Decorating Dictionary: Jacobean Fabric

July 13, 2017July 19, 2017 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

Source: https://www.fabric-textiles.com/472374-1156-Jacobean-Swag-Coral

Jacobean Fabric Pattern: refers to English floral textile design prevalent during the reign of James 1 in the early 17th century and is often associated with crewel embroidery. The pattern, which features strong Eastern (Indian) influences, was inspired by the ancient “Tree of Life” motif. This fabric pattern frequently features winding branches, fruit, birds, and large, highly-detailed, exotic flowers and leaves in rich colours. It is these stylised flowers that give Jacobean fabric its whimsical almost fantasy-like appeal.

What is the definition of a Jacobean Fabric Pattern or Jacobean Floral?

Have you ever heard someone mention the term Jacobean Fabric or Jacobean Floral and wondered what on earth it meant? Well, now you have to wonder no longer – we will define Jacobean Fabric Pattern for you! Here is the latest addition to our Decorating Dictionary…

Jacobean Fabric Pattern: refers to English floral textile design prevalent during the reign of James 1 in the early 17^th century and is often associated with crewel embroidery. The pattern, which features strong Eastern (Indian) influences, was inspired by the ancient “Tree of Life” motif. This fabric pattern frequently features winding branches, fruit, birds, and large, highly-detailed, exotic flowers and leaves in rich colours. It is these stylised flowers that give Jacobean fabric its whimsical almost fantasy-like appeal.

P.S. If you want to learn more about the history of Jacobean textile design, here is an interesting student research paper on the subject: “Jacobean Textile Design: Surviving (and Thriving) Through the Test of Time”

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Decorating Dictionary: Distressing

January 26, 2017January 26, 2017 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

Image via: Miss Mustard Seed

Image via: Kirklands

Distressing: is the process of intentionally blemishing or damaging a piece of furniture in order to give it an aged, weathered, or rustic appearance. During this refinishing technique items are often sanded, scraped, dimpled, bleached and stained, or treated with crackling paints and coats. Distressed furniture is popular element of the Shabby Chic interior style.

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Decorating Dictionary: Anglepoise

November 16, 2016 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

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Anglepoise: a balanced-arm lamp designed in 1932 by British designer George Carwardine. Carwardine, a design consultant specialising in vehicle suspension systems, saw an alternative use for springs and levers and created a mechanism with task lamps in mind. Carwardine teamed up with the Terry Spring Company to refine the Anglepoise lamp for the domestic market. Today Anglepoise is seen as a multi-product iconic British brand.

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Decorating Dictionary: Breakfront

October 13, 2016 Design Monarchy1 Comment

Breakfront: a large piece of furniture, usually a bookcase or cabinet, where the centre section juts forward projecting past the flanking side sections. It is this stepped out piece that disrupts (or rather “breaks”) the straight line of the front of the cabinet – hence the name.

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Decorating Dictionary: Matelassé

August 18, 2016August 17, 2016 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

Matelassé: (pronounced: mat-la-SAY) is a weaving or stitching method yielding a fabric that appears quilted or padded. This effect can be achieved by hand, jacquard loom, or quilting machine. The fabric is meant to imitate the style of hand-stitched quilts made in Marseilles, France. Matelassé fabric is often used to make bedding.

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Decorating Dictionary: Verdigris

July 7, 2016July 7, 2016 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

Verdigris: is a bright blue-green patina, or natural “coating”, that is formed when copper, bronze or brass is exposed to air or seawater over a period of time. The Statue of Liberty is an excellent example of this. The term is a variation on the Old French “vert-de-Grèce”, meaning “green of Greece”; however the contemporary French spelling “vert-de-gris” translates to “green of grey”. Until the 19^th century Verdigris was also a sought after green colour pigment often used in paintings.

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