By Mi-Ling Stone Poole – DEAR MI-LING:My husband and I are in the planning stages for a total home redo and I want to know how to select colors that won’t go out of style when the new fall colors are released. Do you have suggestions on what colors I should pick?

Color challenged

DEAR COLOR CHALLENGED:I understand your situation but I must admit I would not pick the color palette for my home based on what’s “in” for the upcoming season. Quite frankly most of us will not redo our home every season.

Instead, pick one or two rooms where you can just go crazy with the trendy stuff and use a neutral palate for the walls and flooring throughout your home. The trendy colors can be incorporated with accessories like rugs, pillows, picture frames and so on.

If you’re not sure what colors to select for your new space, pick color combinations from your favorite dress, painting or your husband’s tie. Another great idea is to pick the color of your favorite flower.

Go from there and you should be happy with whatever color combinations you choose.

During your final selection pick at least three colors that blend and can be used in a number of areas in your home. You’ll get more bang for your buck if you are able to interchange the furniture and accessories throughout your home.

I heard it through the grapevine that furniture manufacturers and designers are leaning toward blue this fall. It doesn’t surprise me because blue is relaxing and with all the stress about the economy blue will keep you relaxed.

Do you have a blue room?