Decorating Dictionary: Trestle

March 12, 2019August 23, 2019 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

A traditional trestle leg farm table. | source: 1stdibs

A simplistic desk with two contemporary trestle legs. | source: Draumesidene

What is the definition of Trestle?

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

Trestle: (from the Latin trānstrum meaning “crossbeam”) a wooden or metal frame consisting of two pairs of slanting legs joined by a horizontal beam, often used in pairs to prop up a flat surface such as a table top. There are two main variants of trestle structures used in furniture design – the traditional fixed trestle and the more contemporary collapsing trestle. Furniture pieces with collapsing trestle legs are easy to assemble and store, while the fixed trestle structure is sturdier.

[Image Sources: IKEA, 1stdibs, Draumesidene]

Decorating Dictionary: Lacquer

September 20, 2018May 17, 2019 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

Look at the clear reflection in this cabinet’s lacquered finish. | source: via PAINTED BY KAYLA PAYNE

Beautiful and bright chest of drawers with a blue high-gloss lacquer finish. | source: via DOMINO

What is the definition of Lacquer?

Have you ever heard someone mention the term “lacquer” or a “lacquered finish” and wondered what on earth it meant? Well, now you have to wonder no longer – we will define lacquer for you! Here is the latest addition to our Decorating Dictionary…

Lacquer: is a clear or coloured hard-wearing furniture coating with an intense high-gloss finish. The word “lacquer” borrows its name from the lac insect whose shellac-rich resinous secretions (think nail polish) were often used as a wood finish in ancient India. Lacquerwork is also synonymous with the ancient East Asians who used the sap of the Chinese lacquer tree to achieve a durable, shiny glaze. Today lac-based finishes are likely to be referred to as shellac, while lacquer is comprised of more synthetic substances.

[Image Sources: Alexandra Ribar, Painted by Kayla, Domino]

Decorating Dictionary: Define Flat Pack Furniture

Decorating Dictionary: Flat Pack Furniture

June 19, 2018September 19, 2018 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

The dismantled components of the flat-packed “El Cheapo” desk from Spaas located in Cape Town | source: via Spaas

The finished “El Cheapo” desk from Spaas – it requires no screws or glue | source: via Spaas

What is the definition of Flat Pack Furniture?

Have you ever heard someone mention the term “flat pack” or “knock-down” furniture and wondered what on earth it meant? Well, now you have to wonder no longer – we will define flat pack furniture for you! Here is the latest addition to our Decorating Dictionary…

Flat Pack Furniture: (also known as ready-to-assemble [RTA], knock-down [KD], or kit furniture) is a type of furniture that is sold in dismantled pieces and requires assembly by the customer. These pieces are “flat” packed into a box for easy transportation and come with assembly instructions and the basic tools. Flat pack furniture has become increasingly popular (think IKEA) and, because of this efficient and space-friendly design, it is often more affordable than its bulky counterparts.

[Image Sources: Artifox, Spaas]

Decorating Dictionary: Hygge

April 18, 2018 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

source: honestly WTF

source: unknown via Pinterest

What is the definition of Hygge?

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

Hygge: (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a Danish term, or rather philosophy, that refers to a sense of cosiness, comfort, hospitality, and a general feeling of contentment, happiness, and well-being. Hygge, which can be used as both a noun and a verb, is a cultural ideal and can be closely linked to social togetherness. The term is also widely used in Norwegian and is fast becoming a global expression. In view of its unique and relatable meaning, the interiors industry has latched onto Hygge as it personifies the subtle comfort and cosiness of certain spaces.

Watch this video on Hygge…

[Image Sources: 1, 2, 3]

Decorating Dictionary: Define Zebrano / Zebrawood

Decorating Dictionary: Zebrano

February 27, 2018February 26, 2018 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

source: rare woods SA

source: reidwood

What is the definition of a Zebrano or Zebrawood?

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

Zebrano or Zebrawood: is an exotic wood of the Microberlinia tree found predominantly in central Africa. The wood, which is golden brown in colour with pronounced dark brown streaks, got its name from its resemblance to a zebra’s stripes. Because of its decorative appeal, Zebrano is often used for veneers or inlays as well as custom furniture and accessories.

[Image Sources: 1, 2, 3]

Decorating Dictionary: Parquet

November 13, 2017November 10, 2017 Design MonarchyLeave a comment

What is the definition of a Parquet Flooring or Parquetry?

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

Parquet or Parquetry: (from the French meaning “small compartment”) is a floor finish composed of wooden blocks or strips arranged in a decorative geometric pattern. Parquetry can occasionally feature a mix of different timbers or inlays of other materials such as marble, tile or stone. The most popular parquet flooring pattern is said to be herringbone.

[Image Sources: 1, 2, 3]