HART Decoration Glossary
Welcome to the enhanced HART glossary. This lexicon offers you an extended selection of essential terms related to high-end decoration, historical design and exceptional craftsmanship. From A to Z, explore the vocabulary of a cultivated and inspired art of living.
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Contemporary Furnishing
Furniture approach combining technological innovation, modern materials and refined aesthetics. Contemporary furnishing prioritizes functionality without sacrificing elegance, often integrating modular solutions and high-tech finishes.
Art Deco
Iconic style of the 1920s-30s, characterized by geometric forms, luxurious materials and structured elegance.
Art Nouveau
Fluid decorative movement inspired by nature, with organic curves and floral motifs.
Baroque
Exuberant, ornamental historical style with powerful and dramatic contrasts.
Bauhaus
German school that founded modernism, blending art, craftsmanship and industrial design.
Biophilia
Design philosophy systematically integrating natural elements into living spaces. Biophilia goes beyond the simple presence of plants to create a true symbiosis between interior architecture and nature, improving well-being and quality of life.
Art Embroidery
Refined textile art applied to decoration and luxury furniture.
Brutalist (design)
Architectural or furniture style with raw materials and monolithic forms.
Cane Work
Plant weaving technique used in furniture seats and backs.
Chaise Longue
Elongated armchair emblematic of comfort and domestic luxury.
Decorative Chromotherapy
Applied science of colors in living spaces, using psychological and physiological properties of hues to create therapeutic ambiances. This sophisticated approach goes beyond simple aesthetics to positively influence mood and occupant well-being.
Console
Narrow furniture placed against the wall, both decorative and functional.
Cornice
Decorative molding at the top of walls or furniture, adding architectural relief.
Italian Design
Bold and refined design with strong formal and creative identity.
Scandinavian Design
Functional and refined style with soft tones and natural materials.
Dominotier
Manufacturer of decorative dominoes (old wallpapers printed with wooden blocks).
Gilding
Technique for applying gold leaf or gilded metallic finishes.
Eclecticism
Intentional mix of varied styles to create personal harmony.
Empire Style
Aesthetic inspired by Antiquity, popularized under Napoleon I.
Memphis School
Italian postmodern design movement of the 1980s, colorful and provocative.
Luxurious Ergonomics
Design approach combining optimal comfort and aesthetic refinement. Luxurious ergonomics transcends simple functionality to create objects and spaces that perfectly embrace the human body while maintaining exemplary visual sophistication.
Club Armchair
Leather armchair with enveloping forms, emblem of chic comfort.
Formica
Colorful laminated material emblematic of 1950s-60s design.
Contemporary Feng Shui
Modern adaptation of the ancient Chinese art of space harmonization, integrating energetic principles and Western aesthetics. This sophisticated discipline optimizes vital flow circulation while respecting contemporary design codes.
Grosgrain
Shiny, firm and granular fabric used for clothing or decoration.
Chromatic Gradation
Sophisticated decorative technique creating subtle transitions between colors to generate depth and movement. Chromatic gradation allows visual sculpting of space by playing with nuances and light intensities.
Haussmannian
19th-century Parisian architectural style, famous for its moldings and parquet floors.
Stylistic Hybridization
Art of harmoniously fusing several aesthetic codes to create a unique decorative language. Stylistic hybridization transcends eras and cultures to generate unprecedented atmospheres combining tradition and modernity.
Ikat
Textile dyeing and weaving technique with blurred patterns, from Asia.
Inlay
Ornamentation technique consisting of inserting one material into another.
Intarsia
Type of sophisticated marquetry using wood or stone for decorative patterns.
Industrial (design)
Aesthetic inspired by factories, mixing metal, concrete, raw wood.
Japandi
Fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian minimalism, combining purity and warmth.
Material Juxtaposition
Art of composing tactile and visual contrasts by associating materials with opposite properties. This advanced decorative technique creates sophisticated sensory dialogues between smooth and rough, matte and shiny, natural and artificial textures.
Lacquer
Brilliant and resistant finish applied to wood or metal.
Washed Linen
Linen softened and suppled by washing, with supple drape and natural touch.
Chandelier
Decorative pendant light with several arms, often in glass or crystal.
Decorative Layering
Technique of intentional superposition of decorative elements creating visual richness and narrative depth. Layering transcends accumulation to become an art of composition, each layer adding meaning and sophistication to the whole.
Luxury House
Elegant residence integrating high-end architecture and design.
Malachite
Veined green stone used in luxury decoration and precious furniture.
Marquetry
Decoration made by assembling fine pieces of wood or other materials.
Marqueteur
Craftsman specialized in the delicate art of decorative marquetry.
Minimalism
Design philosophy centered on simplicity and the essential.
Modernism
20th century movement favoring innovation, function and sobriety.
Molding
Sculpted or molded ornament used to enrich walls, ceilings and furniture.
Stretched Wall
Stretched textile wall covering, providing insulation, comfort and elegance.
Spatial Metamorphism
Ability of a space to transform radically according to uses through mobile, modular or technological elements. This avant-garde approach optimizes surfaces while creating multiple ambiances within the same place.
Signature Piece
Strong piece embodying the distinctive style of a designer or place.
Opaline
Semi-opaque glass often colored, used in lighting or decoration.
Ornamentalist
Craftsman or decorator specialized in creating sculpted or molded ornaments.
Organic (design)
Design with natural and fluid forms, inspired by living things.
Olfactory Design
Emerging discipline integrating the olfactory dimension in space design. Olfactory design uses ambient fragrances, naturally scented materials and diffusion systems to create unique and memorable sensory identities.
Panoramic
Immersive wall wallpaper representing a landscape or broad decor.
Wallpaper
Printed or textured wall covering to create strong atmospheres.
Screen
Decorative folding panel used to divide or decorate a space.
Versailles Parquet
Checkered wooden floor pattern, typical of classic French palaces.
Patchwork
Decorative assembly of varied textile pieces, artisanal or structured.
Patina
Voluntarily aged finish giving character to an object or furniture.
Hungarian Point
Parquet laying in 45° chevrons, typical of French classical style.
Postmodernism
Aesthetic current mixing historical references, humor and assumed contrasts.
Decorative Psychogeography
Study of the influence of built environment on human behaviors and emotions. This scientific approach to design enables conceiving spaces optimizing productivity, relaxation or creativity according to their specific functions.
Rattan
Flexible plant material used in weaving for seats and decorative accessories.
Rococo
Exuberant and refined decorative style of the 18th century, with curved forms.
Aesthetic Reversibility
Design concept allowing radical transformation of an element’s appearance without structural modification. Aesthetic reversibility offers multiple ambiances and durability, responding to taste evolution without obsolescence.
Satin
Smooth and shiny fabric on the front, matte on the back, refined and fluid.
Savoir-faire
Mastery of a gesture or artisanal technique.
Saddler
Leather craftsman, applied to furniture or luxury decoration.
Serge
Fabric with oblique ribs, solid and flexible, appreciated in textile decoration.
Louis XVI Style
Refined neoclassical aesthetic with straight lines and refined details.
Decorative Synesthesia
Holistic approach creating sensory correspondences between colors, textures, sounds and fragrances. Decorative synesthesia generates immersive experiences where each sense reinforces and enriches the global perception of space.
Taffeta
Silk or polyester fabric with lustrous appearance, used in curtains or cushions.
Tapestry
Wall textile work or covering a seat, ornamental or narrative.
Furniture Upholsterer
Decorator craftsman specialized in seat fabrics and hangings.
Canvas
Simple fabric, often linen or cotton, used as base or raw finish.
Spatial Territoriality
Science of invisible delimitation of functional and psychological zones in living spaces. Spatial territoriality optimizes space usage by respecting each occupant’s needs for intimacy, socialization and functionality.
Velvet
Textile with soft, deep and luxurious touch, often used in furniture.
Blown Glass
Artisanal technique for creating glass objects by blowing them while hot.
Viscose
Artificial textile fiber with silky appearance, fluid and pleasant to the touch.
Morphological Versatility
Ability of a decorative element to adopt different configurations according to needs. Morphological versatility optimizes restricted space usage while preserving aesthetics and functionality in each configuration.
space to transform radically according to uses through mobile, modular or technological elements. This avant-garde approach optimizes surfaces while creating multiple ambiances within the same place.
Signature Piece
Strong piece embodying the distinctive style of a designer or place.
Opaline
Semi-opaque glass often colored, used in lighting or decoration.
Ornamentalist
Craftsman or decorator specialized in creating sculpted or molded ornaments.
Organic (design)
Design with natural and fluid forms, inspired by living things.
Olfactory Design
Emerging discipline integrating the olfactory dimension in space design. Olfactory design uses ambient fragrances, naturally scented materials and diffusion systems to create unique and memorable sensory identities.
Panoramic
Immersive wall wallpaper representing a landscape or broad decor.
Wallpaper
Printed or textured wall covering to create strong atmospheres.
Screen
Decorative folding panel used to divide or decorate a space.
Versailles Parquet
Checkered wooden floor pattern, typical of classic French palaces.
Patchwork
Decorative assembly of varied textile pieces, artisanal or structured.
Patina
Voluntarily aged finish giving character to an object or furniture.
Hungarian Point
Parquet laying in 45° chevrons, typical of French classical style.
Postmodernism
Aesthetic current mixing historical references, humor and assumed contrasts.
Decorative Psychogeography
Study of the influence of built environment on human behaviors and emotions. This scientific approach to design enables conceiving spaces optimizing productivity, relaxation or creativity according to their specific functions.
Rattan
Flexible plant material used in weaving for seats and decorative accessories.
Rococo
Exuberant and refined decorative style of the 18th century, with curved forms.
Aesthetic Reversibility
Design concept allowing radical transformation of an element’s appearance without structural modification. Aesthetic reversibility offers multiple ambiances and durability, responding to taste evolution without obsolescence.
Satin
Smooth and shiny fabric on the front, matte on the back, refined and fluid.
Savoir-faire
Mastery of a gesture or artisanal technique.
Saddler
Leather craftsman, applied to furniture or luxury decoration.
Serge
Fabric with oblique ribs, solid and flexible, appreciated in textile decoration.
Louis XVI Style
Refined neoclassical aesthetic with straight lines and refined details.
Decorative Synesthesia
Holistic approach creating sensory correspondences between colors, textures, sounds and fragrances. Decorative synesthesia generates immersive experiences where each sense reinforces and enriches the global perception of space.
Taffeta
Silk or polyester fabric with lustrous appearance, used in curtains or cushions.
Tapestry
Wall textile work or covering a seat, ornamental or narrative.
Furniture Upholsterer
Decorator craftsman specialized in seat fabrics and hangings.
Canvas
Simple fabric, often linen or cotton, used as base or raw finish.
Spatial Territoriality
Science of invisible delimitation of functional and psychological zones in living spaces. Spatial territoriality optimizes space usage by respecting each occupant’s needs for intimacy, socialization and functionality.
Velvet
Textile with soft, deep and luxurious touch, often used in furniture.
Blown Glass
Artisanal technique for creating glass objects by blowing them while hot.
Viscose
Artificial textile fiber with silky appearance, fluid and pleasant to the touch.
Morphological Versatility
Ability of a decorative element to adopt different configurations according to needs. Morphological versatility optimizes restricted space usage while preserving aesthetics and functionality in each configuration.
Ornamentalist
Craftsman or decorator specialized in creating sculpted or molded ornaments.
Organic (design)
Design with natural and fluid forms, inspired by living things.
Olfactory Design
Emerging discipline integrating the olfactory dimension in space design. Olfactory design uses ambient fragrances, naturally scented materials and diffusion systems to create unique and memorable sensory identities.
Panoramic
Immersive wall wallpaper representing a landscape or broad decor.
Wallpaper
Printed or textured wall covering to create strong atmospheres.
Screen
Decorative folding panel used to divide or decorate a space.
Versailles Parquet
Checkered wooden floor pattern, typical of classic French palaces.
Patchwork
Decorative assembly of varied textile pieces, artisanal or structured.
Patina
Voluntarily aged finish giving character to an object or furniture.
Hungarian Point
Parquet laying in 45° chevrons, typical of French classical style.
Postmodernism
Aesthetic current mixing historical references, humor and assumed contrasts.
Decorative Psychogeography
Study of the influence of built environment on human behaviors and emotions. This scientific approach to design enables conceiving spaces optimizing productivity, relaxation or creativity according to their specific functions.
Rattan
Flexible plant material used in weaving for seats and decorative accessories.
Rococo
Exuberant and refined decorative style of the 18th century, with curved forms.
Aesthetic Reversibility
Design concept allowing radical transformation of an element’s appearance without structural modification. Aesthetic reversibility offers multiple ambiances and durability, responding to taste evolution without obsolescence.
Satin
Smooth and shiny fabric on the front, matte on the back, refined and fluid.
Savoir-faire
Mastery of a gesture or artisanal technique.
Saddler
Leather craftsman, applied to furniture or luxury decoration.
Serge
Fabric with oblique ribs, solid and flexible, appreciated in textile decoration.
Louis XVI Style
Refined neoclassical aesthetic with straight lines and refined details.
Decorative Synesthesia
Holistic approach creating sensory correspondences between colors, textures, sounds and fragrances. Decorative synesthesia generates immersive experiences where each sense reinforces and enriches the global perception of space.
Taffeta
Silk or polyester fabric with lustrous appearance, used in curtains or cushions.
Tapestry
Wall textile work or covering a seat, ornamental or narrative.
Furniture Upholsterer
Decorator craftsman specialized in seat fabrics and hangings.
Canvas
Simple fabric, often linen or cotton, used as base or raw finish.
Spatial Territoriality
Science of invisible delimitation of functional and psychological zones in living spaces. Spatial territoriality optimizes space usage by respecting each occupant’s needs for intimacy, socialization and functionality.
Velvet
Textile with soft, deep and luxurious touch, often used in furniture.
Blown Glass
Artisanal technique for creating glass objects by blowing them while hot.
Viscose
Artificial textile fiber with silky appearance, fluid and pleasant to the touch.
Morphological Versatility
Ability of a decorative element to adopt different configurations according to needs. Morphological versatility optimizes restricted space usage while preserving aesthetics and functionality in each configuration.
HART – Design & Decoration Resources
Explore our collection of expert guides to deepen your knowledge in design and decoration. From style history to portraits of legendary creators, these resources offer cultivated insight into contemporary art of living.
Design History
From baroque salons to radical 20th century lines, this chronological frieze highlights the aesthetic revolutions that have marked our daily environment.
Read the article “A Brief History of Design”
History of Classical Styles
Empire, Regency, Louis XV, Art Deco… This guide synthesizes the decorative codes of each great European style.
Dictionary of Great Design Names
From Charlotte Perriand to Joe Colombo, discover portraits of figures who marked design history, their vision, iconic works, and influence on current generations.