A GLOSSARY OF INTERIOR DESIGN TERMINOLOGY Interior Design Design is a profession profession like like any other that that incorporates incorporates its' own terminology terminology and jargon. DCR interiors is happy to provide a list of industry vocabulary to help its' clients and the public better understand our services, design options, and the profession as a whole.
ASID - American Society of Interior Designers AIA - American Institute of Architects ACCENT LIGHTING - controlled and focused light used to accent interior elements or architectural details
ARMOIRE – originally large cabinet or wardrobe used for storing clothes, often converted into entertainment or computer center
BACHELOR'S CHEST - small, low, wooden cabinet with drawers BANQUETTE - built-in or free-standing upholstered bench: straight-run, back-to-back, -shaped, island, !-shaped, octagonal, circular, radius-!, saw-tooth, serpentine"
BALLOON SHADE - fabric shade creating a gathered bottom edge when raised BAUHAUS - practical, theoretical, and influential industrial art, craft, architecture and design school of the #$th century
BAY WINDOW - typically composed of three windows constructed with two angled side windows pro%ecting from an e&terior wall
BEAM - hori'ontal structural support for another floor or roof BEAD BOARD - ( & ) sheet of plywood with regularly spaced grooves
BEVELED EDGE - slanted and polished edge detail used on wood, marble, glass, etc BISECTING - divide into two parts BOMBÉ – outward swelling on commodes , bureaus , and armoires BROCADE - %ac*uard fabric design, often silk , with raised patterns and floating yarns on the back of the fabric , imitating embroidery
BUDGET - estimated spending level BUFFET – linear furniture piece with storage for flatware used as a counter for serving BUNGALOW - the term is often used to describe a single- or +-story Arts .rafts /.raftsman/ or /0rairie/ style house built between +)1$ and +12$ featuring casement window s, gabled and shingled roofs with wide overhangs, large porches, wood floors
BUREAU - refers to an American dresser or 3rench writing desk CABRIOLE LEG - carved wood furniture leg curving outward at the knee and tapering inward at the ankle, resembling an animal4s hip, thigh and ankle, often finished with a claw foot or rounded pad
CAD/CADD - computer aided drafting and design CAFE CURTAIN - window treatment typical gathered, stationary, hung from rods and rings installed half-way up a window
CAPITAL - decorative cap placed on a column , pillar or pilaster i" e" Doric , Ionic , .orinthian , .omposite , 5uscan architectural orders
CASE GOODS - furniture pieces primarily constructed of wood CASING - trim around a window or door opening
CC&Rs (Co!"#"$s Co"%$o"s #"% R!)#$o"s* - 5he restrictions governing the use of real estate, usually enforced by a homeowners4 association and passed on to the new owners of property" 3or e&le, ..6s may tell you how big your house can be, how you must landscape your yard or whether you can have pets"
CEILING - permanently constructed, affi&ed or suspended hori'ontal structural-plane designed to protect individuals or ob%ects from e&terior weather conditions
CEILING TREATMENT - decorative details applied to any type of ceiling CHAIR - individual seat constructed with a back rest, which is most often supported by ( legs, featuring single or double armrests, i"e" .aptain4s chair, host and hostess chairs, ladder-back chair, side chair, wing chair
CHAIR RAIL - wood trim installed hori'ontally on a wall around a room, usually about 2$/ off the ground, used to scale down a large wall, further adorned with bead board, trim, wallpaper or contrasting paint colors , above and below
CHAISE LOUNGE - long reclining chair or sofa CHANDELIER - ceiling mounted light fi&ture with arms branching out from a central support CHARETTE - intense design e&ercise CHIFFEROBE - large furniture wardrobe with drawers CLASSIC ORDERS OF ARCHITECTURE - a formulation by noted scholars of 7reek and 6oman architectural designs into five distinct orders8 i"e" 7reek Doric 9rder, Ionic 9rder and .orinthian 9rder, with the 6oman .omposite 9rder and 5uscan 9rder
CLAW FOOT - carved end on a furniture leg resembling an animal claw COFFERED CEILING - recessed panels created in a ceiling
COLOR - a visual perception of light casting on ob%ects in various hues , lightness and saturation" See AA979!S , S;.9DA6< , 5;65IA6<
COLOR PALETTE - a specific group or range of traits in various colors , which can be contrasting, complimentary or monochromatic , utili'ed in a specific pro%ect
COLOR WAY - a variety of color schemes in a particular pattern created for a te&tile fabric , carpet , wall covering , etc"
COMBING - fau& painting techni*ue where a tool with /teeth/ is dragged through the wet paint to create striations
COMPLIMENTARY COLOR - colors opposite each other on a color wheel i"e" 6ed vs" 7reen, =lue vs" 9range, 0urple vs" A6< , S;.9DA6< , 5;65IA6<
CONTEMPORARY - designs with simple lines, curves and geometric patterns CORBEL - architectural detail pro%ecting from a wall, which e&tends upward and outward CORNER CABINET - built-in or independently crafted cabinet designed to fit tightly into the corner of a room, often symmetrically flanking two sides of a room
COUNTER - hori'ontal work surface, which can be free-standing or built-in, often constructed at #1/ for seating height, or 2?-21/ for standing height
CROWN MOLDING - molding installed where the wall and ceiling meet or applied at the top of case goods
CURIO CABINET - slender display cabinet , typically with glass shelves CUT PILE - tufted wool , nylon or other yarn shirred by machine, leaving the ends of the fibers evenly cut8 carpet with a smooth and consistent surface
DAMAS+ - reversible %ac*uard woven of linen , cotton , silk , rayon or blends creating a contrasting satin and matte surface, typically woven into floral motifs
DECO - streamlined designs depicting design motifs from the Art Deco 0eriod
DECORATOR - 9ur definition of an interior decorator is an individual with an interest and e&perience in residential decorating, but one who also lacks a formal education in interior design, which includes training in architecture, space planning, interior fi&tures, furniture and finishes, lighting design, custom furniture and te&tile design, furniture and te&tile history, business ethics and standards, in con%unction with the ability to draft, e&ecute floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevations, perspectives by hand or digitally for formal presentation
DEMISING WALL - any interior wall dividing one leased portion of a building from another DIMENSION - spatial *ualities8 height, width and thickness DISTRESSED - finish techni*ue creating an aged patina , uneven or worn appearance DOUBLE-HUNG WINDOW - window of two sashes operating to slide past one another in a wood track
DOWN LIGHT - light source facing down from ceiling DRAFTING - hand drawn, /mechanical/ drawings including cabinetry , elevations , floor plans , reflected ceiling plans and architectural details
ECLECTIC - utili'ing elements from multiple sources and styles ELEVATION - scaled drawing depicting details on an e&terior or interior wall"
ÉTAG,RE - tall, open shelving unit for displaying accessories ETHNIC - pattern and style influenced by the culture of other regions EOTIC - uni*ue dramatic elements native to another country 3A!@ - reproducing or re-interpreting a finish on any surface
FAU BOIS - reproducing or re-interpreting a painted wood grain finish , and furnishings or ob%ects imitating wood logs, branches and bark te&tures
FAVRILÉ GLASS - brand name for iridescent art glass originally introduced by "." 5iffany FENG SHUI - wind and water8 ancient .hinese practice of harmoni'ing the built environment with spiritual forces
FENESTRATION - stylistic placement of windows on a building FIDER - 3oundation for Interior Design 6esearch, now known as the .ouncil for Interior Design Accreditation .IDAB
FIELD VERIFY - on-site visit to confirm measurements and position of electrical, CA., windows, doors, etc"
FINIAL - decorative hardware , wood, metal or cast materials used to cap drapery rods , newel posts , furnishings , woodwork , etc"
FINISH - final treatment, coating, stain, paint, etc" on a surface including lath plaster, gypsum wallboard, acoustical ceiling systems, cabinets trim, furniture, floor coverings, wall coverings, countertops and so forth"
FINISH SCHEDULE - documents detailing doors, windows , furniture , room finishes , colors and other components needing clarification for construction purposes
FIREPLACE - combination of decorative wood, plaster or marble elements surrounding a firebo& FIRE BO - open masonry area built in a wall at the base of a chimney to house a fire FIRE SCREEN - decorative screen of fire proof materials placed in front of a mantle firebo& to control sparks and embers8
FLOOR PLAN - scaled drawing , typically drawn at +E(/ to +4$/ scale, indicating walls, windows, electrical outlets, interior finishes and furniture placement" See ;;.56I.A 0A , ;;A5I9 , 3!6I5!6; A<9!5 , 0A I;F , 6;3;.5;D .;II7 0A , S0A.; 0A I7
FLUTING - 7recian or classical design element with concave or recessed grooves running lengthwise on a column , pilaster or wood trim
FURNISHINGS - artwork, accessories , area rugs , cabinetry , lighting, storage e*uipment, window treatments and upholstery
FURNITURE - any freestanding or custom-built article constructed to provide surfaces for sitting or storing ob%ects, i"e" armoire , dressers , chaise lounge , ottoman , sectional sofa , writing desk , etc
FURNITURE LAYOUT - position of furniture and accessories , including cabinetry , upholstery , area rugs , plants, etc" planned for space, shown in relation to walls, windows, electrical, flooring transitions, etc"
FURRED DOWN - dropped ceiling created with sheet rock, which is often used to conceal air vents or create additional architectural interest
FUTON BED - convertible frame utili'ing a cotton -filled mattress, which can be used as a bed and a sofa
GALLERY - narrow e&terior porch or balcony 8 succession of rooms to display art8 rail with small wood or metal spindles attached to the outer edge of cabinetry
GEOMETRIC - pattern with simple rectilinear shapes GILDED - an ob%ect with a thin overly of gold leaf added to its surface GOTHIC ARCH - steep arched opening with a pointed center and gradual curve, no keystone used GREEN DESIGN - sustainable design methods utili'ing recycled , renewable and environmentally friendly materials and design elements " i"e" energy efficient insulation, solar power, water conservation methods, renewable bamboo flooring, etc"
HEADBOARD/FOOTBOARD - plain or decorative boards or other materials used to create a headrest or end support on a bed, connected by side rails, i"e" carved wood, upholstered, iron, etc"
HERRINGBONE - fabric weaving techni*ue created by alternating the direction in threading the loom to form a 'ig'ag or // pattern"
HOME AUTOMATION - technological innovations and electronics pre-wired or retro-fitted into residential applications
HOME OFFICE - allocation of a specific residential space to conduct business HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION - An organi'ation comprising neighbors concerned with managing the common areas of a subdivision or condominium comple&" 5he homeowners4 association is also responsible for enforcing any covenants, conditions and restrictions that apply to the property"
HOME THEATER - electronic e*uipment system designed to create theater-*uality images and sound in a home
HOUNDSTOOTH - small scaled, broken check pattern HUE - refers to an particular aspect of color i"e" 6ed, =lue,
IIDA - International Interior Design Association
ILLUMINATION - a source of light or decorative lighting ILLUSTRATION - drawing, image or sample used to further e&plain INCANDESCENT LIGHT - light from a conventional bulb, halogen bulb or heat lamp INDIRECT LIGHTING - glare-free ambient lighting on ceiling , walls or floors, encased and hidden from view i"e" sconce , uplight , downlight
INLAY - to set one material into the surface of another creating a decorative pattern INTERIOR DESIGN - the business of artistically decorating and furnishing the interior of any structure
INTERIOR DESIGNER - 9ur definition of an interior designer is one who has attended a (-year certified interior design program including training in architecture, facility management, space planning, interior fi&tures, furniture, e*uipment specifications and finishes 33;B, furniture and te&tile history, custom millwork, furniture, product, lighting and te&tile design, cost estimation, field verification and surveys, pro%ect administration, programming, coordination, business ethics and standards and ADA compliance, in con%unction with the ability to draft, e&ecute floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevations, perspectives by hand or digital .AD for formal presentation"
IRIDESCENT - opalescent luster IRONWOR+ - decorative , hand-forged iron or cast iron grilles, screens , gates, grates, etc" .ACQUARD FABRICS - all fabrics intricately woven on a %ac*uard loom including damasks , tapestries , brocades , and m atelassG
.OIST - floor or ceiling beam support +EYSTONE - originally the center structural wedge-stone of an arched opening, but may simply be decorative trim in the shape of a wedge capping an arched opening
+NOC+-DOWN - term used to describe furniture sold in parts and pieces, which re*uire assembly +IC+ PLATE - decorative plate installed at the bottom of a door to protect it from wear +ITCHEN DESIGN - specialty or sub-set of interior design focusing on kitchens +ILIM - hand- woven rugs from the >iddle ;ast with geometric designs LACQUER - synthetic coating dried to form a protective film LAMBREQUIN - decorative window treatment made of a wood frame formed around sides and top of window , often padded and fabric covered
LAMP - light source i"e" bulb, also used to describe a light fi&ture LANDING - intermediate floor between a flight of stairs LAYOUT - defining space for a specific purpose8 prior arrangement of design to be implemented LEADED GLASS - decorative window created with small pieces of clear, beveled or stained glass or %ewels soldered together with lead caming and framed in wood
LEAD TIME - amount of time re*uired to receive a product once it has been ordered LIGHT SOURCE - origination of light, i"e" chandelier , recessed lighting, up light LINOLEUM - "#$#) 0)oo" 1#%! o0 )"s!!% o)2 3o4 %s$2 5oo% 0)o2 $!! !s"s2 o"% )1!s$o"! #"% 61!"$s LOFT - urban, e&pansive warehouse space, which is often converted into living *uarters 8 platform or level above another interior area
LOVESEAT - upholstered seating designed to seat two, usually with arms and back"
MANTLE - decorative fireplace treatment installed surrounding the fire proof material of the fire bo& , typically created of wood, stone, marble, iron or a combination of materials, often composed of pilasters and pediments or they may feature carvings and caryatids
MARBLEI7ED - fau& finish techni*ue imitating real marble MATERIAL BOARD - mat board presentation featuring images of furniture , accessories , lighting or e*uipment, complete with finish and fabric swatches"
MDF - >edium Density 3iberboard MILLWOR+ - woodwork manufactured at a lumber mill used for interior trim MIRROR - glass panel with a mercury backing applied to the back side, which reflects an identical or sometimes distorted image, often framed in wood or encased in furniture, i"e" beveled mirror, etched mirror, mirrored door, wall mirror, trumeau mirror
MIRROR IMAGE - an image, hori'ontal or vertical, duplicated in reverse MODESTY PANEL - panel used on furniture to conceal view MOLDING - straight or decorative strip used for ornamentation "
MONOCHROMATIC - of one color dark to lightB i"e" black white color scheme encompasses black through all the shades of grey to white
MOSAIC - broken fragments combined to create intricate ceramic tile patterns MOTIF - dominant or recurring theme throughout a pro%ect MURPHY BED - mattress and frame, which folds down or is raised and concealed in a built-in wall unit or cabinet
MURAL - scene or image painted or wallpapered onto a wall" i"e" trompe l4oeil NAP - s1#)) #s!%2 %!3$o"#) 08! !"%s 0o"% " 5o!" 0#83s #"% 0)oo 3o!"s #00!3$" $9! #66!##"3!2 :!: 3#6!$ 6)! NATURAL FIBER - te&tiles made from animal or vegetable sources i"e" cotton , linen , silk , wool NCIDQ - ational .ouncil for Interior Design Hualifications NEWEL POST - decorative post used to support the beginning or intermediate intervals between spindles and rails on a staircase
NIC - ot in .ontract NICHE - recessed opening, often arched at the top, set in a wall with a shelf, often lit from the top to display sculpture or ob%ects of art
ONE WAY DRAW - refers to drapery panel operations where the panels moves in one direction, either left or right
OPAQUE - surface or material, which does not allow light to pass, i"e" black-out lining ORNAMENTAL - decorative ob%ects or designs added as an embellishment on another ob%ect, beyond function
OVER SCALED - large in scale for the space PAISLEY - intricate interlocking curvilinear pattern originating in India PALLADIAN - denotes designs originally created by the 6oman architect Andrea 0alladio PARQUET - wood floor laid in geometric patterns PARTITION WALL - non-structural interior dividing wall
PASSAGEWAY - area of circulation 8 pass through PASSEMENTERIE' - highly elaborate tassels , tie-backs , ribbon trim PATINA - lustrous, aged finish PELMET - framework to conceal drapery hardware at the top of a window PENDANT - hanging ornamentation or electrical fi&ture mounted from the ceiling PERSONAL STYLE - an eclectic interior furnishing style indicative of personal preferences and lifestyle
PERSPECTIVE - three-dimensional drawing, with hori'on line and single or multiple vanishing points, to illustrate volume and spatial relationships
PIC+LING - painted whitewash finish applied to furnishings PILASTER - decorative vertical architectural element , similar to a half- column , with a shallow pro%ection often used on a door surround or mantle
PLAN VIEW - scaled layout, typically drawn +E(/ to +4$/, showing all walls, windows , openings, door swings , floor levels, ceiling angles, etc" with supporting documents in larger scale detailing construction specifications
PO - 0urchase 9rder PORTFOLIOS - collection of images, color boards and other multi-media for presentation purposes PORTIERES - window treatment used in cased door openings made of two separate drapery panels tied back, utili'ing identical or contrasting fabrics on each side
QUARTER-SAWN - logs cut in *uarters lengthwise to reveal intricate wood grain
RECESSED LIGHT - lighting fi&ture installed within a ceiling RECTILINEAR - straight lined REFLECTED CEILING PLAN - scaled drawing of a space indicating all ceiling fi&tures and height transitions"
REPEAT - vertical and hori'ontal numerical measurements relating to the pattern of woven or printed fabric , distance from a point in a pattern to the same point where it occurs again
REPOUSSÉ - decorative metalwork outlined and embossed , hammered or punched on the back side REPRODUCTION - a copy, imitation or duplication of an original ob%ect, style or structure RESILIENCE - ability of carpet fibers to spring back to original shape after being crushed RETRO - term used to describe styles and fashions from the past, most fre*uently to describe items from c" +1($ to c" +1?$
RISER - vertical member of a staircase supporting the hori'ontal tread ROMAN SHADE - window treatment utili'ing a series of fabric tapes, rings and cords stitched onto the backside for raising and lowering, which draws up into hori'ontal pleats when raised --- 3lat 6oman - when fully e&tended the shade is perfectly flat --- Soft 3old 6oman or Cobbled - when fully e&tended the shade retains soft folds down the full length of the shade --- Shirred =alloon - unstructured poufs of fabric shirred at the top --- Inverted 0leat =alloon - structured poufs where the heading is flat with uniformly spaced reversed pleats --- Austrian Shade - vertical rows of fabric gathered in swags
RUG - soft floor covering laid onto a floor but not permanently attached
RUN - woven or printed goods produced on a single machine at one time with the same overall appearance
SATURATION - refers to the 4concentration4 of a certain hue 8 therefore, highly saturated colo rs are vibrant, low saturation colors are muted and no saturation leads to a some shade of gray
SCALE – drafting increment used to measure and establish distances or relationships between a specific volume of space and the architectural or interior elements , i"e" +E( inch e*ual + foot or +E(/ + ft", 2E)/ + ft", +E#/ + ft"
SCALED DRAWING - an illustration drafted to scale SCHEME - plan of action by an individual or group on a specific pro%ect, i"e" ideas, design, theme SCONCE - wall-mounted electrified or candlelight fi&ture SCOPE OF SERVICES - complete details on services being offered SCREEN - multiple iron, wood or fabric hinged panels, which can be stood in a 'ig'ag configuration8 privacy
SCREEN PRINTING - printing techni*ue utili'ing a frame and stencil , which are placed over the fabric , dyes are applied through a s*ueegee and individual stencils are re*uired for each color
SECRETARY - cabinet with a hinged surface opening forward onto pull-out supports revealing cubby holes for writing materials with a bookcase, often with a glass door cabinet above
SECTIONAL - elongated upholstered seating created wi th multiple, connected units designed to seat ( or more, usually with arms and back, often including a right-angle or chaise lounge section"
SEERSUC+ER - woven or chemically altered crinkled fabric surface SETTEE - medium-si'ed sofa or long bench
SHO.I SCREEN - 9riental, geometric , wood screen with rice paper panels SHEERS - window treatment constructed with translucent fabric s and materials SIDEBOARD - case goods , often 2?/ high, used for serving food and storing china SIDELIGHT - stationary, vertical windows flanking an operating e&terior door SLATTED BLIND - hori'ontal metal, vinyl or wood blind constructed with strings woven through the edge of each slat and connected to a headrail , which enables the blind to be tilted up or down with a wand, pulley or continuous cord, i"e" mini blind
SOFA - upholstered seating designed to accommodate three or more people, usually with arms and back
SOFFIT - the underside of a structural member, i"e" dropped ceiling , overhang SPACE PLANNING - arranging fi&tures, furnishings and e*uipment within a given space taking into account traffic flow, furniture scale, use of occupants , handicap re*uirements, electrical, etc"
SPECIFICATION - detailed outline including all important and necessary criteria for construction or implementation
STAINED GLASS - ;nglish: leaded windows of pale colored glass and %ewels, often intricately hand painted 8 American: brightly colored, unpainted pieces of glass and %ewels leaded together
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN - conservation of building resources utili'ing recycled or renewable materials SYMMETRICAL - corresponding designs of a similar nature placed opposite one another TAILORED - having a neat, custom fit appearance
TAS+ LIGHTING - lighting re*uired for visually intensive activities or work surface , i"e" reading lamp TOILE - cotton or linen woven or printed documentary fabric , typically printed in monotone color on an off-white or white background, originally made in 3rance
TONGUE AND GROVE - wood %oinery created by milling a tongue on the edge of a flat board, which slips into a corresponding groove on an ad%acent board
TORTOISE SHELL - hard, black-brown mottled shell of turtles and tortoises used as inlay or imitated on other surfaces
TO-THE-TRADE - wholesale or discounted price offered to a company responsible for specifying, purchasing, delivery, installation and warranty of a product or service
TRAC+ LIGHTING - ad%ustable incandescent fi&tures mounted along a electrified metal track installed on the ceiling
TRANSLUCENT - semi-opa*ue surface, which diffuses light while partially obscuring a view, i"e" privacy window, etched or frosted glass, window film "
TRANSOM - narrow, hori'ontal, hinged or fi&ed decorative glass window placed over a doorway to create additional light, interest or to improve air circulation, often used in combination with sidelights "
TRANSPARENT - completely see-through surface or ob%ect, i"e" clear window , crystal prism, glass paperweight"
TREAD - flat hori'ontal member of a step or staircase " TREND - a general direction, inclination or tendency TROMPE L'OEIL - three dimensional painted architectural effects
TRUNDLE BED - daybed twin bed frame housing an additional mattress below, which is pulled out as needed
UNIVERSAL DESIGN - items and spaces which can be accessed and utili'ed by individuals regardless of their age, si'e or disabilities
UP LIGHT - light source originating at the floor, shining up towards an ob%ect UPHOLSTERY - materials used to make soft seating including wood or metal frames, eight-way handtied springs, foam, batting , fabrics and cording
VALANCE - shallow drapery treatment placed at the heading of a window , concealing hardware i"e" bo&-pleat, stage coach, shaped, shirred-balloon, etc"
VENEER - paper-thin wood sheets applied to the outer surface of furniture , which are often inlaid or matched to create intricate, decorative patterns
VERDIGRIS - greenish patina found on aged brass, bron'e or copper WAINSCOTING - materials applied to the bottom third of an interior wall, i"e" bead board , paneling , chair rail molding
WALLCOVERING - fle&ible materials such as paper, vinyl, foil, fabric , felt , cork, carpet or veneers applied to a wall
WALL HANGING - a tapestry , needlepoint or bound fabric panel hung on the wall, typically suspended from an iron drapery rod and adorned with cording and tassels
WALLPAPER - pattern printed onto paper, which is adhered to the wall WALLWASHING - glare-free ambient lighting installed at regular intervals around the ceiling or floor to evenly illuminate walls
WARDROBE - free-standing or built-in cabinet designed specifically to house clothing with hooks or rods
WINDOW COVERING - any decorative application to a window frame or pane of glass including blinds , cornices , draperies , window film , etc"
WOR+ ORDER - signed document specifying work to be completed, including details and illustrations WOR+ SURFACE - any surface designed for accomplishing a task" i"e" counter 7IG7AG - pattern formed by a continuous line, which turns sharply back and forth making a series of /4s/" i"e" .C;69 , C;66I7=9;
