Chili Pepper, a deep, vibrant red, comes to the forefront of color in products this year. For home fashion, newer, more vibrant colors join with earth tones, according to forecasts by two leading color consultants.

"This year's popular palettes will include everything from fusions of earthy yellow, green and browns, to lively citrus combinations, coppery golds, and intense purples and reds," says Aimee Desrosiers, color forecaster with California Paints, based in Andover, MA. "Many new offerings bring bold accents to the home."

Among the current hot home hues, are:

• Earth tones: Elemental and charcoal grays are increasing in popularity, along with naturally warm bronzes, whites and tans, as well as the merging of earth browns and down trending pinks.
• Sunrise colors: Like the colors that change throughout the day, combinations of green/yellows and orange, accented with dramatic browns or midnight purple/blacks, are sophisticated for this year.
• Golds: Brown, orange, and coppery golds that are very global and very ethnic will be chic. Look for them showcased in everything from Christmas décor to table wear, paint accents, and linens.
• Orange: Think citrus: yellow, green, and tangerine. Orange moves beyond its role as an accent color and takes center stage. Lively citrus combinations of green and yellow are popular through 2008.
• Purple: Purple is gaining intensity, paired with yellow or gold as well as with citrus yellow/greens. Purple moves from subtle hints of purple tinged whites to medium toned orchids and lilacs.
• Red: Red is back on the rise, with a revival due to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Increasing in chroma and diverging into two equally popular versions: cool red and warm red. Also look for pops of green; a deep, jade green or over saturated turquoise.

"In a time when personality is reflected in everything from a cell phone to a web page on a social networking site, Chili Pepper connotes an outgoing, confident, design savvy attitude," says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute at Pantone, Inc., based in Carlsdadt, NJ. "This engaging, resonant hue of Chili Pepper strikes a high note for fashion and personal expression as its boldness is appealingly eye-catching, sophisticated and enticing.

"Whether expressing danger, celebration, love or passion, red will not be ignored," she adds. "There is an awareness of the melding of diverse cultural influences, and Chili Pepper is a reflection of exotic tastes, both on the tongue and to the eye.

"Nothing reflects the spirit of adventure more than the color red. At the same time, Chili Pepper speaks to a certain level of confidence and taste. Incorporating this color into your wardrobe and living space adds drama and excitement, as it stimulates the senses."

This year, "We're going to see people making greater strides toward expressing their individuality," adds Lisa Herbert, executive vice president of the fashion, home and interiors division at Pantone. "The color red makes a bold statement. We're seeing shifts in people's opinions on current events, and major changes in the way they are expressing themselves through new technology. People are open to the possibilities of the future, and Chili Pepper celebrates that."