COOL COLORS ARE HOT FOR 2001!(color preference predictions) (Brief Article)

As we enter 2001, a new wave of soft colors, led by blue, aqua, and true lavender, is appearing across all markets in response to consumers' desire for serenity in their environment. Professional designers affiliated with the Color Marketing Group anticipate consumers will demand softer, but more-energizing products in 2001 that reflect both a physical and global influence due to the following four major emerging trends:

* The consumers' desire for both products and colors that are authentic, possessing some degree of heritage, originality, tradition, or craft that can be linked to an individual's cultural roots or personal interests.

* Water's color, texture, and calming effect continues to be integrated into product colors and design.

* Globalization--especially the strong ethnic influences from Asia, Morocco, and Turkey--continue to bring spicy and earthy colors to U.S. palettes.

* The recent positive economy has spurred the interest of many consumers in personalizing their...