Decorating Principles & Elements

A tilt top refers to a table whose top can be vertically adjusted or tilted.

A footboard is a decorative or functional panel at the foot of a bed.

Colorfastness refers to the resistance of a material's color to fading or running.

Fretwork is a decorative design carved into wood or metal.

Vis-à-vis in interior design refers to furniture or objects facing each other.

Beau Brummel refers to a style of dress that emphasizes elegance, cleanliness, and simplicity.

Clearance refers to the minimum amount of space required around furniture or fixtures to ensure accessibility, functionality, and safety.

Vintage refers to items, especially furniture and decor, from a previous era that have a sense of history and timeless appeal.

Button tufted refers to a design detail where buttons are sewn through upholstered fabric or leather, creating a dimpled, patterned surface.

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

A bold, distinctive item that draws attention and sets the tone for a space.

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

Asymmetrical refers to a design that is not symmetrical, exhibiting balance through differing elements.

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

Rococo is an elaborately ornamental late baroque style of decoration prevalent in 18th-century continental Europe.

Barkcloth is a versatile textile made from the inner bark of certain trees.

Springs are components used in furniture construction for providing support and comfort.

Accessories in interior design refer to items used to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a space.

Corduroy is a fabric distinguished by its textured, ribbed appearance and velvety feel.

Hierarchy in interior design refers to the deliberate organization of elements in a space to signify their importance.

A squab cushion is a thick, upholstered, flat seat cushion.

Inner tufting is a technique used in upholstery to create patterned indents on fabric or leather surfaces.

Scale refers to the size of objects in relation to each other and the space they occupy.

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

A double bed is a medium-sized bed designed to accommodate two people.

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

Receding colors are hues that appear to fall back or retreat in a space, creating an illusion of depth and expanse.

An art print is a reproduction of an original work of art.

An ornamental drapery or curtain draped in a curve between two points.

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

An attached back pillow is a cushion that is permanently affixed to a piece of furniture.

A bistro table is a small table, typically round, designed for intimate dining or coffee for two.

A vase is a container, traditionally made of glass or ceramic, used primarily for holding cut flowers or as a decorative piece.

Layering in interior design is the process of adding multiple elements together to create depth, interest, and balance within a space.

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

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.

In interior design, a backdrop refers to any surface or feature behind a key area of focus that sets the stage or enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space.

Flock wallpaper is textured wallpaper known for its velvet-like, soft surface.

A sketch is a freehand drawing that captures the basic ideas and concepts of a design.

An enclosure for light that can be carried, hung, or mounted to illuminate indoor or outdoor spaces.

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

Brocade is a rich, decorative fabric often woven with a raised pattern.

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

Durability refers to the ability of a material, object, or design element to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.

A Baker’s Rack is a type of furniture designed to store and display items, often used in kitchens for cooling baked goods as well as for ornamental display.

Textile refers to any material made from interlocking fibers.

Primary colors are the foundation of color theory, comprising red, blue, and yellow.

An accent color is a color used sparingly to add vibrancy and interest to a room.

Americana refers to artifacts, or a collection of artifacts, related to the history, geography, folklore, and cultural heritage of the United States.

A spinet desk is a compact and versatile piece of furniture, blending the functionality of a writing desk with the aesthetic appeal of a spinet.

Colour Harmony is the pleasing arrangement of colours.

Direct lighting refers to a lighting solution where the majority of light is directed downwards towards a specific area or task.

A focal point is a specific spot or area in a space that draws attention and becomes the center of interest.

A vanity table is a personal grooming station, often featuring a mirror and storage for cosmetics and toiletries.

Unity in interior design refers to the harmonious arrangement of elements within a space that creates a cohesive and coherent look.

Alignment in interior design refers to the arrangement of elements in a way that creates a line or row, forming a visual connection.

A Zoom Background is a virtual background used in Zoom video calls.

A large, cushioned seat designed to accommodate multiple people.

Hand tied refers to a construction technique used in high-quality furniture and rugs.

Pigment is a colored material that is used to add color to other materials.

Gobelin refers to a type of luxury tapestry or fabric known for its intricate designs and historical significance.

Filling, in interior design, refers to the material used to provide volume, shape, or softness to various decorative objects.

Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a color.

Full grain leather is the highest quality of leather available.

A Canterbury is a type of portable, open-topped furniture designed to hold sheet music or books.

Tailored upholstery refers to furniture coverings that are custom-fitted and meticulously crafted for a neat, polished appearance.

Cottage Style is a charming, cozy, and unpretentious design ethos inspired by quaint country cottages.

A molding on a wall from which pictures are hung.

Eastlake is a design movement named after Charles Eastlake.

Slub refers to a characteristic of fabric that is marked by thick, nubby areas created by slight knots.

A huntboard is a type of tall, slender sideboard originally used for serving food in the dining areas of hunting lodges.

A settee is a medium-sized sofa designed to seat two or three people comfortably.

A file cabinet is a storage unit with drawers or compartments designed for organizing and storing files and documents.

The final details added to a space to complete its look and feel.

Illuminance is the measure of how much light falls on a surface.

Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.

Overlay in interior design refers to a decorative or functional layer added on top of another material or surface.

Semi-Attached Back refers to a type of cushion on furniture that is partially attached to the back.

Tactility refers to the sensation and quality of touch in materials, textures, and objects within an interior space.

Modern is an interior design style that emphasizes clean lines, minimalism, and the use of new materials.

A wall clock is a time-keeping device designed to be mounted on a wall.

Perspective is a technique that creates the illusion of depth and space in design.

Colour temperature is a characteristic of visible light that has important applications in lighting, photography, videography, publishing, manufacturing, astrophysics, horticulture, and art.