Daily, on the DesignQuotient™ blog, DesignCoach™ Designer James Swan tests your knowledge about the worlds of decorating and design.
We’re always looking for Good-Design-Daily
Today on the DesignCoach: Viva la France
Year’s ago a friend, who worked in the fashion industry, let loose with a criticism of a colleague for their lack of industry knowledge. Everything was summed up neatly when he stated, unequivocally that “he wouldn’t know the difference between Thiery Mugler and terry cloth!”
Similar scorn may be heaped upon the head of anyone who, when professing great affinity for one subject or another, fails to deliver even the most basic set of skills within their area of passion.
In my opinion there are two options for those interested in the world of design and decoration; 1. Keep your mouth shut or 2. Constantly increase your base of knowledge. I like a combination of both approaches best, as we tend to only really learn when our mouths are closed and when we’ve consciously exposed ourselves to the learning process. The tradition of French furniture has inspired much of what we know today about houses and the way we live in them. For the next few days we’re going to build our vocabulary of French Furniture Terms.
Since it’s hard to beat the French when it comes to furniture; here is some Good-Design-Daily.
Acajou- Mahogany
African Mahogany
Ajoure’- A design in ceramics, metal, wood or other material, in which the design is produced by piercing holes.
Ajoured Chinese Ceramic piece
Appliqué- An applied motif possibly a wall bracket or sconce.
Hand Carved Appliques
Armoire- A wardrobe designed for clothes (Gothic and later)
18th Century French Armoire
Banquette- Bench
Bibelot- A small art object for personal use or as decoration
Small decorative objects
Bibliothèque’- A bookcase
The Bibliotheque Nationale
Bobèche- A candle socket
Always look for Good-Design-Daily
