Interior Design Terms Flashcards
Balance
This refers to the distribution of visual weight in a space.
Achieving balance is crucial for creating a harmonious and visually pleasing design.
“I think we can achieve a nice balance of light and dark in this room by using some lighter-colored furniture and accessories to offset the dark woods.”
Proportion
involves the relationship between different elements within a space.
It helps ensure that the size and scale of furniture, accessories, and architectural features are in harmony.
“The proportions of this coffee table are perfect. It’s the right size for the space, and it’s balanced with the other elements in the room.”
Contrast
Contrast is the juxtaposition of different elements to create visual interest.
It can be achieved through the use of color, texture, shape, or style.
“The contrast between the different forms in the room is really what makes it work. The organically shaped furniture against the boxy architectural details create a sense of visual interest.”
Focal point
A focal point is the main attraction in a room.
It can be a fireplace, a piece of artwork, or a stunning piece of furniture. Focal points help draw attention and create a sense of balance.
Scale
Scale refers to the size of objects in relation to the space they occupy.
It’s important to choose furniture and accessories that are proportionate to the room size to maintain visual harmony.
Modern
Modern design is characterized by clean lines, minimalism, and a focus on functionality.
Key terms associated with modern design include “sleek,” “streamlined,” and “minimalistic.”
“I love the modern feel of this room. It’s clean, uncluttered, and stylish.”
Traditional
Traditional design is known for its classic, timeless appeal.
It often features rich colors, ornate details, and elegant furnishings.
Key terms associated with traditional design include “ornate,” “formal,” and “timeless.”
Eclectic
Eclectic design is all about mixing different styles, textures, and eras.
It’s a highly personalized approach that allows for creative expression.
Key terms associated with eclectic design include “quirky,” “bohemian,” and “unconventional.”
Minimalist
Minimalist design is the art of reducing the essential elements to achieve a pure form of elegance.
It’s about unveiling the true beauty of underlying form in a simple and cultivated.
Key terms associated with minimalism include “purity,” “neutral,” and “artisan.”
Hue
Hue refers to the purest form of a color.
It’s what we typically refer to as red, blue, or yellow.
“I’m not sure which hue of blue would be best for the walls. Can you show me some options?”
Saturation
Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a color.
Highly saturated colors are vibrant and bold, while desaturated colors are more muted and subdued.
“The saturation of the paint you chose is perfect for the room. It’s a bold, vibrant color that will make the space feel energetic.”
Tone
Tone refers to the lightness or darkness of a color.
Adding black or white to a hue creates different tones.
“The tone of the paint in this room is just what I want. It’s a bit dark, but it still makes the space feel cozy.”
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are **opposite each other on the color wheel, **such as blue and orange or red and green.
They create a strong contrast when used together.
Example sentence: “The complementary colors in this color palette work really well together. The blue and orange create a sense of visual interest, while the white and grey provide a neutral backdrop.”
Monochromatic Color Scheme
A monochromatic color scheme involves using different shades, tones, and tints of a single color.
It creates a harmonious and cohesive look.
“I think a monochromatic color scheme would be perfect for this room. It would create a sense of calm and serenity, and it would be easy to achieve with the furniture and accessories you already have.”
Texture
Texture refers to the surface quality of an object.
It can be rough, smooth, shiny, or matte.
Example sentence: “The texture of the rug in this room is really luxurious. It feels so soft and inviting.”
Using a variety of textures adds visual and tactile interest to a room.
Natural Materials
Natural materials include wood, stone, and leather.
They add warmth and organic appeal to a space.
“Natural materials are essential to Balinese style design. The use of wood, brick, and bamboo creates a sense of harmony with the natural world. These materials are also incredibly durable and sustainable, making them a great choice for any home.”
Synthetic Materials
Synthetic materials, such as laminate or vinyl, mimic the look of natural materials but offer greater durability and affordability.
“Black crocodile wallpaper is a stunning and luxurious option for any home. The synthetic material is incredibly realistic, and it creates a sense of opulence and sophistication.”
Finish
Finish refers to the surface treatment of a material.
It can be glossy, matte, textured, or metallic.
“The high-end finishes in this bedroom are simply stunning. The marble wall accents are a work of art, and the wood floors are incredibly luxurious. The brass details add a touch of glamour that really takes the space to the next level.”
Various options are available including paint, wallcoverings, wallpaper, tile, art glass, millwork, wainscoting and more.
Upholstery
Upholstery refers to the fabric or covering on furniture.
“I’m interested in getting new upholstery for my living room sofa.”
Upholstery can be leather, velvet, linen, or any other textile.
Upholstery greatly affects the comfort and aesthetic appeal of furniture.
Accent Pieces
Accent pieces are accessories that add visual interest and personality to a space.
They can include throw pillows, rugs, artwork, and decorative objects.
Statement Piece
A statement piece is a bold, eye-catching element that serves as a focal point in a room.
It can be a unique piece of furniture, a large artwork, or a striking light fixture.
“A vintage rug in a bedroom can be a statement piece.”
Ergonomics
Ergonomics refers to the study of how furniture and accessories can be designed to maximize health, safety, comfort, and efficiency.
Understanding ergonomic principles will help you choose furniture that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.
“An ergonomic chair is a chair that is designed to fit the natural curves of the human body. It is typically made with adjustable features, such as a tilt mechanism, a height-adjustable seat, and a lumbar support. Ergonomic chairs are designed to help people maintain a neutral posture, which can help to reduce back pain and other musculoskeletal problems.”
Abacus
The flat slab on top of a capital, supporting the architrave. This can also be called the “impost block.” via
Abrasion Test
Abrasion testing for upholstery involves measuring the amount of wear and tear that a fabric can endure when subjected to repeated rubbing.
Abrasion testing, in upholstery, is the practice of putting fabric through wear and tear tests to assess its durability. The focus of the test is for it to imitate normal use that would be expected from a consumer if placed into real-life settings such as seating areas, bedrooms or reception spaces.
Acanthus
a conventionalized representation of an acanthus leaf, used especially as a decoration for Corinthian column capitals.
Accent Walls
A wall in a room that is painted a different color or texture to add depth and dimension.
What is an accent wall? An accent wall is an interior décor element that’s commonly used to draw attention to a particular area of the room.
Accent walls are an excellent way to add visual interest to any space, making it look more inviting and interesting.
Accent Light
Accent lighting is a form of light that is used to emphasize or draw attention to certain features of an object or space.
This type of light has to be carefully managed and positioned in order for it to have the desired effect, whether that be creating highlights, adding depth or providing visual interest.
Its purpose is to create a focal point by illuminating certain aspects of the subject and can involve any kind of light - whether that be colour, shape, shade or power.
Accessory Dwelling Unit
It is a residence on the same property as an existing primary residence. It can either be an entirely separate living area, such as in a detached house or garage, or it can share some space with the primary residence, such as a basement suite or upstairs apartment.
ADA
ADA requires all public buildings to be designed in such a way that everyone can access them safely and conveniently.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Adamesque
Adamesque is an architectural style derived from that of Robert Adam, a Scottish neoclassical architect who studied the ancient ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii. This later form of European neoclassical architecture wa inspired by classical antiquity and refined through Adam’s distinct take on the style.
Adamesque is characterized by a harmonious and balanced use of colour, light, form, texture and ornamentation to create elegant interiors.
Features such as grand halls for entertaining, stippled pale lime green and apricot walls, tall deep-set windows for maximum light, ruby red and brilliant blues completing the look found in Georgian homes. This style also boasts detailed furniture arrangements which highlight its fluid shape and intricate carvings. With its muted tones, symmetrical designs and minimal yet intricate details Adamesque proves time is still a classic style of decorating!
Aficionado
An interior design aficionado is someone who understands, appreciates and has a deep knowledge of all the various elements of decorating and the materials used in creating beautiful interiors.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting serves as a general source of light in order to create an even and widespread luminosity. This is the first type of lighting used and it dictates the ambiance of a certain area.
typically a soft, diffused illumination that helps set the overall atmosphere in a room or area.
used to create mood, providing a sense of style and visual comfort.
Dimmable indoor wall sconces, ceiling fixtures, recessed lights, decorative floor lamps, as well as pendants and cove lighting
Antique
An antique is an item that is over one hundred years old and was made with more attention to detail than today’s mass-produced items.
All over Layout (Pattern)
a layout featuring motifs that are nearly distributed and evenly spread is preferred.
Alleyway Pattern
Design using negative space to create intentional lines.
Anaglypta
A type of wallpaper with a raised, textured design. It is often referred to as embossed wallpaper.
Appliqué (Architectural or Furniture)
An applique, often referred to as an onlay, is an ornamental entity used to enhance objects like furniture. They possess a three-dimensional appearance carve and a level surface which enables them to stick onto surfaces.
Appliqué (Fabric)
Applique is a type of textile art in which fabric pieces are cut and layered, then fused onto another piece of fabric to create a design. Fabrics used for applique may be woven, cottons or felt.
Apron Front Sink
A farm or apron-front sink is a large, wide sink that has an exposed front that extends beyond the bottom cabinets. It is designed to be deep and hold plenty of water.
Architectural Salvage
In interior design is the reuse of existing structures and materials from a demolished or renovated building to create something new.
Asian Zen Style
is a style of decor characterized by minimalism, utilizing natural elements such as bamboo, stone, juniper wood and calming neutrality to create a peaceful atmosphere.
Aubusson
a figured scenic tapestry used for wall hangings and upholstery
Austrian Shade
a window covering that is characterized by fabric that cascades in many waved forms, shaped by numerous rows of gather stitching.
Back Order
an order for goods or services that cannot be immediately filled because of an inventory shortage. The customer’s order is kept on record until the product or service can be provided, and the customer is notified when the item is back in stock.
Backlighting
is a creative use of lighting to highlight, emphasize or draw attention to certain pieces and/or elements in a room. It utilizes light sources that are placed behind selected pieces of furniture and artwork with the use of low voltage systems such as recessed fixtures, track lights, and rope lights.
Balustrade
is a railing or barrier consisting of an upright post, rail, and any number of intricately designed pillars or columns that support it. The balustrade often acts as an architectural embellishment, adding a decorative element to the structure it encircles.
Baluster
is a vertical element which serves as a support for a handrail or other structural element. Typically installed in staircases and balconies, balusters are often made of wood or metal and feature ornamental designs.
Barrel Vault
is a type of cylindrical arch or semi-circular vault which forms the ceiling of an interior space. The curved shape of the vault is created by evenly spaced ribs running in parallel lines, which provide strength to the structure while also allowing light and air to circulate in the space below.
Bergere Chair
a French style armchair featuring an upholstered frame, ornate carvings, and curved legs.
Bespoke
refers to something that is specially crafted or tailored to the client’s individual needs. This may include bespoke sofas or a bespoke carpenter who creates custom wood furniture. It describes things that are made according to the specifications of the customer ordering them.
Blend Different Styles
is the process of combining elements from various stylistic categories to create a unique and harmonious space.
Boho Chic
is an aesthetic that blends eclectic styles, colors and textures with a relaxed, modern vibe. It often features vintage, rustic and nature-inspired elements, like suzani textiles, natural wood furniture, baskets, handmade quilts and velvet fabrics.
It is characterized by eclectic combinations of textures and patterns, as well as natural materials such as wood, stone, and leather.
Color palettes are often quite neutral with pops of vibrant hues or jewel tones scattered throughout.
Common fixtures in boho chic décor include fringed rugs, velvet upholstery, patterned wallpapers and art, unique furniture pieces like moroccan ottomans, tribal-inspired textiles and poufs, and globally influenced designs that bring both vintage finds and newer pieces together seamlessly.
