID_STYLE, MENU_STYLE, ERROR_STYLE, ERROR_DIM_STYLE
+
+    TABLE_STYLE = palette.heading_style
+    ID_STYLE = palette.id_style
+    MENU_STYLE = palette.menu_style
+    ERROR_STYLE = f"bold {palette.error_color}"
+    ERROR_DIM_STYLE = f"dim {palette.error_color}"
+
 
 _NAV_EXIT = "exit"
 _NAV_BACK = "back"
@@ -93,9 +110,8 @@ def _parse_nav(raw: Optional[str]) -> Tuple[str, Optional[str]]:
 
 
 def _print_mail_submenu(console: Console) -> None:
-    console.print(
-        Text("Mail settings (office/gmail_handler)", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}")
-    )
+    _apply_active_theme()
+    console.print(Text("Mail settings (office/gmail_handler)", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     console.print(
         "  Precedence: env > project YAML > global YAML > skill defaults",
         style="dim",
@@ -111,13 +127,14 @@ def _print_mail_submenu(console: Console) -> None:
 
 
 def cmd_mail_addressbook_show(console: Optional[Console] = None) -> int:
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
     mail = load_merged_mail_settings(refresh=True)
     path = resolve_addressbook_path(mail=mail)
     data = load_addressbook_yaml(path)
     count = count_addressbook_contacts(data)
-    console.print(Text("Address book", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("Address book", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     console.print(f"  path: {path}", style=ID_STYLE)
     console.print(f"  contacts: {count}", style=MENU_STYLE)
     if path.is_file():
@@ -130,7 +147,7 @@ def cmd_mail_addressbook_show(console: Optional[Console] = None) -> int:
         elif "site-packages" in str(path):
             console.print(
                 "  storage: bundled wheel path — run addressbook init for a writable copy",
-                style="bold #FF9AA2",
+                style=ERROR_STYLE,
             )
     else:
         console.print(
@@ -146,6 +163,7 @@ def cmd_mail_addressbook_init(
     path: Optional[Path] = None,
     force: bool = False,
 ) -> int:
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
     target = path or default_global_addressbook_path()
@@ -154,7 +172,7 @@ def cmd_mail_addressbook_init(
     except FileExistsError:
         console.print(
             f"  Already exists: {target} (use --force to overwrite)",
-            style="bold #FF9AA2",
+            style=ERROR_STYLE,
         )
         return 1
     saved = persist_global_mail_paths(addressbook_path=str(target))
@@ -193,6 +211,7 @@ def cmd_mail_addressbook_add(
     org: Optional[str] = None,
     contact_id: Optional[str] = None,
 ) -> int:
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
 
@@ -250,7 +269,7 @@ def cmd_mail_addressbook_add(
             contact_id=cid,
         )
     except ValueError as exc:
-        console.print(f"  {exc}", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+        console.print(f"  {exc}", style=ERROR_STYLE)
         return 1
 
     console.print(f"  Added contact {saved_id!r} → {path}", style=ID_STYLE)
@@ -258,17 +277,18 @@ def cmd_mail_addressbook_add(
 
 
 def cmd_mail_addressbook_validate(console: Optional[Console] = None) -> int:
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
     mail = load_merged_mail_settings(refresh=True)
     path = resolve_addressbook_path(mail=mail)
     if not path.is_file():
-        console.print(f"  Missing address book: {path}", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+        console.print(f"  Missing address book: {path}", style=ERROR_STYLE)
         return 1
     data = load_addressbook_yaml(path)
     errors = validate_addressbook_data(data)
     if errors:
-        console.print(Text("Address book validation failed", style="bold #FF9AA2"))
+        console.print(Text("Address book validation failed", style=ERROR_STYLE))
         for error in errors:
             console.print(f"  • {error}")
         return 1
@@ -282,6 +302,7 @@ def cmd_mail_addressbook_set_path(
     path: Optional[str] = None,
     input_fn: ReadLineFn = None,
 ) -> int:
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
     raw = path
@@ -294,7 +315,7 @@ def cmd_mail_addressbook_set_path(
             return 1
     raw = raw.strip()
     if not raw:
-        console.print("  Path required.", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+        console.print("  Path required.", style=ERROR_STYLE)
         return 1
 
     project_mail = load_project_mail_settings()
@@ -305,12 +326,13 @@ def cmd_mail_addressbook_set_path(
 
 
 def cmd_mail_signature_show(console: Optional[Console] = None) -> int:
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
     mail = load_merged_mail_settings(refresh=True)
     text, source = resolve_signature_plain(mail=mail)
     html, html_source = resolve_signature_html(mail=mail)
-    console.print(Text("Mail signature", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("Mail signature", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     console.print(f"  plain source: {source}", style=MENU_STYLE)
     console.print(f"  html source: {html_source}", style=MENU_STYLE)
     if not text and not html:
@@ -337,6 +359,7 @@ def cmd_mail_signature_init(
     inline: bool = False,
     force: bool = False,
 ) -> int:
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
     config_dir = global_config_dir()
@@ -361,7 +384,7 @@ def cmd_mail_signature_init(
     except FileExistsError as exc:
         console.print(
             f"  Already exists: {exc} (use --force to overwrite)",
-            style="bold #FF9AA2",
+            style=ERROR_STYLE,
         )
         return 1
 
@@ -388,12 +411,13 @@ def cmd_mail_signature_set(
     text: Optional[str] = None,
     input_fn: ReadLineFn = None,
 ) -> int:
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
 
     if file_path is not None:
         if not file_path.is_file():
-            console.print(f"  File not found: {file_path}", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+            console.print(f"  File not found: {file_path}", style=ERROR_STYLE)
             return 1
         body = file_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8").strip()
         project_mail = load_project_mail_settings()
@@ -402,7 +426,7 @@ def cmd_mail_signature_set(
         save_project_mail_settings(project_mail)
         errors = validate_signature_text(body)
         if errors:
-            console.print("  Warning:", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+            console.print("  Warning:", style=ERROR_STYLE)
             for error in errors:
                 console.print(f"    • {error}")
         console.print(
@@ -425,7 +449,7 @@ def cmd_mail_signature_set(
 
     errors = validate_signature_text(text or "")
     if errors:
-        console.print("  Invalid signature:", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+        console.print("  Invalid signature:", style=ERROR_STYLE)
         for error in errors:
             console.print(f"    • {error}")
         return 1
@@ -439,13 +463,14 @@ def cmd_mail_signature_set(
 
 
 def cmd_mail_signature_validate(console: Optional[Console] = None) -> int:
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
     mail = load_merged_mail_settings(refresh=True)
     text, source = resolve_signature_plain(mail=mail)
     errors = validate_signature_text(text)
     if errors:
-        console.print(Text("Signature validation failed", style="bold #FF9AA2"))
+        console.print(Text("Signature validation failed", style=ERROR_STYLE))
         console.print(f"  source: {source}", style="dim")
         for error in errors:
             console.print(f"  • {error}")
@@ -455,6 +480,7 @@ def cmd_mail_signature_validate(console: Optional[Console] = None) -> int:
 
 
 def cmd_mail_signature_clear(console: Optional[Console] = None) -> int:
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
     updated = clear_mail_signature_settings()
@@ -471,12 +497,13 @@ def cmd_mail_signature_clear(console: Optional[Console] = None) -> int:
 
 
 def cmd_mail_signature_profiles(console: Optional[Console] = None) -> int:
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
     mail = load_merged_mail_settings(refresh=True)
     active = resolve_signature_profile(mail=mail)
     profiles = list_signature_profiles(mail=mail)
-    console.print(Text("Signature profiles", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("Signature profiles", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     console.print(f"  active: {active}", style=ID_STYLE)
     if not profiles:
         console.print("  (none — use signature init or add-profile)", style="dim")
@@ -501,13 +528,14 @@ def cmd_mail_signature_set_profile(
     profile_id: Optional[str] = None,
     input_fn: ReadLineFn = None,
 ) -> int:
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
     pid = (profile_id or "").strip()
     if not pid:
         pid = (_read_line("  Profile id: ", input_fn) or "").strip()
     if not pid:
-        console.print("  profile id is required.", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+        console.print("  profile id is required.", style=ERROR_STYLE)
         return 1
     target = set_active_signature_profile(pid)
     console.print(f"  Active signature profile: {pid}", style=ID_STYLE)
@@ -523,25 +551,26 @@ def cmd_mail_signature_add_profile(
     plain_path: Optional[Path] = None,
     input_fn: ReadLineFn = None,
 ) -> int:
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
     pid = (profile_id or "").strip()
     if not pid:
         pid = (_read_line("  Profile id: ", input_fn) or "").strip()
     if not pid:
-        console.print("  profile id is required.", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+        console.print("  profile id is required.", style=ERROR_STYLE)
         return 1
     if html_path is None and plain_path is None:
         console.print(
             "  Provide --html and/or --plain path to signature files.",
-            style="bold #FF9AA2",
+            style=ERROR_STYLE,
         )
         return 1
     if plain_path is not None and not plain_path.is_file():
-        console.print(f"  Plain file not found: {plain_path}", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+        console.print(f"  Plain file not found: {plain_path}", style=ERROR_STYLE)
         return 1
     if html_path is not None and not html_path.is_file():
-        console.print(f"  HTML file not found: {html_path}", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+        console.print(f"  HTML file not found: {html_path}", style=ERROR_STYLE)
         return 1
 
     target = upsert_signature_profile(
@@ -558,10 +587,11 @@ def cmd_mail_signature_add_profile(
 
 def cmd_mail_show(console: Optional[Console] = None) -> int:
     """Summary of resolved mail settings (read-only)."""
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
     mail = load_merged_mail_settings(refresh=True)
-    console.print(Text("Mail settings (resolved)", style=f"bold {TABLE_STYLE}"))
+    console.print(Text("Mail settings (resolved)", style=TABLE_STYLE))
     for line in format_mail_config_lines(mail):
         console.print(line, style=MENU_STYLE)
     console.print()
@@ -582,6 +612,7 @@ def cmd_mail_submenu(
     console: Optional[Console] = None, input_fn: ReadLineFn = None
 ) -> Optional[str]:
     """Interactive mail submenu. Returns _NAV_EXIT to quit Skillware."""
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
 
@@ -653,9 +684,9 @@ def cmd_mail_submenu(
         elif command == "signature add-profile":
             cmd_mail_signature_add_profile(console, input_fn=input_fn)
         elif command is None:
-            console.print(f"  Unknown choice: {choice!r}", style="dim #FF9AA2")
+            console.print(f"  Unknown choice: {choice!r}", style=ERROR_DIM_STYLE)
         else:
-            console.print(f"  Unknown choice: {choice!r}", style="dim #FF9AA2")
+            console.print(f"  Unknown choice: {choice!r}", style=ERROR_DIM_STYLE)
         console.print()
 
 
@@ -666,6 +697,7 @@ def cmd_mail(
     **kwargs,
 ) -> int:
     """Dispatch skillware mail [area] [action]."""
+    _apply_active_theme()
     if console is None:
         console = Console()
 
@@ -698,7 +730,7 @@ def cmd_mail(
             )
         if action == "set-path":
             return cmd_mail_addressbook_set_path(console, path=kwargs.get("path"))
-        console.print(f"  Unknown addressbook action: {action}", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+        console.print(f"  Unknown addressbook action: {action}", style=ERROR_STYLE)
         return 1
 
     if area == "signature":
@@ -735,9 +767,9 @@ def cmd_mail(
                 html_path=kwargs.get("html_path"),
                 plain_path=kwargs.get("plain_path"),
             )
-        console.print(f"  Unknown signature action: {action}", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+        console.print(f"  Unknown signature action: {action}", style=ERROR_STYLE)
         return 1
 
-    console.print(f"  Unknown mail area: {area}", style="bold #FF9AA2")
+    console.print(f"  Unknown mail area: {area}", style=ERROR_STYLE)
     console.print("  Use: addressbook | signature", style="dim")
     return 1
diff --git a/skillware/cli_theme.py b/skillware/cli_theme.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5a0d947
--- /dev/null
+++ b/skillware/cli_theme.py
@@ -0,0 +1,70 @@
+"""Shared presentation themes for Skillware CLI modules."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from typing import Dict, Tuple
+
+from skillware.core.config import load_merged_config
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class ThemePalette:
+    """Semantic Rich styles for one built-in CLI theme."""
+
+    heading_style: str
+    category_style: str
+    id_style: str
+    border_style: str
+    splash_style: str
+    menu_style: str
+    error_color: str
+    gradient_start: Tuple[int, int, int]
+    gradient_mid: Tuple[int, int, int]
+    gradient_end: Tuple[int, int, int]
+
+
+THEMES: Dict[str, ThemePalette] = {
+    "pastel": ThemePalette(
+        heading_style="bold #C7CEEA",
+        category_style="bold #FFDAC1",
+        id_style="#B5EAD7",
+        border_style="#C7CEEA",
+        splash_style="#C7CEEA",
+        menu_style="#FFDAC1",
+        error_color="#FF9AA2",
+        gradient_start=(0xD4, 0xE4, 0xF1),
+        gradient_mid=(0x79, 0xB6, 0xD8),
+        gradient_end=(0xEB, 0xD8, 0xDC),
+    ),
+    "ocean": ThemePalette(
+        heading_style="bold #7DD3FC",
+        category_style="bold #38BDF8",
+        id_style="#BAE6FD",
+        border_style="#0284C7",
+        splash_style="#38BDF8",
+        menu_style="#7DD3FC",
+        error_color="#F87171",
+        gradient_start=(0x0C, 0x4A, 0x6E),
+        gradient_mid=(0x02, 0x84, 0xC7),
+        gradient_end=(0x7D, 0xD3, 0xFC),
+    ),
+    "mono": ThemePalette(
+        heading_style="bold #D0D0D0",
+        category_style="bold #A8A8A8",
+        id_style="#E0E0E0",
+        border_style="#808080",
+        splash_style="#C0C0C0",
+        menu_style="#A8A8A8",
+        error_color="#B0B0B0",
+        gradient_start=(0xF0, 0xF0, 0xF0),
+        gradient_mid=(0xA0, 0xA0, 0xA0),
+        gradient_end=(0x60, 0x60, 0x60),
+    ),
+}
+
+
+def active_theme() -> ThemePalette:
+    """Return the configured palette; config normalization guarantees fallback."""
+    theme_name = load_merged_config().presentation.theme
+    return THEMES.get(theme_name, THEMES["pastel"])
diff --git a/skillware/core/config.py b/skillware/core/config.py
index c606a9a..48410a8 100644
--- a/skillware/core/config.py
+++ b/skillware/core/config.py
@@ -18,11 +18,14 @@
 GLOBAL_CONFIG_DIR_ENV = "SKILLWARE_CONFIG_DIR"
 PROJECT_CONFIG_FILENAME = ".skillware.yaml"
 GLOBAL_CONFIG_FILENAME = "config.yaml"
+DEFAULT_PRESENTATION_THEME = "pastel"
+SUPPORTED_PRESENTATION_THEMES: Tuple[str, ...] = ("pastel", "ocean", "mono")
 _MAX_PARENT_WALK = 6
 
 _DEFAULT_RESOLUTION_ORDER: Tuple[str, ...] = ("project", "external", "bundled")
 _VALID_ORDER_TIERS = frozenset({"project", "external", "bundled"})
-_KNOWN_TOP_LEVEL_KEYS = frozenset({"paths", "resolution", "legacy", "mail"})
+_PATH_TOP_LEVEL_KEYS = frozenset({"paths", "resolution", "legacy"})
+_KNOWN_TOP_LEVEL_KEYS = _PATH_TOP_LEVEL_KEYS | {"mail", "presentation"}
 
 
 @dataclass(frozen=True)
@@ -46,18 +49,26 @@ def project_is_auto(self) -> bool:
         return self.project is None or str(self.project).strip().lower() == "auto"
 
 
+@dataclass
+class PresentationSettings:
+    """CLI presentation settings from merged configuration."""
+
+    theme: str = DEFAULT_PRESENTATION_THEME
+
+
 @dataclass
 class SkillwareConfig:
     """
     Merged Skillware configuration.
 
-    ``paths`` and ``mail`` are implemented today. Additional top-level YAML
-    sections (for example ``theme``, ``chains``) are preserved in ``extra``
-    for forward compatibility and shown by ``skillware config show``.
+    ``paths``, ``mail``, and ``presentation`` are active settings. Additional top-level
+    YAML sections (for example ``chains`` and skill presets) are preserved in
+    ``extra`` for forward compatibility and shown by ``skillware config show``.
     """
 
     paths: PathsSettings = field(default_factory=PathsSettings)
     mail: MailSettings = field(default_factory=MailSettings)
+    presentation: PresentationSettings = field(default_factory=PresentationSettings)
     extra: Dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict)
     layers: Tuple[ConfigLayer, ...] = ()
 
@@ -136,6 +147,16 @@ def _parse_resolution_order(raw: Any) -> Tuple[str, ...]:
     return tuple(tiers) if tiers else _DEFAULT_RESOLUTION_ORDER
 
 
+def normalize_presentation_theme(raw: Any) -> str:
+    """Return a supported theme name, falling back safely to pastel."""
+    if not isinstance(raw, str):
+        return DEFAULT_PRESENTATION_THEME
+    theme = raw.strip().lower()
+    if theme not in SUPPORTED_PRESENTATION_THEMES:
+        return DEFAULT_PRESENTATION_THEME
+    return theme
+
+
 def _layer_from_file(path: Path) -> ConfigLayer:
     return ConfigLayer(path=path.resolve(), data=_read_yaml(path))
 
@@ -153,6 +174,7 @@ def _merge_extra_section(
 
 def _merge_layers(layers: Sequence[ConfigLayer]) -> SkillwareConfig:
     paths = PathsSettings()
+    presentation = PresentationSettings()
     mail_layers: List[MailSettings] = []
     extra: Dict[str, Any] = {}
 
@@ -194,8 +216,23 @@ def _merge_layers(layers: Sequence[ConfigLayer]) -> SkillwareConfig:
                 legacy_block.get("honor_skillware_skill_path")
             )
 
+        if "presentation" in layer.data:
+            presentation_block = layer.data.get("presentation")
+            if isinstance(presentation_block, dict) and "theme" in presentation_block:
+                presentation.theme = normalize_presentation_theme(
+                    presentation_block.get("theme")
+                )
+            elif not isinstance(presentation_block, dict):
+                presentation.theme = DEFAULT_PRESENTATION_THEME
+
     mail = merge_mail_settings(mail_layers)
-    return SkillwareConfig(paths=paths, mail=mail, extra=extra, layers=tuple(layers))
+    return SkillwareConfig(
+        paths=paths,
+        mail=mail,
+        presentation=presentation,
+        extra=extra,
+        layers=tuple(layers),
+    )
 
 
 def load_merged_config(*, refresh: bool = False) -> SkillwareConfig:
@@ -283,7 +320,7 @@ def save_project_config(
     if preserve_extra and target.is_file():
         existing = _read_yaml(target)
         for key, value in existing.items():
-            if key not in _KNOWN_TOP_LEVEL_KEYS:
+            if key not in _PATH_TOP_LEVEL_KEYS:
                 document[key] = value
 
     target.write_text(
@@ -292,3 +329,27 @@ def save_project_config(
     )
     clear_config_cache()
     return target.resolve()
+
+
+def save_global_presentation_theme(theme: str) -> Path:
+    """Persist a supported presentation theme without replacing other settings."""
+    normalized = str(theme).strip().lower()
+    if normalized not in SUPPORTED_PRESENTATION_THEMES:
+        supported = ", ".join(SUPPORTED_PRESENTATION_THEMES)
+        raise ValueError(f"Unknown presentation theme '{theme}'. Choose: {supported}.")
+
+    target = global_config_path()
+    target.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    document = dict(_read_yaml(target)) if target.is_file() else {}
+
+    raw_presentation = document.get("presentation")
+    presentation = dict(raw_presentation) if isinstance(raw_presentation, dict) else {}
+    presentation["theme"] = normalized
+    document["presentation"] = presentation
+
+    target.write_text(
+        yaml.safe_dump(document, sort_keys=False, default_flow_style=False),
+        encoding="utf-8",
+    )
+    clear_config_cache()
+    return target.resolve()
diff --git a/tests/test_cli.py b/tests/test_cli.py
index 50c7cdc..37d5b5f 100644
--- a/tests/test_cli.py
+++ b/tests/test_cli.py
@@ -17,12 +17,28 @@
     cmd_paths,
     cmd_paths_submenu,
     cmd_doctor,
+    cmd_theme_picker,
 )
 
 import importlib.util
 
 import pytest
 
+from skillware.core.config import clear_config_cache
+
+
+@pytest.fixture
+def isolated_theme_environment(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
+    """Keep theme reads and writes away from the user's real configuration."""
+    repo = tmp_path / "repo"
+    repo.mkdir()
+    config_dir = tmp_path / "global-config"
+    monkeypatch.chdir(repo)
+    monkeypatch.setenv("SKILLWARE_CONFIG_DIR", str(config_dir))
+    clear_config_cache()
+    yield repo, config_dir
+    clear_config_cache()
+
 
 def test_discover_skills_returns_skills(tmp_path):
     # Create a fake skill directory structure
@@ -282,6 +298,175 @@ def test_interactive_help_dispatches_to_cmd_help(monkeypatch):
     assert "--issuer" in output
 
 
+def test_builtin_theme_palettes_match_intended_roles():
+    import skillware.cli as cli
+
+    assert set(cli.THEMES) == {"pastel", "ocean", "mono"}
+
+    pastel = cli.THEMES["pastel"]
+    assert pastel.heading_style == "bold #C7CEEA"
+    assert pastel.menu_style == "#FFDAC1"
+    assert pastel.gradient_mid == (0x79, 0xB6, 0xD8)
+
+    ocean = cli.THEMES["ocean"]
+    for red, green, blue in (
+        ocean.gradient_start,
+        ocean.gradient_mid,
+        ocean.gradient_end,
+    ):
+        assert blue > red
+        assert blue >= green
+
+    mono = cli.THEMES["mono"]
+    for red, green, blue in (
+        mono.gradient_start,
+        mono.gradient_mid,
+        mono.gradient_end,
+    ):
+        assert red == green == blue
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("theme_name", ["pastel", "ocean", "mono"])
+def test_builtin_theme_smoke_render(theme_name, isolated_theme_environment):
+    import io
+
+    from rich.console import Console
+
+    import skillware.cli as cli
+    from skillware.core.config import save_global_presentation_theme
+
+    save_global_presentation_theme(theme_name)
+    buf = io.StringIO()
+    cmd_help(console=Console(file=buf, force_terminal=False))
+
+    palette = cli.THEMES[theme_name]
+    assert cli._active_theme() == palette
+    assert cli.TABLE_STYLE == palette.heading_style
+    assert cli.MENU_STYLE == palette.menu_style
+    assert cli.ERROR_STYLE == f"bold {palette.error_color}"
+    assert cli._gradient_splash_text(("TEST",)).plain == "TEST\n"
+    assert "Topics" in buf.getvalue()
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("theme_name", ["pastel", "ocean", "mono"])
+def test_mail_submenu_uses_active_theme(theme_name, isolated_theme_environment):
+    import io
+
+    from rich.console import Console
+
+    import skillware.cli_mail as cli_mail
+    from skillware.cli_theme import THEMES
+    from skillware.core.config import save_global_presentation_theme
+
+    save_global_presentation_theme(theme_name)
+    buf = io.StringIO()
+
+    assert (
+        cli_mail.cmd_mail_submenu(
+            console=Console(file=buf, force_terminal=False),
+            input_fn=lambda _prompt: "b",
+        )
+        is None
+    )
+
+    palette = THEMES[theme_name]
+    assert cli_mail.TABLE_STYLE == palette.heading_style
+    assert cli_mail.ID_STYLE == palette.id_style
+    assert cli_mail.MENU_STYLE == palette.menu_style
+    assert cli_mail.ERROR_STYLE == f"bold {palette.error_color}"
+    assert "Mail settings" in buf.getvalue()
+
+
+def test_theme_picker_persists_and_preserves_global_config(
+    isolated_theme_environment,
+):
+    import io
+
+    import yaml
+    from rich.console import Console
+
+    import skillware.cli as cli
+
+    _repo, config_dir = isolated_theme_environment
+    config_path = config_dir / "config.yaml"
+    config_dir.mkdir()
+    config_path.write_text(
+        "paths:\n  project: auto\nchains:\n  default: []\n",
+        encoding="utf-8",
+    )
+    responses = iter(["unknown", "2"])
+    buf = io.StringIO()
+
+    assert (
+        cmd_theme_picker(
+            console=Console(file=buf, force_terminal=False),
+            input_fn=lambda _prompt: next(responses),
+        )
+        is None
+    )
+
+    saved = yaml.safe_load(config_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+    assert saved["presentation"]["theme"] == "ocean"
+    assert saved["paths"] == {"project": "auto"}
+    assert saved["chains"] == {"default": []}
+    assert cli.TABLE_STYLE == cli.THEMES["ocean"].heading_style
+    assert "Unknown theme: 'unknown'" in buf.getvalue()
+    assert "Saved global theme 'ocean'" in buf.getvalue()
+
+
+def test_interactive_theme_dispatches_and_refreshes(
+    isolated_theme_environment, monkeypatch
+):
+    import io
+
+    import yaml
+    from rich.console import Console
+
+    import skillware.cli as cli
+
+    _repo, config_dir = isolated_theme_environment
+    responses = iter(["8", "3", "q"])
+    monkeypatch.setattr("builtins.input", lambda _prompt: next(responses))
+    buf = io.StringIO()
+
+    cmd_interactive(console=Console(file=buf, force_terminal=False))
+
+    saved = yaml.safe_load((config_dir / "config.yaml").read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+    assert saved["presentation"]["theme"] == "mono"
+    assert cli.TABLE_STYLE == cli.THEMES["mono"].heading_style
+    assert "Current: pastel" in buf.getvalue()
+    assert "Saved global theme 'mono'" in buf.getvalue()
+
+
+def test_theme_picker_reports_project_override(isolated_theme_environment):
+    import io
+
+    import yaml
+    from rich.console import Console
+
+    from skillware.core.config import load_merged_config
+
+    repo, config_dir = isolated_theme_environment
+    (repo / ".skillware.yaml").write_text(
+        "presentation:\n  theme: ocean\n",
+        encoding="utf-8",
+    )
+    clear_config_cache()
+    buf = io.StringIO()
+
+    cmd_theme_picker(
+        console=Console(file=buf, force_terminal=False),
+        input_fn=lambda _prompt: "3",
+    )
+
+    global_config = yaml.safe_load(
+        (config_dir / "config.yaml").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    )
+    assert global_config["presentation"]["theme"] == "mono"
+    assert load_merged_config().presentation.theme == "ocean"
+    assert "Project config keeps 'ocean' active" in buf.getvalue()
+
+
 def test_version_flag(capsys):
     """skillware --version should print the installed version and exit."""
     import sys
diff --git a/tests/test_config.py b/tests/test_config.py
index 65c6468..5cad9ac 100644
--- a/tests/test_config.py
+++ b/tests/test_config.py
@@ -3,8 +3,10 @@
 from pathlib import Path
 
 import pytest
+import yaml
 
 from skillware.core.config import (
+    DEFAULT_PRESENTATION_THEME,
     GLOBAL_CONFIG_DIR_ENV,
     PROJECT_CONFIG_FILENAME,
     PathsSettings,
@@ -12,6 +14,7 @@
     find_project_config_file,
     load_merged_config,
     load_project_paths_settings,
+    save_global_presentation_theme,
     save_project_config,
 )
 from skillware.core.discovery import (
@@ -167,6 +170,57 @@ def test_global_and_project_config_merge(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
     assert Path(config.paths.external[1]) == project_external.resolve()
 
 
+def test_presentation_theme_defaults_to_pastel(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
+    monkeypatch.chdir(tmp_path)
+    monkeypatch.setenv(GLOBAL_CONFIG_DIR_ENV, str(tmp_path / "no-global"))
+
+    config = load_merged_config(refresh=True)
+
+    assert config.presentation.theme == DEFAULT_PRESENTATION_THEME
+
+
+def test_project_presentation_theme_overrides_global(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
+    global_dir = tmp_path / "global-config"
+    _write_config(
+        global_dir / "config.yaml",
+        "presentation:\n  theme: ocean\n",
+    )
+    repo = tmp_path / "repo"
+    repo.mkdir()
+    _write_config(
+        repo / PROJECT_CONFIG_FILENAME,
+        "presentation:\n  theme: mono\n",
+    )
+    monkeypatch.chdir(repo)
+    monkeypatch.setenv(GLOBAL_CONFIG_DIR_ENV, str(global_dir))
+
+    config = load_merged_config(refresh=True)
+
+    assert config.presentation.theme == "mono"
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("configured", ["unknown", "", None, ["pastel"]])
+def test_unknown_or_malformed_presentation_theme_falls_back(
+    tmp_path, monkeypatch, configured
+):
+    repo = tmp_path / "repo"
+    repo.mkdir()
+    config_path = repo / PROJECT_CONFIG_FILENAME
+    config_path.write_text(
+        yaml.safe_dump(
+            {"presentation": {"theme": configured}},
+            sort_keys=False,
+        ),
+        encoding="utf-8",
+    )
+    monkeypatch.chdir(repo)
+    monkeypatch.setenv(GLOBAL_CONFIG_DIR_ENV, str(tmp_path / "no-global"))
+
+    config = load_merged_config(refresh=True)
+
+    assert config.presentation.theme == DEFAULT_PRESENTATION_THEME
+
+
 def test_find_project_config_walks_up(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
     repo = tmp_path / "repo"
     nested = repo / "a" / "b"
@@ -274,3 +328,52 @@ def test_save_project_config_persists_paths(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
     merged = load_merged_config(refresh=True)
     assert merged.has_config_files
     assert any(root.path == external.resolve() for root in get_skill_roots())
+
+
+def test_save_project_config_preserves_presentation(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
+    repo = tmp_path / "repo"
+    repo.mkdir()
+    _write_config(
+        repo / PROJECT_CONFIG_FILENAME,
+        "presentation:\n  theme: ocean\n",
+    )
+    monkeypatch.chdir(repo)
+
+    save_project_config(PathsSettings(project="auto"))
+
+    saved = yaml.safe_load((repo / PROJECT_CONFIG_FILENAME).read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+    assert saved["presentation"]["theme"] == "ocean"
+
+
+def test_save_global_presentation_theme_preserves_unrelated_settings(
+    tmp_path, monkeypatch
+):
+    global_dir = tmp_path / "global-config"
+    global_path = global_dir / "config.yaml"
+    _write_config(
+        global_path,
+        "paths:\n  project: auto\n"
+        "presentation:\n  theme: pastel\n  contrast: high\n"
+        "chains:\n  default: []\n",
+    )
+    monkeypatch.setenv(GLOBAL_CONFIG_DIR_ENV, str(global_dir))
+    load_merged_config(refresh=True)
+
+    written = save_global_presentation_theme(" OCEAN ")
+
+    assert written == global_path.resolve()
+    saved = yaml.safe_load(global_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+    assert saved["presentation"] == {"theme": "ocean", "contrast": "high"}
+    assert saved["paths"] == {"project": "auto"}
+    assert saved["chains"] == {"default": []}
+    assert load_merged_config().presentation.theme == "ocean"
+
+
+def test_save_global_presentation_theme_rejects_unknown(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
+    global_dir = tmp_path / "global-config"
+    monkeypatch.setenv(GLOBAL_CONFIG_DIR_ENV, str(global_dir))
+
+    with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="Unknown presentation theme"):
+        save_global_presentation_theme("neon")
+
+    assert not (global_dir / "config.yaml").exists()