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A SENSE OF ELEGANCE AND CALM

SATISFYING THE ONGOING DESIRE FOR A SIMPLE AESTHETIC, the Whiteness story from 2010 is evolving to incorporate a full range of classic yet refreshed neutrals that are appropriate for today's attitude. This palette looks both new and nostalgic and offers an entire universe of nuance. Shades of gray and camel are the stars in 2011, but a full range of muted tones is appropriate to this narrative. The feeling is effortless but focused, not done in a careless manner, but chosen and put together with uncomplicated ease, creating a sense of order and subdued luxury. The overall effect is quiet and reserved but the end result is a flawlessly elegant, relaxed mood that is more contemplative than showy.

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Inspiration

Minimalism / monochromatic spaces / the clean and linear aesthetic of Scandinavian design / a desire for simplicity and serene spaces / natural light / the need for colors that have longevity in design / natural influences like zinc, stone and mica / sand and seashells / natural fibers

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Color Palette

  • Winter white, light champagne and the lightest of cement and putty
  • Perfectly elegant and familiar grays
  • Honey, gold, cream, toffee, luxe camels
  • The palest of pinks and the return of brown
Please contact our Forecasting Team if you would like more information about the color swatches presented in Perspectives, including paint and Pantone® color matches.

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Fashion Ambience

  • A new, pared-back design aesthetic, architectural and structured forms with a neutral luxury feel, timeless, minimal design and clean silhouettes
  • Eternal classics like cashmere, soft cocooning knits and yarns, tonal layering, casual comfort dressing meets tailoring
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Design Aesthetic

  • A modern aesthetic that is pared down, in uncluttered pieces where details are hidden and simple architectural lines are followed. Minimal design is celebrated, and performance of a luxury level is required. Purposeful editing is all-important.
  • While there is simplicity to this story, it is not a return to cold minimalism, but instead, an aesthetic that reflects the need to swing the pendulum away from the excessive over-design and mashing of trends, seasons and reference points.
  • Monochromatic decors employ varying tones of similar or complementary neutrals, clean lines, tactile accents, and pops of strong color. Signature pieces and artwork receive proper attention.
  • Texture and tactile experiences are critical to this story, creating visual interest and nuance.
  • Global offerings open up exterior veneer and flooring options to include beige, cream and light gray tones, allowing designs to have a lighter aesthetic.
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Materials
Direction

  • A full range of textiles that emphasize subtle tonal variations.
  • Wood is either very pale or very dark and metal finishes often are paired with wood pieces.
  • Italian marbles, pale limestone, and light travertine dominate the interior. Neutral, monochromatic layering of different stones throughout the aesthetic brings added dimension.
  • Variations in finishing styles are critical to preventing a monochromatic look from becoming tedious.
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Finishes &
Effects

  • Honed matte
  • Stippled patterns
  • Acid wash
  • Etched designs
  • Shimmering metallics
  • Lightly thermaled
  • Opaque glass
  • Lacquered wood
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