Pantone®, a worldwide authority on color and provider of color systems, regularly surveys and reveals the latest color trends. Statistically, in the last few years color, ranked anywhere from 60% to 75% in a new product’s success. Today, this has risen to as high as 80% because consumers are much smarter and there is more information available to them.

“The kitchen is absolutely the key place for color,” says Lee Eiseman, executive director for the Pantone Color Institute and director for the Eiseman Center for Color Information Training. “It’s the place where people gather and so it is the area that is more likely to have mixing and matching.

“Even if a homeowner opted for white appliances, there is an inherent need for something colorful, whether it’s the bowls or the toaster.”

As far as the favorite color of the U.S. population, it’s still blue. It’s the psychological impact. It’s the color of the sky and blue says loyalty, dependability and forthrightness. It’s always going to be the leading color candidate for the majority of Americans.

In 2007, blue has a more diverse personality: from blue greens that pair well with browns to yellow-green, cobalt and turquoise.

Continuing into 2008, blue will be seen as the comeback family. Blues that focus on turquoise and teal will be new to the home market and are being used in everything from paint to accessories. In the classic arena, navy can’t be ignored. It looks fresh with a combination of white and it also comes in the form of a cobalt-China blue.

But, what about other trends in the color palette?

> Purple is being hailed as the big story for 2007. From soft orchids to deep blue purple, purple has won over the fashion community and is being called the hottest color this year.

> Red's big bold statement will still be around primarily due to Latin and Asian influences.

> Pink will become brighter and more towards a coral tint.

> Orange, the color of optimism is expected to overtake red this year, with shades of metallic copper tones, desert inspired adobe and terracotta.

> Yellow is North America’s neutral color and the gold tone of the 1980s is coming back. Metallic gold is back in.

> Brown will shift from mochas and chocolates, to earthen and mineral tones as it becomes the new black.

It is difficult for just one color to emerge as the ultimate hit of the season, but it is possible to indicate major directions. Merillat customers planning to redesign a showroom may want to consider these trends so the display, accessories and surroundings are in colors that have a longer life expectancy.

You can see how the colors you prefer impact your decorating style by taking Merillat’s “What’s My Style Quiz.”