SAY WHAT? DESIGN PRO LINGO YOU WANT TO KNOW
These past few months, you’ve probably learned a lot of new terms. Social distancing, flatten the curve, incubation period, lockdown. In your daily conversations, you might even pass for an epidemiologist! We thought we’d take a minute to teach you some words that are a little bit more fun.
Here are our top 10 interior design terms that’ll have you sounding like a pro:
1. ROYGBIV
Roy G. Biv is an acronym for the spectrum of colors in a rainbow in the order the colors appear—Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet. Color is key in design, and a lot of visual merchandisers and interior designers use roygbiv as a guide. Think books arranged on bookshelves by color. We’re digging the room below, which is designed with multiple layers of roygbiv colors. We know it works in kid’s rooms, but it works well in adult spaces, too!
Image via hgtv.com
2. HYGGE
Hygge (pronounced hoo-guh) is a Norwegian word meaning to console or comfort, similar to the American term, hug. Hygge design style is relaxed, warm, inviting, cozy, and homey. Achieve hygge in your rooms by using chunky knits, faux fur, candles, warm woods, along with softer color palettes.
Image via Overstock
3. LAYERED
A layered room builds interest by using several varied elements in the design. Just like building a home, the room’s construction can be considered its bones, but the layers add interest. To layer like a pro, keep the color palette concise, add an organic item, use texture, and a variety of fabrics. And as Betsy says in her book, Affordable Interior Design: High-End Tips for Any Budget, be sure to add at least one black item for richness.
Image via Decorilla
4. WHIMSICAL
It’s just like it sounds. Whimsical design includes elements of humor to make you smile. Think bird motifs, chairs shaped like hands, or a ping-pong dining table, like you see below!
Image via Livinator
5. EDITED
Edited spaces are thoughtful and clean, without being cold. The bedroom below is a great example. The patterned rug, bench, as well as the warm wood make this minimalist design anything but stark.
Image via House Beautiful
6. COLLECTED
Museum-worthy but not stuffy, collected spaces use unique pieces acquired over time to add interest and texture. Nate Berkus does this beautifully below, by mixing different sizes and styles of art with some modern elements. Then, he threw in an antique mirror and distressed sideboard. The result? Collected beauty!
Image via Belle Vivir
7. PATINA
Basically, patina is a natural sheen or gloss that comes with age. Leather items tend to acquire a patina with wear, as do metals. Bonus word: Contrived Patina is just that, a material that is given man-made patina without the wait.
Image via Horchow
8. TEXTURE
There isn’t just one flavor of ice cream in the world; neither should you design your room with one texture. Designers know to use a mix of textures, layering, so they appeal to the senses. Play with texture on walls, ceilings, backsplashes, use plants, and think about furniture, rugs, and accessories. All of these can be touch points of texture.
Image via Designing Idea
9. TIMELESS
Iconic. Classic. Ageless. Enduring. Need we say more?
Image via One Kings Lane
10. ASPIRATIONAL
Aspirational design is built around lifestyle, with the goal of building an atmosphere towards that goal. If you’re a nature lover, you might consider a space using lush plants and an indoor/outdoor living vibe.
Image via Chairish
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