I’ve always marvelled at how good my husband is at knowing the lingo around renovating and building.

He’s able to describe things with precision terminology, whereas I am more likely to say something like ‘that thingy that connects the ceiling to the walls’ (cornices) or ‘the doorframe thingy (architrave).

I just checked the spelling of both the words ‘cornice’ and ‘architrave’.

I guess, if I was a realtor, agent or PM, I’d want to be more exacting with my real estate terminology, especially if I am new to the industry, or new to an area.

So this is what has inspired today’s prompt.

Today’s Prompt of the Day

Replace the word ‘architecture’ in this prompt with pretty much anything:

What are some key terms I should know about architecture? Make a list with a short and simple definition of each term each time.

This gave me a pretty good list of generic architectural terms, like architect, blueprint, facade, column, beam, load-bearing wall, truss, arch, vault etc. Most of those ones I knew.

But it did give me the inspo to go a little deeper:

What are some key terms I should know about homes built in Broadbeach in the 1980s? Make a list with a short and simple definition of each term each time

And here is what we get:

1. Asbestos: A fibrous mineral used in building materials for its heat resistance and insulation properties. It can be hazardous when inhaled and is found in some homes built in the 80s.

2. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI): A type of insulation used in the 70s and 80s, associated with health problems due to off-gassing formaldehyde.

3. Popcorn ceiling: A textured ceiling finish popular in the 80s, which has a popcorn-like appearance. It may contain asbestos and is often considered dated.

4. Open floor plan: A house design concept that combines living, dining, and kitchen spaces into one larger area, creating a more spacious feel. Popular in 80s homes.

5. Cathedral ceiling: A high, sloping ceiling that follows the pitch of the roof, creating a grand and open atmosphere. Common in 80s homes.

6. Skylights: Windows installed in the roof or ceiling to allow natural light into the home. A popular feature in 80s homes.

7. Single-pane windows: Windows with only one layer of glass, common in the 80s. They offer less insulation and energy efficiency compared to double or triple-pane windows.

8. Exposed brick: An interior design trend in the 80s that showcased the natural beauty of brick walls by leaving them uncovered.

9. Solar passive design: An architectural approach in the 80s that maximizes the use of the sun's energy for heating and cooling purposes, reducing energy consumption.

10. Timber-frame construction: A method of building homes with a structural frame made of wooden posts and beams. Popular in Broadbeach homes built in the 80s due to the abundance of local timber.

You could disappear down a rabbit hole with this one for a great glossary to go on your website (likely good for SEO and that type of thing!) so one more:

What are some key terms I should know about kitchen design? Make a list with a short and simple definition of each term each time

1. Kitchen Layout: The arrangement of appliances, countertops, and storage areas within a kitchen, determines the efficiency and functionality of the space.

2. Work Triangle: A kitchen design concept that places the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangular arrangement, maximizing efficiency by minimizing the distance between these key work areas.

3. Island: A freestanding counter or work surface in the centre of a kitchen, often used for additional storage, seating, or food preparation.

4. Galley Kitchen: A kitchen layout where appliances and countertops are arranged along two parallel walls, creating a narrow, corridor-like space that maximizes efficiency in small areas.

5. L-shaped Kitchen: A kitchen layout where appliances and countertops are arranged along two adjoining walls, forming an "L" shape that optimizes corner space and allows for an open-plan design.

6. U-shaped Kitchen: A kitchen layout where appliances and countertops are arranged along three adjoining walls, forming a "U" shape that provides ample storage and work surfaces.

7. Peninsula: A counter or work surface that extends from one wall, creating a partial divider in the kitchen while providing additional workspace, seating, or storage.

8. Backsplash: A vertical surface, often made of tile, stone, or other materials, that protects the wall behind a kitchen counter or stove from splashes, spills, and stains.

9. Cabinetry: The built-in storage units in a kitchen, such as cupboards, drawers, and shelves, that house dishes, utensils, cookware, and other kitchen items.

10. Countertop: The horizontal work surface in a kitchen, often made of materials such as granite, quartz, laminate, or wood, on which food preparation and other tasks are performed.

11. Appliances: The electrical or gas-powered devices used in a kitchen for cooking, cleaning, and food storage, such as stoves, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves.

12. Ventilation: The process of circulating air in a kitchen to remove odours, heat, and moisture, often achieved through the use of range hoods, exhaust fans, or windows.

13. Lighting: The arrangement and types of light fixtures in a kitchen, including ambient, task, and accent lighting, which contribute to the functionality, safety, and aesthetics of the space.

14. Ergonomics: The study of human efficiency and comfort in the design of a kitchen, taking into account factors such as counter heights, appliance placement, and storage organization to minimise physical strain and maximize functionality.

15. Kitchen Zones: The division of a kitchen into specific areas based on function, such as food preparation, cooking, cleaning, and storage, to optimize workflow and efficiency.

I had no idea about the Work Triangle, for a room I do know a fair bit about, I have learned something new for the day!

Rinse and repeat for each room, or type of property.

Happy hunting 🚀