New year's fashions blend nostalgia, glam

“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,” said Melissa Birdsong, director of trend forecasting and design for Lowe’s, in a company release. “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.”

In black-and-white

Inspired by everything from soda shop floors to a favorite suit, the presence of black-and-white patterns continues to shape style. Checkerboard, hounds tooth, plaids and stripes will showcase this color combination.

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 décor.

Go orange

Consumers may have been tempted by the vibrancy of orange in fashion apparel over the past few seasons but were too timid to use it on the walls. But this year, homeowners can choose from more subtle variations of orange to provide warmth and a colorful alternative to neutral beige or taupe. There are fruit-inspired tones, such as mango and cantaloupe, and earthier corals and terra cottas. Deeper burnt orange tones also are an option.

Luxurious looks

Colors reflecting luxury and jewel-like sparkle continue to add a touch of opulence to homes. 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.

Mother Earth

Natural materials and nature-inspired colors continue to be important in décor. It’s easier to be green with shades of moss and olive which can be combined with the neutral sophistication of grays and bronzes.

Mix it up

Solids are expected to give way to bold color combinations in strips and patterns. Top combination 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

Lowe’s Companies Inc. posted sales of $30.8 billion in fiscal year 2003. The 59-year-old company has its headquarters in Mooresville, N.C.