Art Deco- The quintessential 1920s and 1930s style for skyscrapers, homes, cinemas, even cruise ships, Art Deco is glamorous, modern and dramatic. French designers mixed classical and contemporary elements, including the passionate colors of Fauvist paintings, sensuous fabrics, exotic artifacts of Egypt, Mexico, and the Middle and Far East, and Cubist painters geometric shapes in round mirrors, floor treatments and barrel-shaped chairs. American designers streamlined the style with modular and built-in chrome and aluminum furniture, while British designers contributed sleek materials like Bakelite and commercialized motifs like zigzags and chevrons.

The Arts and Crafts style in England and America from 1860 through 1925 embraced quality materials, craftsmanship, and simple lines and forms to fashion one lovely harmonious interior. Fabrics and wallpapers with Gothic, floral and Japanese designs complement rather than overwhelm rooms, especially those created by movement founder William Morris. Furniture was block-shaped, usually oak, like Gustav Stickley's Mission pieces. Lighting was beautiful and useful, especially Louis Comfort Tiffany's stained-glass lamps and Dick Van Erp's hammered copper lamps.

The Baroque style is theatrical and extravagant. Decorative elements are intended to startle, electrify and flaunt wealth. This was also true for the European courts and aristocracy that embraced the 18th century style. Furniture is massive and opulent, textiles are luxurious and expensive, colors are royally rich and glittery, accessories are exotic and sparkling, floors are dramatic. The style was most magnificently showcased at Frances Louis XIVs palace at Versailles.

Blockfront chest: a bookcase, chest or china cabinet made of  three sections, the center section sticking out.

Camphored  Refers to edges or corners that are worn and/or  rounded with use. This condition usually enhances the piece and adds value to it.

Collectibles - One of a group or class of objects, such as period glass or historical memorabilia, sought by collectors

Conservation- to keep from decaying

Enjoying a great surge in popularity, the French Country style of decorating is one of the warmest and most welcoming. Not for the faint of heart, the rich, vivid colors evoke the warm tones of the Provencal countrysidegolden yellows, vivid indigos and pure blues, deep reds and russets, and bright, creamy greens.

Lacquer. A clear finish.

Mineral spirits. An inexpensive paint thinner which cleans brushes, thins paint, cleans furniture, and removes wax.

Paraffin. A wax applied to the edges of drawers and other movable parts to prevent sticking.

Penetrating resin. A finish which darkens and penetrates the surface of the wood. This type of finish is not easily removed.

Pickled - finishes are made with white or another color over a natural or lightly stained wood color. The effect is similar to the old blonde finishes of the 40's and 50's, except it is usually done on furniture with lots of crevices for the white to stick into. The result has a more interesting texture with the natural grain of the wood showing through and highlighted with the white.

Polyurethane. A clear, acrylic finish.

Restoration - return to a former state

Sideboard: another word for a serving table or buffet. In the dining room this piece is often used to hold food ready for serving. It can relatively small with a fold-out top for more surface space, or simply be long and narrow. Traditional, 19th century designs often have a brass rail around the sides and back to keep things from sliding off the top. The rail is usually called a "gallery."

 

Tack cloth. A sticky cloth which picks up fine dust. It is used to wipe over wood before a stain or finish is applied.

Varnish. A resinous finish used to give a glossy surface to wood.