Interior Design Terms & Why You Should Know Them

November 18, 2022

Whether you are purchasing and designing a new luxury lake home, or are looking to redecorate your current home, knowing what interior design terms are can be an important tool.

Granted, you most likely know the difference between certain fabrics and furniture pieces, but do you know the difference between an antique piece and one that is considered vintage? Or are you familiar with the different types of wood used to create beautiful furniture whether it be solid wood or a wood finish?

There are a lot of terms that interior designers use on a regular basis that might not be familiar to you when it comes to designing the luxury home of your dreams!

Luxury Lake Home would like to share some of these terms with you whether you decide to hire an interior designer for your luxury home, or decide to "do it yourself"!

CASE GOODS

Case goods are cabinetry and furniture pieces that are designed to provide storage including desks, bookcases, and built-in shelving units,

WOOD FURNISHINGS

Solid hardwood is more costly than a wood finish such as veneer or laminate because it is built for durability. Veneer is constructed with thin layers of hardwood that are placed over a piece of manufactured wood using either an adhesive, nails, or screws. Laminate furniture is made of synthetic materials that form a thin layer that looks like wood. The wood grain appearance happens through a printing process.

ANTIQUE vs VINTAGE

Antique pieces and furnishings are things that were actually made years ago, and still provide a durable, functioning piece of furniture. These are usually unique and ornate in nature and will carry a hefty price tag if they prove to be the "real deal". Antiques are usually categorized as something that is at least 100 years old.

Vintage pieces can range in age from 20 to 99 years, and reflect the particular era when they were made. Noticeable items are 50's & 60's mid-century modern or a "mod" style from the '70s & '80s. Some treasures from the 1990s can also be considered "vintage" these days!

CONTEMPORARY

Aside from antique and vintage, contemporary furnishings are attached to the styles and trends of the current time period. These furnishings, over the course of the years, will eventually become vintage and then antique if they are built with the craftsmanship and durability to last.

UPHOLSTERY AND TEXTURE

Upholstery refers to the fabric, cushioning, and padding found on your furniture pieces. Texture refers to the different fabric choices, whether it be smooth and shiny, tufted velvet, cotton, or wool. Different textures lend to the visual appeal and can be incorporated into your furnishings, or with throw pillows and blankets. "Double Rubs" is another term used regarding your furniture's fabrics referring to their durability. The higher the double rub count is, the more durable the fabric will be and the longer it will last.

RYTHM & FLOW

These are terms used to determine and explain how your furnishings and decor will work in a particular space. Rhythm shows repeated elements of patterns, bends, curves, and continuity leading your eye to move around the room in a specific way, while flow takes you seamlessly through the rooms in your luxury home, linking the spaces together.

We hope the definition of these terms will prove beneficial when you are ready to design your luxury lake home.

If you are in the market to purchase a luxury lake home for yourself, we would love the opportunity to introduce you to our beautiful area and find the property perfectly suited for you and your family!