If you're tired of the blah beiges and the same old rugs, pillows, and curtains accessorizing your house, then it's time for some color. A change in hue, whether it's by paint or by changing accessories, is a quick, inexpensive way to change the look of your room.

When it comes to who does the most redecorating, it appears the Baby Boomers dominate.

"Statistics show us that the Boomers, ages 40 to 58, are still the dominant spenders -- the group most likely to redecorate," Leatrice Eisman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said at the 2004 International Housewares Show, held in March. "Often, they're refeathering their empty nest. The Boomers are spending more time around the house, and also are the demographic group most likely to purchase or inherit a second home."

And she says the Gen Xers -- those between 27 and 39 -- are generally the first-time homeowners who spend the first 3 to 5 years personalizing their houses.

"It involves buying things for the children, and doing more seasonal and holiday decorating than ever before," she said. "There's also a proliferation of home offices and the need for storage."

Eisman said yellow is an increasingly popular color, especially in the kitchen. And green is staying hot, especially the yellow-green family. Green, research shows, is having a longer longevity than anybody thought.

Meanwhile, Melissa Birdsong, trend and design director for Lowes, says colors that soothe the senses and reflect nature are popular, whether it's a chartreuse leaf, the earthy shades of soil, the clear red of a tulip, or the deep yellow of a ginko tree in fall.

"Sage greens and blues, olive tones, and turquoise are gaining in popularity," said Birdsong. "These colors also make wonderfully natural accents to shades of brown, camel and other neutrals."

If you don't want to paint, Birdsong suggests updating your bedroom and living space with bedding, fabrics or paint. Chocolate brown and pink is a popular combination and creates a sumptuous, comforting feeling.

In the living and family rooms, Birdsong recommends gracing your tired sofa with a slipcover in a solid neutral color and then adding splashes of color via pillows, throws, and lamp shades.

And in the kitchen and bathroom, add towels, rugs, and curtains in one of your new accent colors.

"Accessories can improve the overall mood of a room dominated by white fixtures or appliances," said Birdsong. "Touches of chrome or silver make nice accents too. Dress up the kitchen in the latest hues with new dishes, glassware, tea towels, or brightly colored cookware."

When it comes to paint colors, color is stronger than ever, say paint manufacturers.

"The strong emerging colors we are now seeing are very energizing," said Doty Horn, Director of Design for Benjamin Moore & Co. "They impact our moods, and certainly help express our personalities and can be an empowering tool. Wear red and, like a matador, you'll take no bull and be uninhibited."

Blue in all its variations is a very trendy paint color this year, said Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert for The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, a leading authority on paints and painting trends. One reason for its popularity is that it is suitable for use in every room of the house. With a palette ranging from pastel blue to teal, there is a shade of blue to complement all moods and decors.

"Blue's popularity began a few years ago when it was used to evoke a spa theme in bathrooms," Zimmer said. "But now we are seeing it migrate into other rooms of the house."

Zimmer says that because blue is a soothing, relaxing color, it is especially good for use in bedrooms.

Andy Zimmer says the use of stencils to spell out favorite quotes or phrases on walls is gaining in popularity -- it's not just for the kids anymore.

"The nice thing about this trend is that it can be adapted in many ways," Zimmer says. "Someone who wants to start small may choose to write just a few words as a border or smaller decorative accent, while someone who is a bit more bold may cover an entire wall with words. There is something here that works for everyone."

But the key, experts agree, is to stay true to your own style -- and don't be afraid to take a risk.

"To sum it up, your home is your sanctuary," said Birdsong of Lowe's. "Use your knowledge of color trends to smartly update your home's style. Above all, be imaginative, and don't be afraid to try new things."