Interior Design Exam 3

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to furniture selection and ergonomics.

Furniture plan

has the furniture shown in a drawn plan

Floor plan

shows dimensions of each specific wall and the layout of a space; everything but the furniture is mapped out

Elevation

shows the front of a house or structure from a straight-on view, illustrating height and design details; flat view

Section

cut-through half of a space that will show more of the room's features

What is dimensioning?

lines have to be outside of the plan drawn; tick marks should be shown at a right diagonal whether you’re looking at the plan from the bottom or from the left side; furniture should not be dimensioned, but all walls should be, whether it’s a standard wall, or a wall between a door or window.

Know the symbol identification - Door, window, shower, toilet, etc.

What is the standard thickness for walls?

4-6” for interior; 6-12” for exterior

What is the typical scale of residential plans/commercial plans?

1/4" = 1' for residential; 1/8" = 1' for commercial.

What do dashed lines on furniture/floor plans mean?

Something above the cutting plane; hidden elements

What are the 4 proxemics and the best distance for a conversation?

Intimate (1’6”-contact), social (4’-12’), personal (1’6”-4’), public (12’+)

What is the maximum height of stair risers?

7 3/4”

What is the minimum tread depth?

10”

Where should smoke detectors be located?

In each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, on each additional story; alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit

Where should carbon monoxide alarms be located?

Installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms

What is the minimum size for an area?

at least one room should be 7’ on one side, 120 square feet

What is the minimum ceiling height?

no less than 7’

What is the minimum width of halls, stairs, and exterior doors?

hallways should not be less than 3’ (36”); stairways should not be less than 3’ (36”); have at least one door that’s not the garage door, 32” wide

What is the maximum stair opening and handrail height?

Stairs should not have openings from the walking surface to the required guard height which allows passage of a sphere 4” in diameter; handrail height – 3’ (36”)

What is the minimum height requirement for exit/egress windows and doors?

Area of window has to be 9 square feet, all rooms should have a way to get out that’s not in the house

What is the bathroom minimum code requirements (such as toilet clearance)?

toilet (21” in front, 3’), shower (minimum 30” x 30”)

When does a model code become law?

when the government/law says it is a law

Know the different stone patterns

ashlar: uniform and cut stones; fieldstone: random rocks piled together

What are some different brick patterns?

running bond, 1/3 running bond, common bond (row of 5+), flemish bond (every other brick is a header, makes a diagonal pattern; strong), stack bond, English bond (multiple bricks fit in one row every other row; strong)

What are characteristics of brick bonds?

strength, stability, and aesthetic appeal; maximizes strength in structure

What are the properties of Granite, Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Flagstone – how can you tell them apart

Granite salt and pepper pattern, Marble light with veins, Limestone sedimentary and rough, Travertine like limestone but has bubbles in it, Flagstone little pages of slate

Window coverings – Identify parts of a drape/differences between curtain and drape

all are soft, cornice is hard, everything is made of fabric; drape can be one color on the inside, but a different color if you looked at it from outside of the house; drapes are heavier and lined for formal settings, whereas curtains are lighter and usually unlined, often used for casual decor. Parts of a drape include the heading, body, and hem

Identify float glass, plate, crown …

Differ in thickness, production process, and applications. Float glass is flat and uniform, plate glass is thicker because you fold the glass and polish it, and crown glass is produced using a blowing method, giving it a distinct quality.

How is glass strengthened?

Glass can be strengthened through methods such as tempering, which involves heating it to high temperatures and then rapidly cooling it, increasing its resistance to impact and thermal stress. Another method is lamination, where layers of glass are bonded with plastic, enhancing safety and durability.

Qualities of paint: Ingredients/Sheen (Ex. Where to use gloss?)

Paint qualities include different ingredients that determine its properties, such as durability and coverage. Sheen levels range from flat to gloss, indicating the level of shine and appropriate usage in various settings.

How does light change the appearance of paint color on a wall, floor, ceiling?

Light can significantly alter the way paint color is perceived on different surfaces due to factors like brightness, direction, and type of light source. For example, natural daylight can enhance color vibrancy, while artificial lighting may cast different tones, affecting the overall aesthetic of a space.

Attributes of Carpet fibers (Nylon, Olefin…) Which fiber is strongest? Which fiber recycles easily?

Carpet fibers have varying attributes based on their material composition, such as durability, stain resistance, and eco-friendliness. Nylon is known for its strength and resilience, while Olefin is recognized for its recyclability and resistance to moisture.

Identify carpet (loop, frieze, cut and loop…)

styles based on their construction. Loop carpets have yarns that are looped through the backing, while frieze has twisted fibers for a textured appearance. Cut and loop combines both methods for unique patterns.

ACT Standards – Recognize what each represent

The ACT Standards (coordinates with the star - physical properties) represent a set of guidelines and benchmarks for assessing the accessibility of environments in relation to furniture and ergonomic design. They ensure spaces are usable and comfortable for all individuals, promoting inclusivity; flammability (fire), wet and dry crocking (paint palette), colorfastness to light (sun), physical properties, strength of fabric (star), abrasion, double rub (letter A in square)

ACT Standards – Wyzenbeek Rating: Commercial and Heavy Duty Ratings

The Wyzenbeek Rating is a standard test that measures the durability of fabrics, specifically indicating how well they can withstand abrasion. Commercial ratings indicate suitability for high-traffic areas, while heavy-duty ratings denote fabrics designed for extensive use; double rubs

What is a C.O.M.?

C.O.M. stands for "Customer's Own Material," referring to fabric or materials supplied by the client for use in custom furniture or upholstery projects.

Fibers, Identify the difference between: Man-made, Cellulosic, Protein

Fibers are categorized into three main types: man-made fibers are synthetic and created from chemical processes, cellulosic fibers are derived from natural plant materials, and protein fibers are sourced from animal products like wool and silk.

Know stone finishes – Flamed, Gloss, Honed, Natural / Cleft

Stone finishes refer to the various surface treatments applied to stone materials. Flamed surfaces are textured and slip-resistant, gloss finishes are shiny and reflective, honed surfaces are matte and smooth, while natural or cleft finishes retain the stone's original appearance.

Ergonomics – Define – know the difference between active and passive

Ergonomics is the study of designing furniture and workspaces to optimize human well-being and performance. Active ergonomics involves dynamic adjustments made by the user, while passive ergonomics refers to fixed design features that promote comfort and health without user intervention.

What are “Knock offs”?

"Knock offs" are imitations of original designer furniture or products, often produced at a lower cost and quality. They replicate the design but are not made by the original manufacturer.

How to identify quality furniture – For example, what is a good sofa frame made of?

Quality furniture often features solid wood frames, such as hardwoods like maple, oak, or ash, which provide durability and longevity, along with reinforced joints for added strength.