ATLANTA—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 mills 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, Great Britain, 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,” she said. “The synthesis and interplay of nature, a growing respect for the environment and aspirational and indulgent desires have been the key influences behind the trends.”

The Nature of Color is defined by six color groups that underline an interior trend toward natural taste and the evolution of understated luxury:

• Natural Indulgence, a mixture of chocolates, coffee, vanilla and burnt caramel;

• Natural Taste, a palette of olive greens, natural browns and antique golds;

• Natural Expression, shades of teal, graphite, “gustavian” blue, greys and a new vegetable green;

• Natural Inspiration, colors ranging from ink and charcoal to shades of violet and purple, lavenders and blues;

• Natural Opulence, shades inspired by red fruits—cranberries, raspberries, loganberries and burgundy grapes—intertwined with spices—paprika, chilli and saffron—and wines, and

• Natural Beauty, tones inspired by fibers—sable, possum, alpaca, angora and cashmere—blended with different shades of mulberry.

The Wools of New Zealand 2009 Color Forecast is presented in a multi-tiered box of pull-out poms. The forecast is available for $100 by calling 800.367.0462.