Design Speak lets you in on a some industry lingo so that you will sound oh-so-smart. From abbreviations to acronyms to phrases to trendy words, we’ll do our best to cover it, and we’ll do it in language you’ll understand.
No, we’re not talking locks and escutcheons and such. We’re talking ornamentation, not functionality. You may have seen the phrases “Greek key” and “Chinese key,” and they’re all virtually synonymous. These are very structured, angular, symmetrical geometric designs held within a border or a band. Once you know what they are, you’ll start to see them everywhere: on buildings, furniture, fabrics, jewelry, accessories, etc. The idea of them is so old that they are the definition of “classic.”
There are million products and businesses with keystone in the title. Why? Because a keystone is an integral support piece in architecture, and that sounds dependable and solid. Yes, it’s that wedge-shaped slice at the top most part of an arch, which secures the other pieces so that they won’t collapse. Unfortunately, this doesn’t come close to explaining Keystone beer.
These traditional, handmade rugs are a subclass of the more general grouping commonly referred to as Oriental rugs. Different types of flatweaving techniques from Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, North Africa, Iran, China and Central Asia produce a textile without any pile. The overall designs are comprised of abstract symbols representing things like animals and fertility to natural elements. Not just for floors, the rich texture and striking patterns of kilim rugs work equally well as wall hangings.
You might not know this word, but you’ll recognize its “figure” as it is a classic one. This ancient (think 5th /4th century BC) form comes from the innovative Greeks. They designed an elegant, sensuous shape made up of a concave, shoulder-height top-rail (to follow the curvature of the back) and splayed sleekly saber-shaped legs (just try to say that five times fast), meaning that the front legs curve forwards and the back ones curve backwards. Though you’ve never seen an original (as they don’t exist), you’ve most likely seen it in late 18th/ early 19th century Greek Revival pieces: Duncan Phyfe, Empire, English Regency, and French Directoire.
The name of a type of Japanese porcelain ware first produced in the early- to mid-17th century in the Kaga domain of Japan, which is present day Ishikawa Prefecture. The Kutani style is celebrated for its use of bold designs in a variety of colors covering the greater part of the surface of each piece.
To bridge the gap between the student / educational community and the professional / manufacturer community of the interior design world, and not to die of boredom while we do it.
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Mannington Commercial'sTx:Style Design Challenge 2012 has named a winner: Katie Henry of One Eleven Design in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Her design, Stacked Up, was chosen by public vote from among four finalists. Katie will create a full carpet collection to be manufactured and marketed by Mannington, and will receive a total purse of $7,000 and a trip to the International Furniture Fair in Milan. GO HERE to see the winning design.
Enough Said T-Shirts
Created by a couple of Milwaukee interior designers with a quirky sense of humor, a healthy dose of sarcasm and a heaping serving of caring. Check out Enough Said to find fun t-shirts with a message.
