Daily, on the DesignQuotient™ blog, DesignCoach™ Los Angeles interior designer James Swan answers readers’ questions or tests your knowledge about the worlds of decorating and design.
We’re always looking for Good-Design-Daily
Today on the DesignCoach: A Rose By Any Other Name……
As the language of decoration and design has evolved there has been much probing of the past for inspiration, both for designs and for the terms used to describe particular designs or specific items. Gathered have been terms that were, for a time, out of use and had lost their meaning for many layman and amateurs. Only recently has popular interest in all things “design” spurred concern for accurate understanding of the terms being tossed around showrooms, workrooms and living rooms. We’re of the belief that even more caring is needed; thus this series and its terms and definitions. A few deftly dropped terms can quickly sort the “men from the boys” in any subject which requires specific knowledge. And the subject of design and decoration requires specific knowledge. Knowing the difference between and epergne and an étagère can quickly position you amongst the “knows” where confusing a galloon with a gadroon can just as quickly place you with the “boy’s”. Don’t be caught flatfooted when it comes to the words of the decorating world.
Epergne: A split-level centerpiece that will hold flowers and/or fruit in separate compartments.
Étagère: The French word for open shelves regardless whether they stand on the floor or are mounted on the wall.
Gadroon:
An ornamental band of oval shapes placed side by side and rising above the surface of the object they decorate; often seen on simple silver platters and tabletops.
Galloon: Braids and tapes of various widths which appear as edgings along the sides and bottoms of draperies or curtains. With woven in patterns these decorative elements can put the finishing touch on upholstered chairs and sofas.
Always look for Good-Design-Daily
