It's personal: home decorating color trends to be wide open and individualistic.

Is the next trend in color preferences for home decorating actually no trend, or anything goes? Perhaps so, according to Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating consultant and director of communications for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.

"Consumers' increasing color confidence and personal style makes any color fashionable for 2008," Zimmer asserts. "From glasslike blues, botanical greens, dramatic black and white, and whisper soft pink, color directions will drive towards individual self-expression, glamorous living experiences, or an increasing awareness of important environmental causes."

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While it may be a free-for-all regarding color trends, Zimmer does offer her top three color palette trends for 2008.

Go Green: "Green may just become the newest 'neutral' color," says Zimmer. Used as a subtle backdrop to reflect an enhanced eco-consciousness and social responsibility, green will be representative of the growing environmental movement, predicts Zimmer. Mid-tone hues of fern, palm, pine, and sage will be used on their own or coupled with clear blue or aqua to create a living space that conjures up a sense of outdoor-friendly living. Plus, according to Zimmer, sandy tan and adobe brown can be intermingled to complete that earthy and eco-friendly feel.

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Zimmer refers to the second trend to watch in 2008 as "sophisticated elegance." She states that black and white paint hues are becoming the colors of choice to create a glamorous space, such as a master bedroom or living room. Silver metallics and high sheen finishes along with rich textures are part of this elegance trend. "For an unexpected color punch, add cause-related hues such as dramatic red or maintain the room's classic undertones with subtle pink or taupe," she suggests.

Thirdly, Zimmer sees the more warm and modest tones defined as "crewel colors" being more and more attractive to people as they continue to strive for simplicity in today's technology-driven, fast-paced world and seek a return to a gentler way of life. The crewel color palette reflects consumers' returning interest in crafts, home cooking, and family focused activities, opines Zimmer. "Like a rich and color-filled needlepoint pattern, these hues add a soulful and personalized feel to any space. Handcrafted items create a sense of stability and security and these warm, creamy rich colors will do the same in your space," she says. Color examples include cranberry reds, warm browns, pumpkin orange, and deep-toned blues. Crewel colors are a popular choice for the kitchen and dining areas of a home.

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"No matter which paint hue or palette attracts individual attention, consumers continue to have an increased appreciation for paint quality and value. After all, it's a personal choice for a personal space--your home," Zimmer says.