Materials & Textiles

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

Inspiration in interior design refers to the process or moment when new ideas for designing a space are conceived.

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

Faux refers to artificial or imitation materials and finishes designed to mimic the appearance of natural or more expensive materials.

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

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

Worm holes are small, round holes created by wood-boring insects, often giving wood a distressed, aged appearance.

Fretwork is a decorative design carved into wood or metal.

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

A bed canopy is a decorative covering suspended over a bed.

Coastal is an interior design style that is inspired by the look and feel of a beach and ocean.

Marbleizing is the process of applying paint or glaze to a surface to imitate the intricate patterns and colors of natural marble.

An aesthetic refers to the overall look or style that is pleasing to the senses.

A decorative finish creating a cracked pattern on surfaces.

Softwood is wood derived from coniferous trees.

NSF International is a global independent organization that develops standards, and tests and certifies products in the interest of public health and safety.

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

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

Chippendale refers to a style of furniture that was named after Thomas Chippendale, an influential British cabinet-maker.

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

Silk is a natural fiber known for its lustrous appearance and luxurious feel.

Art Moderne is a design style that emphasizes streamlined, geometric forms and a strong sense of motion.

A rush seat is a type of chair seat made from woven rushes.

Eight-Way Hand Tied is a traditional method of sofa and chair construction known for its durability and comfort.

Stain resistant refers to materials or surfaces that are treated or inherently able to repel stains.

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

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

Linoleum is a durable, eco-friendly floor covering made from natural materials.

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

Lacquer is a clear or colored varnish that dries by solvent evaporation to produce a hard, durable finish.

Fiberfill is a synthetic polyester material used as stuffing in pillows, cushions, and quilts.

Ceramic tiles are durable, versatile materials used for covering floors, walls, and various surfaces.

Contemporary refers to what is current and popular in interior design at any given time.

Lead time is the duration between the initiation and completion of a process.

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

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.

Carpet is a floor covering made from thick woven fabric.

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

A large, cushioned seat designed to accommodate multiple people.

A custom or non-stock item ordered specifically for a client's project.

Zen Design is an approach to interior design that emphasizes simplicity, natural beauty, and harmony.

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection and transience.

Depth is the perception of three-dimensional space in a design, contributing to its complexity and visual interest.

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

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

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

Specifications are detailed descriptions and guidelines for the execution and completion of design elements within a project.

Granite is a hard, granular, igneous rock primarily composed of quartz, mica, and feldspar.

Backing refers to the material or support layer behind the visible layer of a product.

Traditional interior design is a timeless style that emphasizes classic, symmetrical arrangements and rich details.

Bakelite is an early form of plastic known for its durability and heat resistance.

The physical barrier that separates the interior of a building from the exterior environment.

Leather finishing refers to the processes applied to the surface of the leather to enhance its appearance, feel, durability, and resistance to external factors.

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

A professional designation for individuals specializing in the design, planning, and execution of kitchens and bathrooms.

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

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

A sofa that converts into a bed.

An antique finish refers to a surface treatment that gives an item the appearance of age and wear.

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

Stucco is a type of plaster used as a coating for walls and ceilings.

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

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

Kiln drying is a process of removing moisture from wood by using a kiln.

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

A protective surface on a wall, typically found in kitchens and bathrooms, that shields against splashes and spills.

Bauhaus is a design movement that originated in Germany, emphasizing functionality, simplicity, and the use of modern materials.

Asian Style refers to the interior design practice that incorporates elements inspired by the countries and cultures of Asia.

Contrast is the difference in luminance or color that makes an object distinguishable.

Burl is a tree growth in which the grain has grown in a deformed manner.

Upscale refers to high-end or luxury aspects in interior design.

A decorative cloth that runs along the length or width of a table.

Webbing is a strong, flexible strip of fabric used in furniture construction.

Laminate is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process.

Debossing is a decorative technique involving the creation of recessed designs on a surface.

Staining is the application of pigment to a surface to change its color and enhance its grain.

A bench seat is a long, fixed seat designed for multiple people.

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

Window treatment refers to the decoration and functionality added to windows.

Colour Harmony is the pleasing arrangement of colours.

Sustainable design is an approach to designing physical objects, the built environment, and services in a way that reduces their impact on the environment and promotes both ecological and human health.

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

Textile refers to any material made from interlocking fibers.

Grain refers to the lines or patterns seen in wood or stone, arising from their natural growth or formation processes.

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

A loveseat is a small sofa designed to comfortably seat two people.

Mosaic tiles are small, often decorative, pieces of tile used in creating images or patterns on floors, walls, and other surfaces.

A stretcher is a horizontal support element in furniture.

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

American Country is a design style that embodies a casual and comfortable aesthetic inspired by rural American life.

A jewelry armoire is a freestanding cabinet designed specifically for storing and organizing jewelry and accessories.

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

Carcase refers to the framework or body of a piece of furniture, typically hidden beneath the surface materials.

Corrected grain leather is a type of leather that has been sanded, buffed, or processed to minimize imperfections.

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

Full grain leather is the highest quality of leather available.

Pure aniline leather is the highest quality of leather, known for its natural look and soft feel.

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

Continuous Coil refers to a engineered construction method used in mattresses and upholstery.

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

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

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

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

Anaglypta is a type of embossed wallpaper.

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

Grasscloth is a type of wallpaper made from natural woven fibers.

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

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

Asian Zen Style is a tranquil and minimalist interior design approach influenced by the simplicity and natural elements of Zen philosophy.

Shabby Chic is a design style that embraces a vintage, aged aesthetic while remaining elegant and soft.

A large, rectangular piece of soft fabric, often used for warmth while sleeping or resting.

Jacquard is a fabric characterized by complex patterns woven directly into the material.

Log furniture is furniture made from whole or partially whole logs.

Moroccan refers to a design style influenced by the culture, architecture, and art of Morocco.

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

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.

Layered refers to the technique of adding multiple elements to create depth and interest in an interior design.

Texture refers to the tactile surface quality of materials or objects within an interior space.

Acrylic is a synthetic material known for its durability and versatility in interior design.

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

Pastels refer to soft, light colors used in interior design.

Down refers to the soft layers of fine feathers found beneath the tougher exterior feathers of birds, often used for insulation and padding in a variety of interior design elements.

Rustic refers to a design style that embraces natural, rugged, and aged elements to create an authentic and earthy feel.

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

Semi-Aniline Leather is a type of leather treated with a small amount of pigment retaining its natural look.

Embossed refers to a surface decorated with a raised or recessed design.

Synthetic materials are man-made materials developed through chemical processes.

Farmhouse is a design style that blends rustic and modern elements to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Deco, short for Art Deco, is a visual arts design style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s.

Printing is the process of transferring designs or patterns onto fabric or other surfaces.

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

Felt is a non-woven fabric made from compressed and matted fibers.

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

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

Neutral colors are shades that don't show or are subdued in color, commonly serving as a versatile backdrop in design.

Rattan is a natural, renewable material often used in furniture and decor.

A buffet is a long, low piece of furniture designed for storage and serving food.

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

Scandinavian design is a minimalist style of design that emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and natural materials.

Jute is a long, soft, shiny vegetable fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads.

Glaze is a coating applied to surfaces for decorative or functional purposes.

Chintz is a cotton fabric known for its glazed finish and elaborate floral patterns.

Cambric is a type of lightweight, closely woven white linen or cotton fabric.

A small hole with reinforced stitching or metal surrounding it, used for decoration or functionality in fabrics.

A valance is a decorative piece of fabric used to conceal curtain rods or hardware at the top of a window treatment.

Cork is a lightweight, natural material harvested from the cork oak tree.

Liming is a decorative technique that lightens wood while also highlighting its grain.

Whitewashing is a painting technique that uses diluted paint to create a translucent finish.