Navigating the world of home décor can be a delightful journey, filled with creative possibilities and inspiring ideas. However, it can also be a bit intimidating, especially when it comes to pronouncing some of the more exotic or specialised terms. To help you feel more confident as you discuss and explore home décor, we’ve created this guide to pronouncing some common (and some not-so-common) home décor terms. Keep reading!
See also: 12 minutes for a happier home according to Feng Shui
Décor
Pronunciation: day-KOR
Meaning: A general term for the style and arrangement of furniture, colours and accessories in a room or building.
Faux
Pronunciation: foh
Meaning: A French word meaning “false” or “fake,” often used to describe materials made to look like something else, such as faux fur or faux leather.
Chaise Longue
Pronunciation: shez LONG
Meaning: A long chair designed for reclining, with support for the legs.
Ottoman
Pronunciation: OT-uh-muhn
Meaning: A padded stool or bench, often used as a footrest or additional seating.
Vignette
Pronunciation: vin-YET
Meaning: A small, attractive grouping of objects or furniture pieces, often used to create a focal point in a room.
Sconce
Pronunciation: skons
Meaning: A wall-mounted light fixture that directs light upwards or downwards.
Étagère
Pronunciation: ay-tah-ZHAIR
Meaning: A piece of furniture with open shelves used for displaying decorative items.
Bouclé
Pronunciation: boo-KLAY
Meaning: A type of fabric with a looped or curly texture, often used in upholstery.
Chinoiserie
Pronunciation: sheen-wahz-REE
Meaning: A style of décor and art that reflects Chinese artistic influences, popular in European interiors.
Marquetry
Pronunciation: MAHR-kih-tree
Meaning: A decorative technique in which different types of wood veneer are inlaid to create patterns or pictures.
Cloche
Pronunciation: klosh
Meaning: A glass cover used to protect or display plants or decorative items.
Rococo
Pronunciation: roh-KOH-koh
Meaning: An ornate style of art and decoration that originated in 18th-century France, characterised by intricate detailing and light colours.
Trompe-l’œil
Pronunciation: tromp LOY
Meaning: A painting or design intended to create the illusion of a three-dimensional object or scene.
Valance
Pronunciation: VAL-uhns
Meaning: A short decorative drapery that hangs across the top of a window.
Boiserie
Pronunciation: bwa-zuh-REE
Meaning: Wooden panelling on walls, often intricately carved and painted, used in European interiors.
Travertine
Pronunciation: TRA-vur-teen
Meaning: A type of limestone used in flooring and countertops, known for its natural, earthy appearance.
Patina
Pronunciation: puh-TEE-nuh
Meaning: A surface appearance of something grown beautiful, especially with age or use, such as the greenish layer on copper or bronze.
Feng Shui
Pronunciation: fung shway
Meaning: An ancient Chinese practice of arranging space to promote harmony and positive energy.
Gingham
Pronunciation: GING-uhm
Meaning: A lightweight, plain-woven fabric with a checked pattern, often used for curtains or tablecloths.
Grisaille
Pronunciation: grih-ZAI
Meaning: A painting technique using shades of grey to create a monochromatic image.
Mullion
Pronunciation: MUHL-yuhn
Meaning: A vertical or horizontal element that divides panes of glass in a window.
Rattan
Pronunciation: ruh-TAN
Meaning: A type of palm used to make wicker furniture and baskets, known for its durability and flexibility.
Ormolu
Pronunciation: AWR-muh-loo
Meaning: Gilded bronze or brass used for decorative purposes, particularly in furniture and clocks.
Passementerie
Pronunciation: pass-muhn-TREE
Meaning: Decorative trimmings such as tassels, fringes and braids used in furniture and drapery.
Tambour
Pronunciation: TAM-boor
Meaning: A flexible, slatted door or shutter, often used in roll-top desks or cabinets.
Mastering these terms will not only enhance your understanding of home décor but also boost your confidence when discussing your design ideas with others. Whether you’re talking to a designer, shopping for new furniture or simply exploring new styles, knowing how to pronounce these terms correctly will help you communicate more effectively and enjoy the process of beautifying your space. Happy decorating!
FAQs
What is the correct pronunciation of 'Chaise Longue'?
How do you pronounce 'Bouclé' and what does it mean?
What does 'Faux' mean and how is it pronounced?
Can you explain the term 'Trompe-l'œil' and its pronunciation?
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
