Keystone usedgreen design sustainable design methods utilizing recycled
ACCENT LIGHTING - controlled and focused light used to accent interior elements or architectural
details
island, U-shaped, octagonal, circular, radius-U, saw-tooth, serpentine.
BALLOON SHADE - fabric shade creating a gathered bottom edge when raised
BEAM - horizontal structural support for another floor or roof
BEAD BOARD - 4 x 8 sheet of plywood with regularly spaced grooves
the fabric , imitating embroidery
BUDGET - estimated spending level
BUREAU - refers to an American dresser or French writing desk
CABRIOLE LEG - carved wood furniture leg curving outward at the knee and tapering inward at the
CAPITAL - decorative cap placed on a column , pillar or pilaster i. e. Doric , Ionic , Corinthian ,
Composite , Tuscan architectural orders
For example, CC&Rs may tell you how big your house can be, how you must landscape your yard or
whether you can have pets.
CHAIR - individual seat constructed with a back rest, which is most often supported by 4 legs,
contrasting paint colors , above and below
CHAISE LOUNGE - long reclining chair or sofa
CLASSIC ORDERS OF ARCHITECTURE - a formulation by noted scholars of Greek and Roman
architectural designs into five distinct orders; i.e. Greek Doric Order, Ionic Order and Corinthian Order,
ANALOGOUS , SECONDARY , TERTIARY
COLOR PALETTE - a specific group or range of traits in various colors , which can be contrasting,
create striations
COMPLIMENTARY COLOR - colors opposite each other on a color wheel i.e. Red vs. Green, Blue vs.
a room, often symmetrically flanking two sides of a room
COUNTER - horizontal work surface, which can be free-standing or built-in, often constructed at 29"
CUT PILE - tufted wool , nylon or other yarn shirred by machine, leaving the ends of the fibers evenly
cut; carpet with a smooth and consistent surface
DECORATOR - Our definition of an interior decorator is an individual with an interest and experience
in residential decorating, but one who also lacks a formal education in interior design, which includes
DEMISING WALL - any interior wall dividing one leased portion of a building from another
DIMENSION - spatial qualities; height, width and thickness
DRAFTING - hand drawn, "mechanical" drawings including cabinetry , elevations , floor plans ,
reflected ceiling plans and architectural details
EXOTIC - unique dramatic elements native to another country
FAUX - reproducing or re-interpreting a finish on any surface
spiritual forces
FENESTRATION - stylistic placement of windows on a building
FINIAL - decorative hardware , wood, metal or cast materials used to cap drapery rods , newel posts ,
furnishings , woodwork , etc.
components needing clarification for construction purposes
FIREPLACE - combination of decorative wood, plaster or marble elements surrounding a firebox
FURNISHINGS - artwork, accessories , area rugs , cabinetry , lighting, storage equipment, window treatments and upholstery
FURNITURE - any freestanding or custom-built article constructed to provide surfaces for sitting or storing objects, i.e. armoire , dressers , chaise lounge , ottoman , sectional sofa , writing desk , etc
GEOMETRIC - pattern with simple rectilinear shapes
GILDED - an object with a thin overly of gold leaf added to its surface
HOME AUTOMATION - technological innovations and electronics pre-wired or retro-fitted into
residential applications
HOME THEATER - electronic equipment system designed to create theater-quality images and sound
in a home
ILLUMINATION - a source of light or decorative lighting
ILLUSTRATION - drawing, image or sample used to further explain
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
verification and surveys, project administration, programming, coordination, business ethics and
standards and ADA compliance, in conjunction with the ability to draft, execute floor plans, reflected
brocades , and matelassé
JOIST - floor or ceiling beam support
KITCHEN DESIGN - specialty or sub-set of interior design focusing on kitchens
KILIM - hand- woven rugs from the Middle East with geometric designs
LANDING - intermediate floor between a flight of stairs
LAYOUT - defining space for a specific purpose; prior arrangement of design to be implemented
LINOLEUM - natural flooring made of linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, tree resins, ground
MANTLE - decorative fireplace treatment installed surrounding the fire proof material of the fire box ,
typically created of wood, stone, marble, iron or a combination of materials, often composed of
equipment, complete with finish and fabric swatches.
MDF - Medium Density Fiberboard
MIRROR IMAGE - an image, horizontal or vertical, duplicated in reverse
MODESTY PANEL - panel used on furniture to conceal view
MOTIF - dominant or recurring theme throughout a project
MURPHY BED - mattress and frame, which folds down or is raised and concealed in a built-in wall unit
affecting the appearance, i.e. carpet pile
NATURAL FIBER - textiles made from animal or vegetable sources i.e. cotton , linen , silk , wool
NICHE - recessed opening, often arched at the top, set in a wall with a shelf, often lit from the top to
display sculpture or objects of art
function
OVER SCALED - large in scale for the space
PASSAGEWAY - area of circulation ; pass through
PASSEMENTERIE' - highly elaborate tassels , tie-backs , ribbon trim
PERSONAL STYLE - an eclectic interior furnishing style indicative of personal preferences and lifestyle
PERSPECTIVE - three-dimensional drawing, with horizon line and single or multiple vanishing points,
PLAN VIEW - scaled layout, typically drawn 1/4" to 1'0", showing all walls, windows , openings, door
swings , floor levels, ceiling angles, etc. with supporting documents in larger scale detailing
tied back, utilizing identical or contrasting fabrics on each side
QUARTER-SAWN - logs cut in quarters lengthwise to reveal intricate wood grain
REPEAT - vertical and horizontal 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
RETRO - term used to describe styles and fashions from the past, most frequently to describe items from c. 1940 to c. 1960
RISER - vertical member of a staircase supporting the horizontal tread
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. 1/4 inch equal 1 foot or 1/4" = 1 ft., 3/8" = 1 ft., 1/2" = 1 ft.
SCREEN - multiple iron, wood or fabric hinged panels, which can be stood in a zigzag configuration; privacy
SCREEN PRINTING - printing technique utilizing a frame and stencil , which are placed over the fabric
SECTIONAL - elongated upholstered seating created with multiple, connected units designed to seat 4
or more, usually with arms and back, often including a right-angle or chaise lounge section.
SIDEBOARD - case goods , often 36" high, used for serving food and storing china
SIDELIGHT - stationary, vertical windows flanking an operating exterior door
SOFA - upholstered seating designed to accommodate three or more people, usually with arms and
back
implementation
STAINED GLASS - English: leaded windows of pale colored glass and jewels, often intricately hand
TASK LIGHTING - lighting required 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
on other surfaces
TO-THE-TRADE - wholesale or discounted price offered to a company responsible for specifying,
privacy window, etched or frosted glass, window film .
TRANSOM - narrow, horizontal, hinged or fixed decorative glass window placed over a doorway to
TREND - a general direction, inclination or tendency
TROMPE L'OEIL - three dimensional painted architectural effects
of their age, size or disabilities
UP LIGHT - light source originating at the floor, shining up towards an object
VENEER - paper-thin wood sheets applied to the outer surface of furniture , which are often inlaid or
matched to create intricate, decorative patterns
applied to a wall
WALL HANGING - a tapestry , needlepoint or bound fabric panel hung on the wall, typically
WARDROBE - free-standing or built-in cabinet designed specifically to house clothing with hooks or
rods
ZIGZAG - pattern formed by a continuous line, which turns sharply back and forth making a series of "V's". i.e. CHEVRON , HERRINGBONE