Architectural Elements

An abacus is a flat slab forming the top of a column capital.

Acanthus is a decorative motif used in interior design and architecture, characterized by stylized leaves of the Acanthus plant.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on a single residential lot.

Acorn turning is a decorative woodworking technique.

Acoustics is the branch of science that deals with the study of sound and how it is perceived in an environment.

An acroterium is an ornamental pedestal or statue located at the apex or corners of a building's roof.

Adam Style refers to a neoclassical design movement originating in the 18th century.

An alcove is a recessed area in a room, often used for additional space or styling.

An ambry is a recessed cabinet or niche traditionally used for storage in walls.

American Colonial is a design style that reflects the architectural and interior designs prevalent during the colonial period in America.

Anthemion is a design motif consisting of a radial cluster of palm leaves or floral patterns.

An apron is a decorative or structural panel fixed beneath a surface such as a tabletop, window ledge, or countertop.

An arcade is a succession of arches, supported by columns or piers.

Architectural salvage refers to elements of buildings saved from demolition or renovations for reuse in other projects.

Arts & Crafts refers to both an interior design style and a movement prioritizing handcrafted, simple forms often inspired by nature.

A molding attached to one or both doors of a pair at their meeting edges.

A baffle is a device used to obstruct, break up, or redirect sound waves.

Baguette, in interior design, refers to a long, thin decorative molding.

Bail refers to a type of handle or pull on drawers, cabinets, or furniture.

A baluster is a small, vertical post that supports the handrail of a staircase, balcony, or railing.

A balustrade is a row of small columns topped by a rail.

Banding refers to the decorative detail created by applying strips of material to the edges or borders of furniture, textiles, or architectural features.

In interior design, a bar refers to a counter and the surrounding area where beverages, either alcoholic or non-alcoholic, are prepared and served.

Barley Twist refers to a style of turning or twisting resembling the spiral of a barley sugar candy, applied primarily to wood or metal in furniture and architectural elements.

Baroque is a highly decorative and theatrical style of architecture, art, and design that originated in the early 17th century in Europe.

A barrel vault, also known as a tunnel vault or a wagon vault, is an architectural element characterized by its semi-cylindrical shape.

A batten is a narrow strip of material, typically wood, used in construction and interior design.

Beading is a decorative detail characterized by a series of small, rounded shapes or beads lined up in a row.

A beveled edge refers to an edge of a structure that is not perpendicular to the faces of the piece.

Biophilic Design is an approach to architecture and interior design that seeks to connect building occupants more closely to nature.

Boiserie is a French term that refers to intricately carved wood paneling used for walls.

Book Match refers to a mirror-like reflection technique used in the placing of two matching surfaces.

A break front is a piece of furniture with a central section that protrudes beyond the sections flanking it.

A broken pediment is an architectural element that features a gap or break at its apex.

In the context of interior design, home builder refers to a person or company specializing in constructing residential homes.

Built-in refers to any feature or piece of furniture that is permanently integrated into a room's structure.

Bungalow Style refers to a compact, single-story house design with distinct architectural features.

Cabinets are storage units that are typically enclosed by doors, drawers, or shelves.

A cabochon refers to a stone that has been polished and shaped without faceting.

In interior design, capital refers to the topmost portion of a column.

A cartouche is an ornamental frame around a design or inscription.

A sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support.

Casement refers to a window that is attached to its frame by one or more hinges at the side.

Casing is a type of trim used around doors and windows to cover the gap between the wall and the frame.

A ceiling fan is a mechanical fan mounted on the ceiling of a room.

A center rail is a horizontal support element found within a piece of furniture or an architectural structure.

Chair rail is a type of molding fixed horizontally to the wall around the perimeter of a room.

A chamfer is an angled cut or bevel made along the edge or corner of a material.

A Chesterfield is a type of deep-buttoned sofa, with arms and back of the same height.

Cinquefoil is an architectural motif used primarily in Gothic architecture.

Classic Style is a timeless, elegant, and harmonious design philosophy that emphasizes symmetry, sophistication, and functionality.

Cockbeading is a decorative moulding used in fine cabinetry.

A coffer is a sunken panel in a ceiling or dome.

Colonial Revival is an architectural and interior design style that seeks to revive elements of American colonial architecture.

A series of columns supporting a roof or entablature.

Construction drawings are detailed plans and drawings produced by architects and designers to guide the construction or renovation of a building.

A concept statement articulates the vision and overarching theme for an interior design project.

A butt joint is a simple method of joining two pieces of material by simply butting them together.

A dado rail is a horizontal strip of molding attached to a wall, typically around waist height.

A style of design and architecture that flourished in the Netherlands during the 16th and early 17th centuries.

Duco finish is a high-quality paint finish known for its smooth, durable, and glossy appearance.

In interior design, custom refers to items or features specifically designed and made to meet the unique needs or preferences of an individual space or client.

Dentil molding is a decorative architectural element featuring a series of closely spaced, rectangular blocks.

A method of darkening wood to mimic the appearance of ebony.

Cresting is a decorative motif often featuring a series of repetitive shapes or forms.

Coving is a decorative molding applied at the junction of walls and ceilings.

A dumb waiter is a small freight elevator or lift designed to carry objects rather than people.

Egg & Dart is an ornamental design featuring alternating egg-shaped and dart or arrow-like elements.

The Early Renaissance is a period in art and architecture characterized by a revival of Classical influences and a focus on symmetry, proportion, and harmony.

Elizabethan refers to an architectural and interior design style from the Elizabethan era in England.

English Regency is a design style that emerged in the early 19th century, characterized by its refinement, elegance, and incorporation of elements from ancient Greek and Roman architecture.

Drawn to scale refers to the replication of an object or space on paper or software, proportionately adjusting its dimensions to fit a specific size reference.

Elevation is a flat representation of a facade or an interior wall, depicting it head-on.

An escutcheon is a decorative or protective plate around a keyhole, door handle, light switch, or faucet.

Firmness refers to the physical strength and stability of a structure or material.

Finger plates are protective plates mounted on doors to prevent wear and tear from frequent handling.

A decorative element that tops a lamp, piece of furniture, or architectural structure.

In interior design, fixtures refer to items that are attached to the property in a way that makes them a permanent part of the space.

A flange is a projecting flat rim, collar, or rib, usually used for strength or for attaching to another object.

A decorative motif featuring a symmetrical scroll with curves that meet in the middle.

In interior design, 'Continental' refers to a style that incorporates elements characteristic of European influence.

A cornice is an ornamental molding that runs along the top of a wall or a building.

A cupboard is a piece of furniture with shelves or compartments, used for storing items.

End matching refers to a technique used in the installation of wood flooring and paneling.

Espagnolettes are locking devices typically used on windows and French doors.

Evolute is a term primarily used in mathematics and architecture, referring to a curve generated from another curve.

A fanlight is a semi-circular or semi-elliptical window with glazing bars or tracery radiating out like a fan.

A finger joint is a woodworking joinery technique used to connect pieces of wood end-to-end.

Crown molding is a decorative trim installed where the wall meets the ceiling.

A cyma curve is a curved line or moulding consisting of a concave and a convex line.

A development permit is official approval from local authorities allowing new construction, expansion, or alteration of buildings.

A dormer is a structural element of a building that extends vertically beyond the plane of a pitched roof.

Fretwork is a decorative design carved into wood or metal.

Neo-Gothic is a revival of gothic architectural and design styles.

An ornamental design applied to the surface of objects.

Plywood is a versatile and durable building material made from thin layers of wood veneer.

An architectural and furniture design style that originated in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, characterized by its elegant and ornate features.

Foundation refers to the lowest load-bearing part of a building which is typically situated below ground level.

Fresco is a technique of mural painting executed upon freshly laid wet plaster.

Neo-Classic is a design style that draws inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman architecture and interiors.

NRC is a standard measure to indicate how much sound an acoustic material can absorb.

Neoclassical is a design movement inspired by the classical art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome.

An ovolo is a convex molding known for its quarter-round profile.

Ormolu is a method of gilding that involves applying finely ground, high-carat gold to a bronze object.

Fluting refers to the shallow grooves or channels that are vertically carved into the surface of a column or architectural element.

Mortise & Tenon is a type of joinery that involves fitting a projection (tenon) into a corresponding cavity (mortise) to create a stable, interlocking connection.

A niche is a recessed area within a wall.

An Ogee is a type of curved shape, consisting of a concave arc flowing into a convex arc.

A Palladian Window is a large window that is divided into three parts, with a semicircular arch over the central section.

A base or support on which something stands.

A pilaster is a rectangular column that projects partially from the wall to which it is attached.

A molding on a wall from which pictures are hung.

Foam core is a lightweight material made of a foam center sandwiched between two layers of paper.

French Renaissance refers to a period of rebirth in French art and architecture, emulating classical forms with a focus on symmetry and proportion.

A pediment is a triangular upper part of a building in classical architecture, often found above the horizontal structure of the entablature.

A pelmet is a framework placed above a window, used to conceal curtain fixtures.

Palmette is a decorative motif resembling the fan-shaped leaves of a palm.

Patina is a thin layer that forms on the surface of copper, bronze, and similar metals (due to oxidation), or on wooden and leather surfaces through aging, wear, and exposure.

A large mirror that is typically set into a wall panel above a pier table in a drawing room or salon.

Plaster is a building material used for coating, protecting, and decorating walls and ceilings.

A vertical bar between the panes of glass in a window.

Proportion in interior design refers to the ratio between elements in a space.

A quatrefoil is a decorative element consisting of a symmetrical shape which forms the overall outline of four partially overlapping circles of the same diameter.

A decorative element used in various aspects of interior design.

Rendering in interior design refers to the process of creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional images or animations showing the attributes of a proposed architectural design.

A type of hinge commonly used in drop-leaf tables.

French Classic refers to an interior design style originating from France, characterized by its elegance, opulence, and emphasis on symmetry and proportion.

A radiator cover is a protective decorative casing placed around a radiator.

Rake refers to the angle of slope of a wall or other surface.

Reeding is a decorative technique involving narrow grooves carved into the surface of wood, metal, or stone.

In interior design, relief refers to a method of molding, carving, or stamping in which the design stands out from the surface.

A roundel is a circular decorative element used in architecture and design.

Romanesque is a style of architecture and design characterized by semi-circular arches, thick walls, and sturdy pillars.

Segmental refers to parts or segments of a whole, often relating to design elements divided into sections.

A shoji screen is a traditional Japanese room divider made of translucent paper and a wooden frame.

Slats are thin, long pieces of wood, metal, or plastic used in various aspects of interior and exterior design.

French doors are hinged, double doors featuring glass panes extending for most of their length.

In interior design, return refers to a detail where a material or element wraps around a corner or edge, creating a continuous look.

A sash is a frame that holds glass panes in a window or door.

The numerical rating of a material's ability to block sound transmission.

A serpentine front refers to a curved, undulating form on the front edge of furniture.

Shoji refers to a traditional Japanese sliding panel that separates spaces or serves as a door or window.

A spandrel is the triangular space created between the outer curve of an arch and the framework enclosing it.

A gallery rail is a type of railing or molding designed to display artwork or decorative objects.

A decorative small wooden molding featuring a series of round beads.

A gallery wall is a curated display of photographs, artwork, or objects on a wall.

Spanish Renaissance refers to a period and style in interior design characterized by ornate decorations, rich colors, and intricate details.

Strapwork refers to a decorative motif featuring interlaced straps or bands.

Steam bending is a woodworking process where steam is used to soften wood, making it pliable enough to be easily shaped into curves.

A three-way switch is a type of light switch that allows you to control a light from two different locations.

Tongue & Groove is a method of fitting similar objects together, edge to edge.

A thumbpiece is a decorative or functional element, often found on the lids of metal or ceramic containers, that assists in lifting or opening.

A vault is an architectural element consisting of a curved structure designed to provide a space with a ceiling or roof.

Frieze refers to a wide, decorative band, typically found near the ceiling on walls, or on the exterior of buildings.

Glass is a hard, brittle, and typically transparent material, made by fusing sand with soda ash and lime, and cooled rapidly.

Gilding is the application of a thin layer of gold or gold-like material to a surface.

Gothic Revival is a design style that reinterprets the architecture, interiors, and decorative arts of the Gothic period.

Georgian architecture and interiors denote the styles that were popular in Britain during the reigns of the first four Georges, from 1714 to 1830.

Guilloche is a decorative technique involving intricate, interlacing patterns.

A tall chest of drawers, often divided into two sections and equipped with legs.

Verdigris is a green or bluish patina formed on copper, brass, or bronze surfaces.

Veneer is a thin layer of wood or other material applied over a base surface.

A planned view or outlook, especially one framed or enhanced by architectural or landscape features.

Wainscoting is a decorative wall paneling used primarily in the lower section of a wall.

A traditional floral symbol of England, often used in architecture and design.

A volute is a spiral or scroll-like ornamentation.

Inset tile is a tile design technique used to create patterns or visual interest by embedding tiles of different colors, materials, or shapes within a larger tiled area.

Outdoor lighting refers to the architectural and landscape elements used to illuminate exterior spaces.

Greek Style refers to the design and decoration principles originating from ancient Greece.

Exposed brick refers to walls where the bricks are left visible as a design feature.

Modern style in interior design refers to a design movement that emphasizes simplicity and function, incorporating sleek lines and a minimalist aesthetic.

Palladian is an architectural and interior design style characterized by symmetry, perspective, and classical forms.

The Renaissance is a historical period and artistic movement characterized by a revival of interest in classical art, architecture, and knowledge.

Industrial refers to a design style that draws inspiration from old factories and industrial spaces.

An inlay is a decorative technique that involves embedding pieces of one material into another to create patterns or designs.

Intarsia is a form of wood inlaying that involves fitting together pieces of wood of varying shapes, colors, and species to create intricate patterns or images.

Intaglio is a decorative technique where the design is engraved into a material.

High relief is a sculptural technique where the sculpted elements stand out significantly from the background.

International Style is an architectural movement characterized by minimalism, functionality, and the use of modern materials.

Italian Finishing refers to a high-quality, meticulous approach to surface finishing in interiors, known for its attention to detail and use of luxurious materials.

Jacobean refers to the styles of furnishings and design popular during the reign of James I of England.

Italian Renaissance refers to the revival of classical art and architecture originating in Italy in the 14th century.

Klismos is a type of ancient Greek chair known for its graceful lines and elegant form.

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, a highly efficient and long-lasting source of light.

In interior design, 'lap' refers to the overlap of two materials or elements.

A Modillion is a decorative bracket used in classical architecture.

Lattice is a framework consisting of a crisscrossed pattern of strips of material.

Mediterranean refers to a design style inspired by the regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

Louis XIV style, also known as Louis Quatorze, is a French design style that emerged during the reign of King Louis XIV.

Linenfold Panel is a style of carved wood paneling that resembles folded linen.

Marble is a timeless, elegant natural stone often used in interior design.

Marquetry is the art of applying pieces of veneer to a structure to form decorative patterns, designs, or pictures.

Layout refers to the arrangement of objects within a space.

Louvered doors are doors featuring angled slats or strips arranged in a parallel pattern, promoting ventilation while providing privacy.

A loft is a large, adaptable open space, often a former industrial building or other type of space converted for residential use.

Louis XVI refers to a French design style that emerged during the reign of King Louis XVI.

Molding is the use of decorative strips to enhance architectural features and spaces.

A shelf above the fireplace.

Limewash is a type of paint made from limestone.