HART Decoration Glossary – Hart Design Selection


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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A

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.

B

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.

C

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.

D

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.

E

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.

F

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.

G

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.

H

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.

I

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.

J

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.

L

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.

M

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.

O

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.

P

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.

R

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.

S

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.

T

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.

V

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.

O

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.

P

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.

R

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.

S

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.

T

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.

V

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.

P

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.

R

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.

S

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.

T

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.

V

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.

Consult the style sheets

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.

Discover the essential creators