FURNISHING AND INTERIOR DESIGN GLOSSARY
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A- FRAME - steep pitched roof forming a gable in an "A" shape
A&D - Acronym for Architecture & Design
ABRASION TEST - material abrasion test measuring the ability of warp and weft yarns to withstand friction from wear
ABSTRACT - design illustrating general forms verses detailed realistic representations
ACCESSIBLE DESIGN - dwelling meets prescribed requirements for accessible housing
ACETATE - manufactured cellulose acetate textile fiber with fast drying, wrinkle and shrink resistant characteristics.
ACANTHUS - ornamental design motif representing leaves of the acanthus plant
ACCENT LIGHTING - controlled and focused light used to accent interior elements or architectural details
ACCESSIBLE - approach and use by physically handicapped people
ACOUSTICS - effect of sound produced in an enclosed space
ACCORDION FOLD - tailored pleated fabric with uniform exterior and interior appearance
ACCESSORY - complimentary decorative objects of art, lighting, plants, area rugs and wall hangings added to an interior space to enhance the design
ACRYLIC COATED - fabric coated with resin for waterproofing
ADAPTABLE DESIGN - accessible features changing the appearance and use of the design
ADAPTIVE RE-USE - utilize an existing space or structure for a new purpose
ALBATROSS - woven fabric of wool or blends having a napped fleece surface
ALCOVE - recessed area adjacent to a larger space, typically enclosed on three sides, often with a lower ceiling, originally used for sleeping quarters
ALLIGATOR SKIN - fabric printed or embossed replicating the texture of alligator skin
AMBIENT LIGHT - measurement of the overall illumination of a room from reflected sunlight or overhead lighting applications
AMERICANA - materials and characteristics of American history, civilization and culture
ANDREA PALLADIO - exemplary architect of the Renaissance period detailing classical proportions and principles of the field
ANGORA- yarn of Angora rabbit hair
ANILINE DYE - fabric and leather dye made from coal tar
ANIMAL SKINS - animal skins or a reproduction of exotic hides
ANODIZE - chemical process where a coating is etched onto metal
ANTI-BACTERIAL - fabric finish providing resistance to bacterial growth
ANTIQUE - all items, including buildings, sculpture, statuary, furnishings, art, accessories, personal possessions over 100 years old
ANTIQUE SATIN - satin weave fabric with slubs imitating 18th Century spun shantung silk
ANTRON - Dupont brand of nylon fiber
APPLIANCE - electrical or gas fixtures designed to perform specific tasks; refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, trash compactor, air or water purifiers, humidifier, toaster, blender, etc.
APPLIANCE GARAGE - enclosed area for kitchen appliances
APPLIQUE - decorations sewn onto fabric or added to an existing surface
APRON - horizontal member or decorative band below a work surface or table top attached to side vertical elements for support and stability
ARABESQUE - style using flowers, foliage, or fruit creating an intricate pattern of interlaced lines
ARCADE - an open or closed series of arches supported by columns used along passageways, courtyards or porches
ARCHITECTURAL - motifs resembling three-dimensional architectural elements and ornamentation
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE - architecture as an art form
ARCH - originally created with stones cut into wedge shapes to span an opening; curved openings in doorways, windows, cabinetry or cornice treatments (Palladian, Eyebrow, Gothic)
ARCHITRAVE - lowest section of an entablature, placed just above a column capital, or a series of moldings surrounding an opening
AREA - typically refers to the length x the width of floor space CUBIC AREA refers to length x width x height
AREA RUG - a man-made or hand-woven textile of cotton, wool, silk, nylon, plastic or other materials created to cover a specific area of a floor
ARMOIRE - tall cabinet originally used as a wardrobe for storing clothing, now housing equipment for entertainment or computer centers
AREA RUG - handmade or manufactured floor coverings of various fibers , loomed rugs are available in typical sizes, while custom rugs can become any shape or size
ART GLASS - any form of decorative glass including beveled, leaded, etched, cut, stained, blown
ARTISAN - an individual who creates
ARMOIRE – originally large cabinet or wardrobe used for storing clothes, often converted into entertainment centers to store electronic equipment
ASYMMETRICAL - elements positioned off-center to one another
ATTIC FAN - large circulating fan mounted in the room or space just below the roof of the house
AUBUSSON - French hand-made tapestries used for wall hangings, featuring figures and scenic landscapes, named after the village in France where they originated
AUSTRIAN SHADE - fabric shade with vertical rows of swags from the head rail to hem
AWNING - lightweight roof structure typically constructed of fabric or metal installed over an exterior opening, such as a doorway, porch or balcony to provide shelter
AWNING STRIPE - heavyweight canvas fabric with evenly spaced stripes of contrasting colors and often whites
AXIS - single or multiple imaginary or drawn lines bisecting major interior or architectural components in a space
AX MINSTER CARPET - hand loomed carpet with a smooth cut-pile surface
Glossary from
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