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.