diff --git a/gfx/progress.lua b/gfx/progress.lua
index 4e955b6..5f57be2 100644
--- a/gfx/progress.lua
+++ b/gfx/progress.lua
@@ -23,7 +23,11 @@ local Progress = Prop.attach(Element:new{
 }, Orientation, Orientation.VERTICAL)
 
 function Progress:new(o)
-  local obj = Element.new(self, o or {})
+  local template = o or {}
+  template.fgColor = template.fgColor or colors.red
+  template.bgColor = template.bgColor or colors.gray
+
+  local obj = Element.new(self, template)
   obj.active = BlankElement:new()
   obj.inactive = BlankElement:new()
   obj:_refreshColors()