As design trends come and go, one of the ever-changing elements is color, in which hues zip in and out of popularity. When you think about home décor in the 1970s, you might be reminded of the avocados and golds that were the standard recipe for kitchens during the early part of the decade. So what's in store for 2004?

Color Marketing Group, an international, not-for-profit group that forecasts color for a variety of industries, says color choices in 2004 will become clear, therapeutic and nurturing. The group says consumers will break away from fear and will demand durable home products -- furniture, appliances and the like -- in brighter, sophisticated colors. Home fashion will focus on innocence, freshness and elegance.

"The 2004 Consumer Directions palette includes rich reds, innocent pinks, therapeutic blues, soft greens, and a jolting neon yellow," said Barbara Lazarow, a member of CMG affiliated with Blonder Wallcoverings in Cleveland, Ohio.

When it comes to durable home goods, the CMG expects the following hues to be popular this year:

• Hockney blue. Reminiscent of the tropics, this hue is a tranquil blue-green.
• Soho green. With hints of bronze and gold, this shade is considered a neutral.
• Coppertunity. A copper that the group describes as optimistic and happy -- and flattering to skin tones.
• Knew blue. A calm aquatic blue on environmental greens.
• Good earth. A new brown with Victorian roots, Mission influences, and lodge appeal.

And when it comes to home fashion, the CMG expects to see a lot of these shades in 2004:

• Coral bells. Just like strolling through the garden.
• Naughty but nice. An innocent, blushing hue.
• Glassy. Glass tinting a transparent green.
• Hope blue. A pure blue.
• Hyper green. A virtual real green.

Meanwhile, changing color via paint is one of the easiest, least expensive, and most dramatic ways to change the look of a room. But finding just the right hue can be challenging.

"Color is the first thing that strikes a person when they enter a room, so it's important that it set the right mood -- for the room and its occupants," said Home Depot's Jason Feldman.

Feldman said the best way to get started is by thinking about the look and feel you want in the room -- whether it's calm, energetic, or cozy.

"For example, red stimulates the senses and works well in dining rooms," he said. "Golds, yellows and earth tones tend to make rooms feel smaller, more intimate and are a good choice for family rooms and study areas."

Color experts in general describe colors and the emotions they impart as follows:

• Red. It demands attention and has a great emotional impact. It makes us feel empowered. It's a great color for a play area or workout room.

• Orange. In bright tones it's cheerful and exciting. Deeper hues are exotic and exciting. Orange and red hues increase appetite and induce laughter, making them a good choice for the dining room.

• Yellow. Warmth and enlightenment. Yellow is a good color to brighten up a small, dark office. Also a good choice for kitchens in softer hues.

• Green. Fresh, secure, and tranquil. Because it makes you feel calm and restful, it's a good color for bathrooms and bedrooms. But you have to be careful with green in the bathroom -- the wrong shade can turn skin tone yellow when you look in the mirror.

• Violet. Exuding luxury and sensuality, it's a good color for the bedroom, especially lighter shades, which are more comfortable and assuring.

• Brown. Symbolizing physical comfort, ease and contentment, browns and taupes are great for neutral areas like living rooms and kitchens. They are also a good bridge color for areas or hallways that tie one room to another.

• Pink. Universally representing sharing, pink is no longer just for the little girls' rooms. Today mauve and blush hues are popular in living rooms, dens, and dining rooms.

• Blue. The color of tranquility, bringing feelings of comfort and serenity. Like green, great for bathrooms and bedrooms.

Published: February 2, 2004

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.