In the ever–evolving world of trends, it’s important to update and modernize your thinking and to look at color and styling influence through "modern–eyes." Even those of the following palettes that are not generally thought of as modern now include more contemporized looks and, most importantly, newly invented color combinations. As ever, home furnishings colors are influenced by leading lifestyles and playstyles, pop culture, international influences, entertainment and social issues, but most of all, the comfort levels that best express individual taste and sensibilities.

The first palette, titled "Simply Elegant," is a prime example of the marriage of tradition and modern day, the continuing eclectic approach where new technologies, especially in fabrication, finishes and styling adeptly enable (and encourage) the use of unexpected mixes and textures. Color treatments are equally unique in beautiful blends of mahogany and silvered mink, silvery blues, elegant purples and deep bronzed tones set off by the glint of pale gold, frosty almond and copper.

Classic Chic invokes both neo–classic and newly classic–the always in style, tasteful tones and timeless lines that promise lasting value. Gray provides a real presence in both light and deeper tones, while the sister shade of silver and a lustrous champagne add a glamorous sparkle. A mineralized yellow and a sensuous red bring a ripple of excitement to cappuccino brown. A classic palette would not be complete without the ubiquitous yang and yen of black and white, often used with the cappuccino colors.

Luminous finishes, shiny or slightly de–lustered surfaces, and technically–correct lighting (both dramatic and low key) all reflect the sleek simplicity of uncluttered lines interspersed with multi–faceted hues. Lumens includes the dazzling water–borne blues, jewel–like emerald or opaline greens, ultraviolet, vibrant rose, metallic silver, and the piercing clarity of bright white.

Flavored by melon, apricot, strawberry and orange, Mélange is an assortment of tantalizing shades guaranteed to stimulate the visual appetite. In addition to the warm fruit flavors, and feeding the need for fresh, vital combinations, there is a toasty tan, a vibrant poppy red, a vivacious yellow, a balancing blue –– all well–grounded by a rustic khaki.

Cleaning up, paring down, a lack of pretension and excessive ornamentation will continue to have great appeal for many. Aux Naturale spawns a variety of so–called organic colors, especially those that seem to have an unbleached quality. The most important shades are creamy whites, sandy beiges, essential tans, taupes, gray and mellow browns accented by subtly shaded roses, lily pad green and the ultimate color of integrity, a denim–like blue.

Grass Roots looks to indigenous crafts and materials that bring a regional flavor to products or environments. Some of those regions might be far–flung while some are much closer to home. In reality, while some of the products may be mass produced, they look as if they are hand– hewn, hand–loomed or individually crafted. Grass Roots starts with the variations on a green theme, moves on to mineral blue and various wood tones that are enhanced by unexpected mixes including grape, rose and terra cotta.

The dictionary defines something fresh as that which is "refreshingly different from what has been done previously." Certainly the spontaneity of the stylized designs and finishes mixed into this palette is truly like a breath of "fresh air," where woven twines may meet with metallic sheens and smooth resins are coupled with textured leathers. Color combinations are equally inventive, for example, green pesto, vibrant yellow and yellow–greens combining artfully with cyclamen pink, purples and violets, sky blues and snow whites.

Light Touch

A Light Touch suggests a soft impression–the deft use of softer colors that speak of quiet spaces in an increasingly noisy world. For many people, it is a comfort zone to return to again and again. The challenge is how to keep it looking up–to–date. Modernizing a pastel palette can be skillfully and easily done by reinventing the colors and the combinations. Take the classic pastels of foamy aquas and greens, pinks and lavenders, powdery blues, sun–tinged yellows and angora whites to the next level by infusing them with a touch of champagne, or by introducing the sophistication of a silvery gray or rosy taupe.

Reprinted from The 2006 Home & Housewares Show Preview