"This year's color story includes a range of lively options - cool greens from kelly to olive, vibrant blues from aqua to navy and warm traditional reds and yellows that provide homeowners fresh opportunities to express their individuality," says Melissa Birdsong, director of trend forecasting and design for Lowe's. "For the last few seasons, homeowners have enjoyed experimenting with bolder colors, and these new offerings have greater depth to add even more drama to key areas in the home."

Black, White, and Reds All Over

Inspired by everything from soda shop floors to your mother's favorite suit, the presence of black and white patterns continues to shape style. Checkerboard, hounds tooth, plaids and stripes will showcase this classic color couple and bring high-contrast distinction to homes.

Red is the perfect complement to black and white and continues to be an important element to any decorating scheme, no matter what the style. While tomato red is hot, reds influenced by Eastern and south-of-the-border palettes will add spice to home decor this year.

More Palette-able Oranges

If you've been tempted by the vibrancy of orange in fashion apparel over the past few seasons but too timid to use it on the walls, try one of this year's versions. More subtle variations on this theme can provide warmth and a colorful alternative to neutral beige or taupe. From fruit-inspired tones like mango and cantaloupe to earthier corals and terra cottas to deeper burnt oranges, the orange family offers the perfect background for both traditional and eclectic tastes.

More Bling for Your Buck

Colors reflecting luxury and jewel-like sparkle continue to add a touch of opulence to the home this year. Shimmering metallic golds, silvers and bronzes infused in this year's palettes, either individually or in combination with one another, create touches of traditional elegance. Red and green-based golds and browns look fresh with silver tones to provide subtle glamour to both formal and private spaces.

The New Earth Tones

Natural materials and nature-inspired colors continue to be important in decor. It's easier than ever to be green this year as shades of moss and olive come alive, particularly when combined with the neutral sophistication of grays and bronzes. Inspired by elegant natural mica, subtle shimmering metallics are softened for inclusion in the palette.

Mix it up


This year, expect plenty of visual stimulation, as solids give way to bold color combinations in stripes and patterns. Top trend choices include:

- Sherbet to shocking pink with green
- Green-influenced blues of teal or aqua with white
- Nature-inspired taupe with indigo
- Preppy kelly green with navy
- Simple black complemented by burnt orange
- Rich browns with pink, blue or green


"No matter what your personal taste, the 2005 color palettes will offer something for everyone," says Birdsong. "With this beautiful range of colors at your finger tips, don't be afraid to be bold to create spaces that truly define you." 

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