Interior Design

Incandescent light ban

The manufacture and importation of type 'A' incandescent lights was banned in the U.S. on January 1, 2014.

Luminaire

The complete lighting unit which includes the fixture, bulb, and wiring.

Lamp

The bulb or light source used in a luminaire.

Lumen

A measurement of total light output.

Foot Candle

A measurement of light intensity on a surface; 1 foot candle = 1 lumen per square foot.

Light temperature measurement

Light temperature is measured in Kelvins (K), with lower temperatures (2700K–3000K) being warmer.

CRI

Color Rendering Index; measures how accurately a light source shows true colors compared to natural light.

Universal Design

Inclusive design that accommodates all users, regardless of age or ability.

Aging in Place

Design that allows individuals to live safely in their homes as they age.

Special population

Groups with unique needs such as the elderly, disabled, or children.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

A set of legal requirements for accessibility in public spaces, enforced starting in 1992.

32 inches

Minimum ADA door width required for accessibility.

36 inches

Minimum ADA corridor width required for accessibility.

Rococo

An ornate, playful design style characterized by curves and elaborate decorations.

Bauhaus

A design movement focusing on functional and minimalist design, encapsulated by the phrase 'form follows function.'

Case Study House

Experimental homes built in the 1940s-1960s to demonstrate modern architecture and design.

Stylobate

The base or foundation of a Roman Greek temple.

Egg and Dart

An ornate pattern featuring egg-shaped and dart-like motifs.

Chinoiserie

European imitation of Chinese art and design.

True Arch

An architectural feature developed by the Romans, allowing for larger openings and more structural support.

Sense of Place

The feeling or atmosphere associated with a specific location.

Place Attachment

Emotional bond formed between individuals and a place.

Ceiling Mount

Fixed to the ceiling, common for general lighting.

Suspended Pendant Lighting

Hangs from the ceiling, used in dining rooms or kitchens.

Track Lighting

Mounted on the ceiling, adjustable light sources for task lighting.

Wall Mount

Attached to walls, often used for sconces or vanity lights.

Vanity or Strip Lights

Often found around mirrors in bathrooms.

Sconce

Wall-mounted light, typically used for accent lighting.

Floor Mount

Floor-standing light sources, such as lamps.

Uplighting

Directs light upward, creating a soft, ambient light.

Shelf Mount

Lights mounted on shelves, used for accent lighting.

Recessed Lighting

Installed in the ceiling or walls for unobtrusive lighting.

Recessed Cans

Round fixtures recessed into ceilings.

Spotlights

Focused, intense light for highlighting objects.

Structural Lighting

Integrated into the architecture.

Cove Lighting

Indirect lighting placed along the edges of ceilings.

Cornice or Valance Lighting

Mounted above windows or along walls for subtle lighting.

Soffit Lighting

Mounted in ceiling recesses for indirect lighting.

Wall-Slot Lighting

Narrow lighting slots in walls for accents.

Wall Washers

Fixtures that direct light along a wall to highlight texture.

Portable

Table and floor fixtures, easy to move.