Settled, side by side

Le Cygne — the swan — is a warm, matte ivory from the French house Ressource. It has the chalky, light-absorbing quality of old lime plaster, which is why it looks so at home on Haussmann panelling and ceiling roses: it softens the light rather than bouncing it around. Cream is present, yellow is not.

Dune White is a versatile off-white with hushed cream undertones and just enough beige-grey to keep it balanced — neither too yellow nor too cool. With an LRV near 82 it keeps a room bright and open, which is why it works so well as a whole-wall color behind bolder furniture and art.