A fine-textured, regularly white, gypsum that is easily carved and translucent when thin.
DESIGNSPEAK: ZIGZAG
A molding or stitching with a series of frequent sharp turns from side to side.
DESIGNSPEAK: YORKSHIRE CHAIR
An oak chair featuring turned front legs and stretchers. Native of Yorkshire, England during the 17th Century.
DESIGNSPEAK: XENON
An elemental gas used in flash lamps and arc lamps.
DESIGNSPEAK: WALLPAPER
A decorative material which is used to cover and decorate the interior walls of homes, offices and other buildings. Wallpaper is usually sold in rolls and is put onto a wall using wallpaper paste.
DESIGNSPEAK: VENETIAN BLIND
A window treatment consisting of a series of horizontal slats that can be turned or raised to control light or privacy.
DESIGNSPEAK: UPHOLSTERY
Furniture such as sofas and chairs covered in fabric, vinyl, leather or other materials.
DESIGNSPEAK: TRIPTYCH
A three-paneled artwork. Historically, triptychs were hinged together so that the two side wings closed over the central panel.
DESIGNSPEAK: SCALE
Scale is the relative size of something as related to another element of known size. The size of an object, or comparisons between a drawing size and the actual size of a piece.
DESIGNSPEAK: RAKU
The technique of rapidly firing low-temperature ceramic ware. Raku firings were used traditionally in Japan to make bowls for tea ceremonies
DESIGNSPEAK: QUARTZITE
The metamorphic equivalent of a quartz sandstone, which has recrystallised into closely fitting granules.
DESIGNSPEAK: PAISLEY
An intricate interlocking curvilinear pattern from India
DESIGNSPEAK: ORIGAMI
The art of folding paper to form figures and objects.
DESIGNSPEAK: NAP
A fabric with a texture or design that runs on one direction such as corduroy and velvet.
DESIGNSPEAK: MAJOLICA
An opaque glaze, usually white, with a glossy surface. Typically decorated with bright overglaze stains.
DESIGNSPEAK: LINENFOLD
A Tudor carved wood detail representing fabric folds on paneling.
DESIGNSPEAK: KNOCK-DOWN
Also referred to as KD, furniture sold in parts to be assembled.
DESIGNSPEAK: JACOBEAN
A 17th century embroidered crewel work imitating a stylized floral pattern
DESIGNSPEAK: INLAY
Decorative patterns created with pieces of different woods or other materials, which have been set into the surface of wood furniture.
DESIGNSPEAK: HUE
The pure state of any color.