Addressing a group of retailers and manufacturers at the Kids Today Conference in Key Biscayne, Fla., color forecasters Arnold and Fran Sude of Design Options in Los Angeles outlined the color trends for kids apparel and home décor for 2007. The big message was that when it comes to color trends, the kids market isn't so different from the adult market.

"Kids are becoming very sophisticated, and they know exactly what they want," Arnold Sude was quoted as saying in the trade publication Kids Today.

Among other trends, the Sudes reported that gray is the new black. That doesn't mean that six-year-olds across America will be living in ashen boudoirs. Gray is just one of a host of hues that will be popular in 2007--many inspired by colors in apparel.

Neutral and earth tones--such as khaki, paprika, brown and olive--will remain popular in spring and summer 2007. Accordng to Kids Today, top color palettes for girls will include Tropical Punch (icy, saturated pastels); Full Bloom (vintage shades); Sweet Treat (a mix of red, pink, coral, wine and fuchsia); Primary Brights (with yellow dominating); and Funtasia (deeper, more saturated jewel tones).

Boys are opting for Comfort Zone (neutrals with an edge); Out of the Blue (different shades of blue); and Bright Future (featuring colors such as coral and lime).

For fall and winter, girls will be gravitating to dusty pastels and plaids in lime and green hues, while boys will prefer their plaids in plum and green. Both sexes will latch onto deep shades of red, such as burgundy, as well as coral and orange.

Although fashion has always had an influence on the home, the trickle-down time has dwindled in recent years. "What's in Beverly Hills will get to Target, Mervyn's and JCPenney much faster than before," says Fran Sude. Just one more sign that the world is moving faster-and taking home décor with it.

Volume
Volume is contrasting, from an inevitable shift towards man-style wide legged pants to the sleek 60s minimalism. Nicolas Ghesquiére at Balenciaga is quite the designer of the moment and is championing this trend.

College
College layering is particularly pertinent (for the boys) and was seen on many a model sent down the runway for Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Burberry and Prada. Hoods were seen everywhere for both sexes on knits, jackets, coats and dresses.

Length
Length (this one's for the girls) is either thigh grazing or floor sweeping. Take your pick. And make sure to wear warm tights. See Chanel, Michael Kors and Olivier Theyskens for Rochas.

Prints and plaids
Animal print of the big cat variety and your very best Scottish tartan. Shown by Vivienne Westwood, Roland Mouret, Alex McQueen and Diane von Furstenberg.

Sensory
The first category is sensory, underscoring colors that delight the bare senses. By employing powdery off-whites and a group of pale green, musk and orange, the palette offers soft hints of vanilla and perhaps fresh summer rain infused with exotic tropical and citrus notes. While calming colors meant to resonate with the senses, so as the surfaces. Super lightweight double cloths, brushed knits and floating textures are called for to create a sense of comfort that recalls spa and aromatherapy.

Elemental
The second category is elemental. A palette of darks collides with refreshing aquatic hues of green. Murky purples and dense blues cast mysterious shadows on reflective greens. Blank slate bottomweights serve up texture, as well as geometrical and asymmetrical patterns. Sharp and linear patterns dominate on knits with subtly twisted yarns.

Dominion
Another category, dominion, projects a lively image for the wearer. A creative blend of bright colors and sophisticated tones, including candy apple red, optimistic blues and aged sepia hues are used to create old fashion charm that recalls memoirs, toys of childhood and some classic traditions. Floral prints for men, multi-color fabrics and collage prints are expected to be popular.

Bliss
In the category of bliss, golden tones and soft colors inspire relaxation. The natural appeal radiates a lot of warmth and energy. Orange is crucial in the color statement for both sexes and children. Softened textures, natural blends and 100% cotton provide wearers comfort and a sense of unity between ourselves and our community or natural environment. Seersuckers, gingham and checks provide a playfield for floral prints and other light-hearted patterns that give a hand-made appeal.

Boundless
The last category is boundless. The duality of dark and light palettes illustrates the unlimited imagination between science fiction and reality. Pure white is showcased as an accent color in contrast with the darker colors such as grounding colors of green and gray. As for surface, engineered constructions that combine pique and jersey, as well as jungle-like prints, add visual interest.