As 2007 approaches, you can expect to see new colors and trends in home décor. If you are thinking about redecorating, you may want to consider what colors and design trends 2007 will offer. Michelle Lamb, senior editor of The Trend Curve™ newsletter and chairman of Marketing Directions, Inc., uses her expertise to predict the color and design trends we see each year. Lamb offers her insight into what we can expect to see in home décor in 2007.

"We are looking at a number of color shifts for 2007; one of the most directional is a new remembering of deep hues. We can expect to see a very dark, mysterious teal, navy, green canopy, orchid and a Vulcan gray emerging in home decor," said Lamb.

Aside from the smoldering shades in the 2007 forecast, expect other color options as well. The dark hues will appear as focal points on surfaces in the home and in color combinations. This will seem very fresh and different, because we have not seen deep shades in the home for a long time.

Homeowners are no longer as cautious with color, and are using more vibrant color for flooring and wall coverings. Lamb said, "Homeowners now embrace color as a statement they can evolve with, not as a lifelong commitment."

"Each time there is a trend in home décor, there is a counter trend," stated Lamb. "When color took a strong hold in the market in 2003, neutrals seemed to disappear for a while. Then there was a 'glamour trend' in 2004, which ushered in a brand new range of color options. Neutral shades emerged, offering beiges, pinky peaches, nutmeg hues and lavenders."

These neutral tones have been popular for almost two years now and have evolved into "desert neutrals," which will be prevalent throughout 2007 and even more so in 2008. Desert neutrals are tones such as gray and golden yellow that border brown, along with pale sand, mid-tone khakis and dark shadowy grays. "Desert neutrals will remind us that the absence of color can be just as compelling as a room filled with color. This palette will be the mainstream for 2008," said Lamb.

Another fun trend we will see in 2007 is the resurgence of southwestern décor, with a twist that includes Mexican and South American influences. This new "hacienda style" will offer traditional southwestern patterns in updated color schemes and in unexpected materials.

Twenty years ago, the life of a design trend dropped from seven years to five. By 2000, it had compressed to four. Today, home décor trends come in three year cycles. In 2010, a life cycle close to two years is anticipated before the bell curve will plateau. When choosing décor for your home, keep the upcoming trends in mind, but do not worry if you just put a fresh coat of peachy beige on your walls. According to Lamb, "Home décor colors and trends do not move in revolutionary steps, they move in evolutionary steps. Design trends will continue to emerge and evolve into fresh new looks and choices as last year's colors and trends merge with next year's styles."