Exploring Kitsch Design: Sentimentality, Garishness, and Mass Production
Kitsch design, known for its sentimental, garish, mass-produced nature, prompts both ironic and genuine appreciation. Its impact on culture and design is enduring.Read More →
January 31, 2025

The design dictionary is an essential tool for any serious discussion on design. It provides a comprehensive and structured foundation for understanding the language of design and its many nuances. With its categorical approach, the dictionary allows designers to communicate their ideas with clarity and precision, facilitating a more effective international discourse on design.
Moreover, the design dictionary serves as a source of inspiration for designers looking to expand their vocabulary and explore new concepts. By offering definitions, examples, and historical context, the dictionary encourages designers to think critically about their work and its place in the broader design landscape. Ultimately, the dictionary is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in design, providing a rich tapestry of ideas and insights that can inform and inspire creative endeavours across all disciplines.
Kitsch design, known for its sentimental, garish, mass-produced nature, prompts both ironic and genuine appreciation. Its impact on culture and design is enduring.Read More →
Desks have evolved from sloping surfaces to modern ergonomic designs, reflecting the intersection of functionality and artistic craftsmanship over centuries. Notable historical examples illustrate this evolution.Read More →
Acajou Moucheté, a prized mahogany with mottled grain, is used in high-end furniture, veneer, musical instruments, and interior design with a focus on sustainability.Read More →
Porcelain is a remarkable ceramic material known for its hardness, delicacy, and characteristic translucence. Often associated with an elegant and refined appearance, porcelain has beenRead More →
Haute Couture, stemming from mid-19th century Paris, emphasizes exclusivity, meticulous craftsmanship, luxurious materials, and innovative design. Today, it symbolizes luxury and artistry.Read More →
Elkington & Co., founded in 1824 in Birmingham, England, was a pioneer in electroplating and decorative arts, revolutionizing industry and making luxury items accessible.Read More →
Sword hilts are intricate, functional artworks reflecting craftsmanship, culture, and history. They evolved significantly from the 16th to 17th centuries, exemplified by the rapier ca. 1590.Read More →
The mouchette motif, prominent in Gothic architecture, played a vital role in the Gothic Revival movement, symbolizing a return to medieval craftsmanship and spiritual values.Read More →
A lunette is a semi-circular window space and decorative motif popular in the Italian Renaissance and Jacobean era, often seen in furniture design.Read More →
Tôle, a type of sheet metal, was commonly used in furniture-making during the French Empire, particularly in lanterns and vases. Italy and Spain also favored tôle items.Read More →