Natural Opulence features dark, opulent shades.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, February 7, 2008—One of the services provided by Wools of New Zealand to its Brand partners is the presentation of an annual color forecast and trend collection for carpets. The colors and styles are one-year ahead of current trends and are used by manufacturers to create fashion-forward Wools of New Zealand Brand floor coverings.

The 2009 forecast, named The Nature of Color 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.

“Wools of New Zealand’s 2009 International Color Forecast for wool carpets and rugs presents 50 colors in a palette designed to place emphasis on tonal harmony,” says Ramsden. “The synthesis and interplay of nature, a growing respect for the environment and aspirational & indulgent desires have been the key influences behind the trends.”

The Nature of Color is defined by six color groups, which underline an interior trend towards natural taste and the evolution of new and understated luxury:

Natural Indulgence

A rich mixture of chocolates, coffee, vanilla and burnt caramel conjure up confections of delicious and delectable luxury.

Natural Taste

A palette of olive greens, natural browns and antique golds interplay to combine functional quality with versatility and faded opulence.

Natural Expression

Shades of teal, graphite, “gustavian” blue, greys and a fresh new vegetable green create a pastiche of the creative and dramatic inspired by the evocative nature and beauty of post-expressionist paintings.

Natural Inspiration

Romantic, individual and intimate colors ranging from ink and charcoal to regal shades of violet and purple, mulled lavenders and subdued blues fuse together in a new and absorbing palette.

Natural Opulence

Dark, stimulating and vintage shades inspired by succulent red fruits—cranberries, raspberries, loganberries and burgundy grapes—intertwined with rich spices—paprika, chilli and saffron—and claret wines present a palette of fine and seductive glamour.

Natural Beauty

Harmonies of simplicity and elegance in tones inspired by precious fibers—sable, possum, alpaca, angora and cashmere—blended with beautiful shades of mulberry inspire subtle sophistication and refined understated luxury.

The Wools of New Zealand 2009 Color Forecast is elegantly presented in a multi-tiered box of pull-out poms. The forecast is available for $100 by calling Wools of New Zealand at 1-800-367-0462.