MARBLE HILL, GA, March 1, 2009—One of the services provided by Wools of New Zealand to its Brand partners is the presentation of an annual color forecast for carpets. The colors are one-year ahead of current trends and are used by manufacturers to create fashion-forward Wools of New Zealand Brand floor coverings.

The 2010 forecast, named Colorscape—Natural New Colors for Natural New Carpets, was prepared by Joanna Ramsden, creative manager for Wools of New Zealand. Ramsden is based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire and is an experienced colorist who sits on a number of influential international forecasting panels.

“Colorscape encompasses an eclectic palette of 89 organic colors targeting both residential and contract carpet and rug markets,” says Ramsden. “Nature continues to dominate the forecast, underlining the trends already signalled for 2009. A host of new shades, associated with the earth’s natural habitats, are integrated into an extended palette of hues, embracing colors synonymous with both natural elements and atmospheric conditions.”

The most notable features of the collection include:

• Influences of cool greys complement the warm soft neutrals, ecological greens and rich, dark tones that center the 2010 palette.

• Barely there pastels, frozen naturals and powdered minerals morph into meteorological-inspired tones of stormy greys, teals and midnight blues.

• Fresh vegetable greens blend into herbal shades of olive.

• Old and mellowed golds diffuse into warm aromatic spice tones of cinnamon, saffron and burnt orange.

• Nostalgic and romantic hues of faded rose and mulberry intersperse with rich shades of wild berries, plums and violet.

• Sumptuous tones of coffee, caramel, cocoa and melted chocolate blend with soft warm naturals.

• Vibrant and energizing bright accents, to be used in a controlled manner, add a touch of zest and bring the palette to life.

• Black and white enhance fashion opportunities.

Insipration for Wools of New Zealand’s Colorscape forecast is drawn from Scottish landscape artist, James Wheeler, who began his career as a carpet designer. Wheeler’s exceptional use of color to create light and atmosphere is truly inspirational and depicts how mixing and applying shades of color can bring landscapes to life in a new and innovative way. His work, inspired by the natural beauty of Yorkshire, the Lake District and his native Scotland, straddles the contemporary and timeless.