Spotted at French by Design a weeks ago: simple geometry shapes in related hues make for a pleasing optical illusion (our favorite). You get a feeling of light falling on the wall.  We recommend Benjamin Moores flat matte Aura paint. It hides the flaws in imperfect walls and gives a deep, slightly chalky feel that is easily washed (unlike more matte paints).

The lovely chalky walls at Paolo Soleri’s Cosanti come to mind. We could see painting flat matte circles and squares…