Colors Are Forecasted to Dominate in 2007

    What is America’s favorite color? It’s still blue according to Pantone®, a worldwide authority on color and provider of color systems. Blue depicts loyalty, dependability and forthrightness, and because of that, blue will probably be the leading color candidate for the majority of people through this decade. Several things are changing in the world of color though. Men are getting more active in choosing colors for the home. Pink is no longer just for the gals and brown isn’t just for the guys. How do we know? Just think about how many more men are wearing pink these days – and how many women are making brown the choice of color for their dining room. Wondering what colors are hot for 2007? Pantone just released its forecast for the coming year:

Purple is being hailed as the big story for 2007. Purple is showing up on high-end silk and upholstery fabrics, some mixed with mauves and yellows. From soft orchids to deep blue purple, purple is the highlight of the fashion industry and is being called the hottest color for 2007.

Red makes a big, bold statement, and it’s expected to continue its ride of popularity in 2007, thanks to Latin and Asian influences.

Pinks will be brighter in 2007. Look for more of a coral tint.

Orange, the color of optimism, is expected to overtake red in 2007. Think shades of metallic copper tones, desert inspired adobe and terra-cotta. Orange has not traditionally been a popular color, but that’s changing. Orange even made its way into the top ten list of colors with Martha Stewart in the last year!

Yellow influenced green is predicted to be popular this year, but softer and with blue infused tones.

Expect blue to have a more diverse personality in 2007, from blue greens that pair well with browns to yellow-green, cobalt and turquoise. Blues that focus on turquoise and teal are still new to the home market and are being used in everything from paint to accessories. Navy blue still can’t be ignored, but expect it to look a little fresher with a combination of white and a cobalt-China blue.

Finally, brown will shift from mochas and chocolates to earthen and mineral tones as it becomes the “new black.”