Home Decor Color Trends for 2006

Color and trends in home fashion are coming of age in wild new hues that echo the sunny days of summer. Colors for 2006 will be warmer, clearer and brighter. Reddened oranges will replace coppery hues; yellows will gain importance; and complex neutrals will add sophistication and luxury to the 2006 consumer color palette.

There will be an extraordinary amount of bright colors. There are always bright colors for summer and outdoor wear, but now you're starting to see it in home pieces like upholstery and bedding. Forecasted is a palette of Overexposed-electrified brights that are intense and saturated. These include Plasma - a bold, bright blue; Optimism - a sharp tangerine-melon; and Limelight - almost neon green.

The selection of color has become a far more thoughtful and exacting process than before. Consumers are using color schemes as a way to personalize their spaces. These include saturated brights that resemble popsicle hues, as well as some hyper-brights like Blue Splash - a new turquoise; Dazzling Green - kelly-green inspired but brighter and more yellow; and Fabulous Pink - a pink with a red cast.

All this translates well into home d