Every profession has it's own language and Interior Design, Architecture and Construction are no different.
Each week I will be giving you definitions for words beginning with different letters of the alphabet and will continue through the alphabet until we are done with all the letters.
Here are the final words beginning with "S"
Striae
In interior design striae refers to close parallel lines repeated thorughout the item. It is a term used in faux finishing and also as a descriptive word in fabric and texture. You could think of it as small close stripes which create a straight pattern like wood grain or woven fabric.
Strike Plate
The strike plate of a door is the opposite side from the hinge. It is the metal plate where the latch hits the "strike" before it engages.
Stringer
Stringers are found in a lot of places. On stairs they are the zig zag cut out piece that holds the risers and treads and holds the stair together. On furniture they are the stringers or stretchers which hold the legs of a chair together for structural support.
Substrate
A substrate goes beneath something in preparation for the final decorative surface. The word actually mean "beneath" and "layer". Substrates are critical in getting a smooth final coating on surfaces and any imperfections in them will telescope through the finished material so it is important they are in good condition and properly installed.
Swatch
A swatch of fabric, paint, wood finish, etc. is a small sample of of the actual product. Designers order "memo" samples (swatches) when ordering fabric to be sure the actual bolt being used has the proper coloring and texture desired. These swatches can also serve as pieces of the finished room that can be saved and used to match up future items in the room.
Link to previous blogs here
Please call me if you need help with Inteiror Design!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NKBA, NCIDQ, IDG
