WHAT WILL INFLUENCE 1999'S COLORS?

Just as the special effects of "Star Wars" first captivated viewers' imaginations two decades ago, special effects will catapult decorating into a new millennium of color, predict members of the Color Marketing Group (CMG), Alexandria, Va. The colors that consumers will be seeing in 1999 will be more complex, layering upon each other to create a multidimensional effect. Ironically, as many people are on a quest for simplicity in their daily lives, drawing them closer to a minimalist point of view, the texture of color is growing more complicated.

According to CMG Consumer Color Directions Committee co-chairmen Michelle Lamb and Susan Iverson, "Technology is a driving force behind the movement of color teaming up with special effects. Computers are increasingly being used in the design and coloring of products, and there are no longer limits on what can be created." Examples of the special effects on...