Design Terms - The Breakdown

I think that regardless of what you do for a living, you probably have your own lingo.  While I always try to speak in terms that people will understand, it's inevitable that sometimes, I slip.  It usually results in long pauses from the client or a perplexed look, couple with a tip of the head.  As in, "I'm sorry, what?!".

So for anyone I may have confused or may confuse in the future, here are some clarifications for you.

Accessories: Accessories encompasses many different articles but here's the gist of it!

• Artwork: Paintings, prints, metal, photography, frames, mirrors...basically anything we put on the walls
• Books, magazines
• Vessels: Vases, bowls, baskets, trays...



InsideOut

• Candles, candle holders, lanterns, fountains, sculptures...

Window Treatments:

• Curtains
• Blinds
• Roman Shades
• Sheers
• Shutters
• Valances
  

Flooring:

• Hardwood
• Bamboo
• Laminate
• Hard Suface Tile: ceramic. porcelain, marble, granite...
• Vinyl
• Linoleum

Lighting:*

• Lamps
• Pendants
• Recessed
• Track
• Chandeliers
• Sconces
• Neons
  

*Lighting is one of the most important facets of decorating and often the one most overlooked.  Lighting can change a room entirely and is an important mood setter, regardless of the room you are in.

Soft Goods:

Soft goods pretty much encompasses anything you have made from fabric (with the exception of furniture, of course.)

• Linens
• Throw pillows
• Blankets/Throws
• Towels

Casegoods (aka furniture):

Yes, furniture by another name!

• Tables
• Chairs
• Credenzas
• Armoires
• Sideboards
• Desks
• Bookcases...
• Upholstered furniture: Sofas, Loveseats, Ottomans, Accent Chairs, Club Chairs, Recliners...

See? Not so hard but yes, I suppose it can become confusing to those who aren't at all familiar with the terms or how to decorate.  Hoping we have been able to clear it up for you!