10 (MORE) Home Decor Words You’re Probably Mispronouncing

Our last post on the subject, 10 Home Decor Words You’re Probably Mispronouncing, spurred quite a bit of conversation, and many of you asked for more. So here are 10 more home decor words you just might be mispronouncing. No worries, though. They’ll be rolling off your tongue in no time — and you’ll impress even your most highbrow friends.

1. Percale: (French) per-kale

A tightly woven fabric with a fine texture and finish used especially for sheets. A common mispronunciation is: per-cal.

2. Shibori: (Japanese) shih-bor-ee

A traditional Japanese resist-dyeing technique that produces distinctive patterns on fabric. The process typically involves binding, stitching, folding, twisting or compressing cloth before dyeing it to achieve a certain pattern.

3. Verdigris: (French) ver-di-grees

A bright bluish-green patina that naturally forms over time when copper, brass or bronze is weathered and exposed to air or seawater.

4. Matelassé: (French) mat-luh-say

A weaving or stitching technique that yields a raised quilted or padded design.  A common mispronunciation is: mat-uh-luh-say.

5. Chinoiserie: (French) sheen-wah-suh-ree

The interpretation and imitation of Chinese motifs and techniques in Western art, furniture, and architecture. A common mispronunciation is: chin-o-ser-ee.

6. Étagère: (French) ay-tah-zhair

A piece of furniture with open shelves for displaying decorative objects and other small items. A common mispronunciation is: eh-tah-zhair.

7. Giclée: (English) zhee-klay

Fine digital art prints made on inkjet printers. A common mispronunciation is: jih-klee.

8. Atelier: (French) at-l-yay

An artist’s workshop or studio. A common mispronunciation is: at-uh-lee-ay.

9. Trompe l’oeil: (French) trawmp-loi

A painting or design intended to create the illusion of a third-dimensional object. A common mispronunciation is: trawmp-low-eel.

10. Feng Shui: (Chinese) fung-shway

The Chinese art of creating harmonious surroundings by defining how the placement of objects within a room affect the energy flow in that living environment. A common mispronunciation is: feng-shwee

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