Experts roll out a color palette for the new year

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	Posted on Sun, Jan. 15, 2006
	PAINT Experts roll out a color palette for the new year Eight companies weigh in with their predictions for the new hot color of 2006. BY ANNIE GROER Washington Post Service Every year, paint companies and trend forecasters roll out their predictions for what's on the color horizon. The past couple of years have been dominated by ''spa colors'' of watery blues and greens, with splashes of melon and a blush of pinks. Teal blue and sable brown have been widely paired, particularly by traditionalists, as have creams and sage, and many brews of latte. The more adventuresome have jolted rooms with orange, purple and lime. In the hopes of getting a heads-up about trends, we asked eight companies that manufacture and market paint what shades will be ascendant in 2006. As the color wheel spins, their predictions spatter in all directions. . Behr, Mother Nature: ''The greens of 2006 are warm, more natural looking and complement most other hot colors, such as browns, purples, even some yellows,'' says Tiffany Campbell, Behr spokeswoman. Available at Home Depot stores or www.behr.com or 877-237-6158. . Duron, Ablaze: ''Red is now, and this one is cross-cultural. It goes from a real mid-century modern feel that teams with black and white to Latin or Asian,'' says Mark Woodman, color marketing and design manager. Sold at all Duron stores or www.du ron.com or 800-723-8766. . Dutch Boy, Peaceful Pines: ''A strong yellowy-green, kind of an avocado,'' says Donna Schroeder, color marketing manager. Not available at retailers until April. Visit www.dutchboy.com or call 800-828-5669. . Sherwin-Williams, Jargon Jade: This intense bluish green ''reflects the influence from another culture, in this case China,'' says senior designer Becky Ralich Spak. Jade and vivid red ''are a historic combination used on the exterior of many ancient temples.'' Visit www.sherwinwilliams.com or call 800-723-8766. . Glidden, Golden Kiwi: ''Embodies comfort, restoration and well-being'' and ''spices up'' neutrals and dark hues, says Barbara Richardson, color director for ICI Paints, which makes Glidden (www.glidden.com or 800-454-3336). . Benjamin Moore, Queen's Wreath: ''A purple-based color with gray undertones, very chameleon-like,'' says Eileen McComb, corporate communications administrator (www.benjaminmoore.com or 888-236-6667). .  Pratt & Lambert, Boucle: ''It's between aqua and teal blue'' and pairs nicely with dark brown, says P&L color marketing manager Peggy Van Allen (www.pratt andlambert.com or 800-289-7728). . Pittsburgh Paints, Cathedral Glass: Based on ''environmentally conscious living, it's like a blend of grass and sky. It is a very strong organic color,'' says Dee Schlotter, marketing communications manager. Sold at all Pittsburgh Paints stores and other retailers (www.pittsburghpaints.com ).