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ABSTRACT - Design illustrating general moods and forms rather than detailed realistic representations.
ACCESSORIES - Decorative objects such as vases, plants, books, and lamps added to an interior space to enhance the design
ANALOGOUS COLOR SCHEME - Using three colors (hues) adjacent on the color wheel. These colors create warm and cool combinations.
ANTIQUE - Furniture, art, or decorative objects more than 100 years old
ARMOIRE - A large wardrobe or movable closet used for storing clothes and linens or as an entertainment center or workspace.
- B -
BACKSPLASH - An upright surface or border protecting the wall behind a counter, sink, or stove typically measuring 4" to approximately 18" for a full backsplash
BALANCE - A harmonious and satisfying arrangement of design elements
BALUSTER - Rounded or vase-shaped upright supports, usually made of wood or stone and used in furniture, architecture, and hand rail supports.
BALUSTRADE - A railing made of balusters, bottom rail and top handrail. Balustrades are also used in smaller scale to embellish furniture
BALLOON SHADE - A fabric shade creating a gathered bottom edge when raised.
BAY WINDOW - An architectural structure typically composed of three windows joined together at an angle to each other, projecting out from an exterior wall
BLOCK-OUT LINING - Lining used in window treatments to prevent light from entering a room.
BOLSTER - A long, cylindrical shaped pillow.
BORDER - A decorative linear pattern used along outer edge.
BUFFET - A piece of furniture designed as a counter for serving.
BULLION FRINGE - Long twisted multiply fringe.
BUREAU - A dresser with drawers.
- C -
CAD/CADD - Computer aided drafting and design.
CAFE CURTAIN - window treatment typical gathered, stationary, hung from rods and rings installed half-way in a window
CAMELBACK SOFA - sofa style characterized by a large symmetrical rise or "hump" located on the back
CARPET NAP - The height the yarn stands above the backing of the carpet.
CARPET CUSHION - Padding used underneath carpet or area rugs for comfort and insulation.
CARPET SEAM - A line where two pieces of carpet are joined by sewing, hot melt tape, or latex tape
CHENILLE - A soft cotton yarn woven into a cloth resembling a wide-wale corduroy.
COLOR SCHEME - A combination of colors that harmonize with each other. Color schemes are analogous, complimentary, monochromatic, or triadic.
COMPLIMENTARY COLOR SCHEME - Using two colors (hues) that are opposites on the color wheel. Varying the tints, tones, and shades of these colors adds a dramatic effect.
- D -
DADO - The lower portion of the wall of a room, decorated differently from the upper section, as with panels.
DROPPED CEILING - A ceiling made of acoustic tiles suspended on a frame below the actual ceiling.
DRYWALL - Gypsum plaster board laminated with paper on both sides.
DUCK - A heavy, plain weave cotton fabric often used for slip covering because it is sturdy and easy to clean.
- E -
EGGSHELL - A paint base with a low-sheen satin finish; an off-white color.
- F -
FAUX - French for fake, it refers to a decorative painting technique using rags, sponges, and special rollers
FLAT - A paint base with a dull finish. This finish shows dirt easily and is difficult to clean.
FLOOR PLAN - A measured drawing of the dimensions, features, windows, and door openings of a room.
FOCAL POINT - The point of emphasis in a well-designed room.
- G -
- H -
HARDWOOD - Flooring consisting of planks made of oak, maple, walnut, and less commonly, teak, mahogany, and other exotic species.
HEARTH - The interior and the area immediately in front of a fireplace.
HEIRLOOM - Any object with both monetary and sentimental value.
- I -
- J -
JUTE - A plant fiber from East India used to make ropes, sacks, and floor coverings.
- K -
- L -
LAMINATE - Any material made by bonding two or more layers of another material, to create a stronger, less permeable surface covering.
LAYOUT - Also called a floor plan, this is used to decide the placement of furniture, appliances, and accessories within a room.
LMD - A simple design style based on light, medium, and dark tones. Light tones are used as the background. Medium colors are used for large furniture pieces and windows coverings. Dark tones are used for accessories.
- M -
MATTE - A paint finish which absorbs light. See Flat.
MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEME - Using one color (hue) in various tints, tones and shades. Use multiple textures and patterns to add character and maintain unity.
- N -
- O -
OTTOMAN - An upholstered low stool or footrest.
- P -
PALETTE - The family of colors selected for a room.
- Q -
- R -
RENOVATE -More comprehensive than "redecorate", it implies restoration to an earlier condition by repairing or remodeling.
- S -
SCALE - The relationship of an object to another object - such as the relationship of a piece of furniture to a room. The ratio between the size of something and a representation of it, such as the size of a floor plan drawing to the size of the actual room and furnishings.
SEMI-GLOSS - A paint finish that is somewhat reflective of the light. Often used in medium-traffic areas because it is easier to clean than flat and matte finishes.
SISAL - A natural fiber from Mexico and the West Indies, commonly used as a floor covering.
SOFTWOOD - Wood flooring made from easy-to-saw conifer or evergreens, such as pine, spruce, or fir.
- T -
TRACK LIGHTING - A light fixture with several same-size lamps installed along a metal track. Track lighting is mounted on a wall or ceiling and can be pointed toward different features for dramatic effect.
TRAFFIC FLOW OR PATTERN - The natural path along which people travel within a room to doors, closets and around furnishings.
TRIADIC COLOR SCHEME - Using three colors (hues) equal distance apart on the color wheel.
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- V -
- W -
WAINSCOT - Paneling; often used to refer to the lower part of an interior wall when finished differently from the remainder of the wall; also called dado.
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- Y -
- Z -
Common Industry Terms