Paints that can be programmed to change to suit people's daily moods - in the home, office, car or even on clothing are soon to be a reality, according to a report today.

The latest nanotechnology means the building blocks of colour will be able to be programmed and changed by computer, according to Foresight, the Government-backed futures forecaster.

The technology will mean that the colour of rooms will be able to be changed without redecorating and car owners will be able to vary the colour of their vehicle without paying out for a lengthy re-spray.

Clothes will also be able to be programmed depending on whether they are for work or home, scientists claim.

Foresight, which develops visions of the future in order to help businesses to look ahead, said the technology was already in place to make colour switching a reality.

Nick Scheele, chairman of Foresight's Manufacturing 2020 panel, said: "We expect to see businesses using this kind of technology to give consumers the ability to personalise things they buy."

Other ways of personalising products are also expected to emerge. Many everyday products will be made of powders, shaped and hardened to individual designs by computer-controlled lasers, enabling consumers to specify shapes for household products such as fridges or TVs - and then add and change the colour.

Mr Scheele said: "We could see everything, from cars and vacuum cleaners to light bulbs, made largely of powder."