Homeowners are tending toward a look of greater simplicity and serenity
Reacting to today’s fast-paced, often stressful environment, homeowners are tending toward a look of greater simplicity and serenity. Popular colors reflect this trend, with a strong emotional component, according to researchers at the Color Marketing Group, one of the design industry’s leading predictors of trends in color.

There’s a rising interest in traditional materials such as metal, leather, and wood, and a natural, earthy palette of colors is drawn from those materials. Today’s colors also show influences from Eastern cultures, including Japan and Korea. Cool blues and greens are complemented by warm tones such as copper, based on the natural elements of earth, fire and water. Quiet and soft for the most part, these colors help create a sense of calm, well-being and relaxation.

But not all 2005 colors are subdued and quiet. Although homeowners are leaning toward the soft and serene, they are also showing renewed optimism with bright, fresh hues. Often used as accents against a more neutral overall background, these tones include rose and coral, yellow and brighter greens.

With such an attractive palette to choose from, style-savvy homeowners will find it easy to select the colors that best express their personal tastes and lifestyles.