Pantone

HOME COLOR FORECAST
DIVERSITY, FANTASY AND FUN IN 2005

refresh Cool morning air, crystal blue skies and verdant meadows. A translucent, turquoise lake edged with lacy willows and acacia. Smooth as glass reflective surfaces. The tangy bite of a crisp green apple.

replay Rewinding back to color combinations of the 50s and 60s, this lively palette sparkles with whimsy. With bright Crayola colors, Pucchi pinks and oranges, and capricious combos of Lavender, Lemon and Lime, it draws out the child in all of us.

The world of home furnishings in 2005 will continue to support the notion of "home as haven" while administering doses of whimsy and imagination for balance. "While home as a retreat and safe harbor still resonates for many, there is also the realization that fantasy and fun are equally important," says Pantone's Leatrice Eiseman. "The one-size-fits-all mentality is a dinosaur."

Home 2005's retro-fantasy offerings include colors and color combinations from the 40s, 50s and 60s. Increased attention is paid to textures and finishes. Keywords for 2005 range from "capricious," "dazzling" and "exhilarating," to "organic," "sophisticated" and "refined." The eight R's - Réalité, Refresh, Radiance, Relax, RePlay, Respite, Recurrents and Refinements - constitute the most directional color palettes for the home for 2005:

Réalité This palette of organic shadings expresses the need for elements derived from nature. Textures and finishes often appear hand-woven or de-lustered, and with subtle color undertones that add an imaginative touch to basic neutrals.

Radiance Literally "to express joy, energy or good health," the radiantly dazzling palette glows with exhilaration and excitement. Mineral Yellow, Apricot Brandy and Burnt Henna provide intriguing backgrounds to striking purples, hot pinks and tropical orchids combined with flashes of Electric Blue.

Relax Pure pleasure expressed in mellow midtones. Delicious tones like Pink Nectar, Pale Mauve and Banana Crepe are juxtaposed with colors that suggest inviting textural surfaces such as the warm peach of Spanish Villa or the cool gray of Castle Wall.

Respite With subtle tones of nurturing comfort colors, this palette whispers "time out." It's the soft touch of a cozy quilt, the patina of well-worn wood, a garden filled with scented roses, breakfast in bed.

Recurrents A new take on "reel life" drama inspired by the black and white films of the 40s and 50s, this classic palette is reminiscent of sophisticated, urbanized film noir. Sepia overtones merge with whites, black, beige, taupes, and muted grays and greens. Styles are curvilinear, sleek, silvery and streamlined.

Refinements This palette expresses a refined elegance with simplified styling - tradition with a twist. Textures and finishes are lush with the look of luxury, yet not contrived or fussy. Color combinations are complex, imaginative and artistic.