Glossary

Lower-level lighting, carefully placed throughout a room, adds contrast, drama and interest. Accent lighting can highlight an architectural or art element, such as a fireplace; define a space within a room, such as a seating area; or simply draw attention to itself.

A style that developed between the two World Wars. Noted for its liberal use of circles, triangles, and parallel lines.

Resembles wood, with a smooth, light, tight-grained surface that can be finished to a high gloss. Actually harder than maple and oak, bamboo expands and contracts less than those woods, making it well-suited to bathrooms.

Very similar to modern, but a bit more relaxed, with fewer sharp edges and lines. A more universally accessible design, and probably the most common.

Provides a resilient, cushioned surface that’s noiseless, warm-looking and feeling, comfortable and moisture-resistant when finished with a glossy urethane coating.

Rustic, akin to what you might find in a country home. Floral patterns, plaids and soft lines abound.

Offers matchless crystalline structure that really sparkles in a brightly lit room.

Home decor focused on earth-friendly furnishings and sustainable materials.

Available in many species and in solid, engineered or parquet form. New, clear finishes are tougher, more durable and water-resistant than ever.

Refers to sleek, often minimalist designs with hard edges and neutral colors.

A “retrospective” style that pays homage to past eras, such as the 1950s and 1960s.

Has a soft, soapy feel and is a delight to the touch; its gray-to-green color soothes the eye.

Available in a wide range of thicknesses, colors, patterns and inlays for a look ranging from streamlined to natural or elegant.

Strong, directional lighting that brightens a specific area so a particular task — reading, cooking, applying makeup or working at a desk, for example — can be accomplished safely and easily. Light type, intensity, placement and direction are especially critical with task lighting.

Design to simplify life for everyone by making a room usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their age or abilities.

Appears to sit on top of a countertop, like a bowl on a table.

Has a lustrous, easy-cleaning surface and is available in a wide variety of rich colors.