hey!! i really love your posts and trust me when i say this but you're practically doing a work of charity by making all these synonym lists. 😩🫶
i was wondering if you could compile monument vocabulary. vocabulary to describe the intricate and exquisite designs inside historical buildings. tysm!
Some Historical Architecture & Interior Design Vocabulary
Acanthus Leaf - A leaf decoration often used on furniture, particularly on brackets and legs.
Acroterium - Originally an ornament on the roof corners of Greek temples. In classical furniture, similar ornaments applied to the top corners of secretaries, bookcases, highboys and other furniture.
Amorini - Cupid ornaments found on Italian Renaissance furniture.
Anthemion - A honeysuckle design from classical Greek decorative motifs. Term refers to any conventional flower or leaf design.
Antique - Could be anything ranging from a piece of furniture to art. The U.S. government considers any item over 100 years old to be an antique, whereas most collectors use 50 years as a benchmark.
Apothecary Chest - A low chest with small drawers that was originally used to store herbs for cooking and medicinal purposes.
Arabesque - Decorative scroll work or other intricate ornamentation consisting of foliage, vases, leaves and fruits, or fantastic human and animal figures.
Baroque - A highly ornate decorative style that originated in Italy in the 1600's. The style is characterized by irregular curves, twisted columns, elaborate scrolls and oversize moldings. The Italian equivalent of French "rococo".
Bibliotheque-Basse - A low cupboard with shelves for books. Doors are often of glass and sometimes fitted with grilles.
Bullate - Having the surface covered with irregular and slight elevations, giving a blistered appearance.
Cabriole leg - An ornamented furniture leg with a double curve structure.
Chevron - A 'zigzag' pattern characteristic of Romanesque decoration that is often carved around pillars, arches and doorways.
Chinoiserie - A European style of design that is meant to mimic elements of East Asian art.
Console table - A freestanding table, often found in the entryway of homes, that typically serves as a space for decorative elements.
Enfilade - A series of rooms that are connected via doorways that align with one another (commonplace in grand castles, like the Palace of Versailles, or even museums).
Etagere - A freestanding or hanging set of open shelves, designed to display trinkets or other decorative objects.
Gilding - A coating with a thin layer of gold or gold-like substance.
Klismos - Ancient Greek style of chair with saber shaped legs splayed at the front and back. The back legs continue up to support a shoulder-height curved back.
Laurelling - A decorative feature using the laurel leaf motif as its basis.
Lozenge - A diamond shaped decorative panel. Term comes from the Middle English word for stone.
Niche - A recess in a wall for displaying a sculpture or other accessory.
Ormulu - A metal resembling gold. Used as mounts and decorative effects on furniture.
Ovolo - A continuous ornament in the form of an egg which generally decorates the molding called the "quarter-round". Eggs are often separated from each other by pointed darts.
Passementerie - Fancy decorative trimmings such as tassels, tiebacks and ribbon.
Régence Style - This furniture style spanned from about 1715 to 1723, when France was ruled by a regent. This style of furniture design was a transition from massive straight lines to graceful curves.
Sconces - A type of light fixture that is fastened to a wall for support.
Swan-Neck Handle - A curved handle popular in the 1700's.
Trompe l’oeil - A technique used to trick the eye into thinking that something flat, like a wall, is actually three-dimensional. This is often achieved through photorealistic painting.
Victorian - An architectural style defined by highly ornamented design and grand, sweeping facades.
Wainscoting - A type of interior wall paneling that covers the lower portion of a wall.
"Traditional" Interior Design
When talking about traditional interior design, most are referencing a design style that originated in the 18th and 19th century throughout Europe. However, it’s worth noting that other cultures have their own versions of a traditional style that may not look the same as this more Western version.
Traditional Design Elements. Though not exhaustive, a traditional interior will often make use of the following elements:
Emphasis on symmetry and order
Traditional architectural details such wainscoting and crown molding
Classic decor elements such as chandeliers and bookcases
Neutral color schemes with pops of bold colors, often in jewel tones
Upholstery and textiles tend to be subtler (cotton, velvet, or wool, for example)
Furniture pieces with traditional silhouettes, though they’re often updated with modern elements or finishes
Layered window treatments and draperies; curtain valances aren’t used often
Classic patterns such as plaids, damask, or florals
Flooring tends to make use of darker wood
Sources: 1 2 3 4 ⚜ More: Notes & References ⚜ Word Lists
Previous posts that include some related words you might find useful:
Some Architecture Vocabulary
Some European Renaissance Art Vocabulary
Some Medieval Art & Architecture Vocabulary: Part 1
Some Medieval Art & Architecture Vocabulary: Part 2
Some Roman Art Vocabulary
Thanks so much for your kind words, you're really sweet! I tried to include a wide range of terminology since you didn't specify which time period you were looking for. Do go through the sources if I wasn't able to include here what you need in your writing. Hope this helps <3
