Interior design has its own jargons, and understanding these terms can help you better communicate your ideas with the interior designers when you’re planning to renovate or design your home. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most important interior design terminologies, explained in very simple words.
Architectural Elements
1. Wainscoting
Definition: Decorative paneling applied to the lower portion of interior walls, typically reaching about one-third of the way up from the floor.
In simple terms: Think of it as fancy wood panels that covers the bottom part of your walls. It’s like wearing a nice belt – it adds character to your walls and protects them from scuffs and marks.
2. Coffered Ceiling
Definition: A series of sunken or recessed panels in a ceiling, typically arranged in a grid pattern.
In simple terms: Imagine your ceiling divided into squares or rectangles that are pushed upward, creating a waffle-like pattern. It adds depth and interest to an otherwise flat ceiling.
3. Clerestory Windows
Definition: High windows placed above eye level, typically near or at the roofline.
In simple terms: These are those tall, narrow windows you see near the ceiling. They’re like skylights on walls, letting in natural light without sacrificing privacy.
4. Mullion
Definition: A vertical element that forms a division between units of a window, door, or screen.
In simple terms: Those vertical bars that separate your window panes – like the lines in a tic-tac-toe board on your window.
5. Architrave
Definition: The decorative molding or frame that surrounds a doorway, window, or arch.
In simple terms: It’s like a picture frame for your doors and windows, adding a finished look to the edges.
Furniture and Upholstery
6. Settee
Definition: A small upholstered seat for two or more people, with a back and arms.
In simple terms: Think of it as a mini-sofa or a long chair – bigger than an armchair but smaller than a full couch.
7. Tufting
Definition: An upholstery technique where fabric is pulled deep into the padding and secured, creating a pattern of depressions.
In simple terms: Those buttoned dimples you see on fancy chairs and headboards – like a quilted pattern on furniture.
8. Banquette
Definition: Built-in upholstered bench seating, often used in dining areas.
In simple terms: It’s like a restaurant booth in your home – a permanent bench that’s attached to the wall, usually near a dining table.
9. Ottoman
Definition: A padded, upholstered seat or bench without a back or arms.
In simple terms: That comfy footstool that can double as extra seating or a coffee table when you add a tray on top.
10. Credenza
Definition: A low, long storage piece typically used in dining rooms or living areas.
In simple terms: A fancy sideboard or buffet – perfect for storing dishes or displaying decorative items.
Decorative Elements
11. Sconce
Definition: A wall-mounted light fixture that directs light up, down, or both ways.
In simple terms: Think of it as a fancy wall-mounted torch, but electric and much more stylish.
12. Vignette
Definition: A curated arrangement of decorative objects that create a pleasing focal point.
In simple terms: A pretty little scene you create on a table or shelf – like arranging a few beautiful objects to tell a story.
13. Chinoiserie
Definition: European interpretation and imitation of Chinese and East Asian artistic traditions.
In simple terms: Asian-inspired designs and patterns used in Western décor – think painted scenes of pagodas and exotic birds.
14. Toile
Definition: A decorative pattern usually depicting complex scenes printed on cotton, linen, or wallpaper.
In simple terms: Fabric or wallpaper with detailed pictures that tell a story, often in one color on a white background.
15. Trompe l’oeil
Definition: An art technique that creates optical illusions of three-dimensional objects or scenes.
In simple terms: Paintings that trick your eye – like a painted bookshelf that looks so real you might try to grab a book from it.
Materials and Finishes
16. Marquetry
Definition: A decorative technique where pieces of wood veneer are inlaid to form patterns or pictures.
In simple terms: It’s like making a wooden puzzle picture – different colored wood pieces are fitted together to create beautiful patterns on furniture or floors.
17. Patina
Definition: The appearance of age and wear that develops on materials over time.
In simple terms: That beautiful aged look that materials get – like how copper turns greenish-blue or how leather gets that worn, vintage appearance.
18. Terrazzo
Definition: A composite material consisting of chips of marble, quartz, granite, or glass set in polished concrete or resin.
In simple terms: Imagine breaking up colorful stones into tiny pieces, mixing them in cement, and polishing it until smooth – it’s like sophisticated confetti in your floor.
19. Veneer
Definition: A thin decorative covering of fine wood, applied to a coarser wood or other material.
In simple terms: A super-thin slice of expensive wood glued onto less expensive material – like putting a fancy wrapper on a simple surface.
20. Dado
Definition: The lower portion of a wall when decorated differently from the upper section, often with paneling or wallpaper.
In simple terms: When you divide your wall horizontally and decorate the bottom part differently – like wearing a different colored shirt and pants.
Design Styles and Concepts
21. Feng Shui
Definition: Ancient Chinese practice of arranging spaces to create harmony and balance with the natural world.
In simple terms: It’s about arranging your furniture and décor in ways that make energy flow better – like creating clear paths through your home that feel natural and peaceful.
22. Japandi
Definition: A hybrid design style that combines Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetic principles.
In simple terms: Mix Japanese simplicity with Scandinavian coziness – think clean lines and natural materials with a warm, inviting feel.
23. Biophilic Design
Definition: A concept that incorporates natural materials, natural light, vegetation, and nature views into the built environment.
In simple terms: Bringing the outdoors inside – using lots of plants, natural light, and materials that remind you of nature.
24. Maximalism
Definition: A bold approach to interior design that embraces excess, layers, and busy patterns.
In simple terms: When more is more – lots of colors, patterns, and decorations all mixed together in a bold, exciting way.
25. Wabi-Sabi
Definition: A Japanese aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection.
In simple terms: Finding beauty in imperfection – like appreciating a handmade ceramic bowl precisely because it isn’t perfectly round.
Patterns and Prints
26. Chevron
Definition: A repeated V-shaped pattern that creates a zigzag effect.
In simple terms: Think of arrows pointing up or down in a continuous pattern – like a lot of “V”s lined up together.
27. Ikat
Definition: A dyeing technique used to pattern textiles where the yarns are dyed before weaving.
In simple terms: Fabric patterns that look slightly blurry or fuzzy at the edges – like a watercolor painting on fabric.
28. Damask
Definition: An elaborate jacquard-weaved fabric with a raised pattern visible on both sides.
In simple terms: Fancy fabric with sophisticated patterns that you can feel when you touch it – often used in formal rooms.
29. Herringbone
Definition: A pattern made up of rectangles or parallelograms arranged in a repetitive alternating pattern.
In simple terms: Imagine fish bones or braided hair – it’s that zigzag pattern you might see in wood floors or tile work.
30. Quatrefoil
Definition: A symmetrical shape composed of four partially overlapping circles of the same size.
In simple terms: Picture a four-leaf clover shape – it’s a classic pattern that looks like four circles squished together.
Lighting and Ambiance
31. Ambient Lighting
Definition: General or overall lighting that provides uniform illumination throughout a space.
In simple terms: The main lighting in a room that lets you see everything clearly – like having a sun inside your room.
32. Task Lighting
Definition: Directed lighting that illuminates a specific area where activities are performed.
In simple terms: Lights that help you do things – like a desk lamp for reading or under-cabinet lights for cooking.
33. Accent Lighting
Definition: Focused light used to draw attention to a particular object or area.
In simple terms: Spotlight-style lighting that shows off special things – like lighting up a painting or a beautiful plant.
34. Pendant Light
Definition: A light fixture that hangs from the ceiling on a cord, chain, or rod.
In simple terms: Lights that dangle down from the ceiling – like jewelry for your room.
35. Cove Lighting
Definition: Indirect lighting built into ledges, recesses, or valances in a ceiling or wall.
In simple terms: Hidden lights that shine up or down from behind a ledge – creating a soft, magical glow.
Space Planning
36. Traffic Flow
Definition: The pattern of movement through a space.
In simple terms: How people walk through your room – like creating invisible pathways between furniture.
37. Focal Point
Definition: The main visual element that draws attention in a room.
In simple terms: The star of the show in your room – like a fireplace or a beautiful window that catches your eye first.
38. Negative Space
Definition: The empty or open areas between furniture and decorative elements.
In simple terms: The breathing room in your design – those empty spaces that give your eyes a rest.
39. Scale
Definition: The size relationship between objects and the space they occupy.
In simple terms: Making sure everything fits together size-wise – like not putting a tiny chair next to a massive sofa.
40. Proportion
Definition: The relationship between the size of different parts of a design element.
In simple terms: How different sizes work together – like making sure your curtains aren’t too short for your tall windows.
Color and Texture
41. Monochromatic
Definition: A color scheme using different shades and tints of a single color.
In simple terms: Using just one color but in different lightness and darkness – like decorating with all blues, from pale sky to deep navy.
42. Texture Mapping
Definition: The strategic placement of different textures throughout a space.
In simple terms: Mixing smooth and rough surfaces – like having sleek leather chairs with fluffy pillows and rough wooden tables.
43. Color Blocking
Definition: Using solid, contrasting colors in distinct sections of a space.
In simple terms: Painting or decorating with big chunks of different colors – like having a yellow wall next to a blue wall.
44. Ombré
Definition: A gradual blending from one color to another.
In simple terms: Colors that fade from dark to light – like a sunset effect on your walls or curtains.
45. Tactile
Definition: Relating to the sense of touch and physical texture of materials.
In simple terms: How things feel when you touch them – rough, smooth, soft, or hard surfaces.
Accessories and Details
46. Throw
Definition: A small blanket used as a decorative element and for warmth.
In simple terms: Those cozy blankets you drape over furniture – adding color and comfort to your space.
47. Tchotchke
Definition: A small decorative object or ornament.
In simple terms: Little decorative items that add personality – like those cute figurines or keepsakes on your shelves.
48. Gallery Wall
Definition: A collection of artwork, photographs, or objects arranged on a wall in a cohesive display.
In simple terms: A bunch of pictures or art pieces arranged together on one wall – like creating your own mini museum.
49. Tablescape
Definition: An artistic arrangement of items on a table surface.
In simple terms: Creating a pretty arrangement on your table – like styling your coffee table with books, candles, and decorative objects.
50. Finial
Definition: A decorative element at the top of a lamp, curtain rod, or architectural feature.
In simple terms: Those fancy end pieces that dress up ordinary objects – like the decorative knobs at the ends of curtain rods.
Conclusion
Understanding these 50 interior design terms gives you a strong foundation in the language of design. Whether you’re working with a professional designer, planning your own space, or simply wanting to better understand design concepts, these terms will help you communicate more effectively and make more informed decisions about your space.
Remember that good design is about more than just knowing the terminology – it’s about understanding how these elements work together to create beautiful, functional spaces that reflect your personal style and meet your needs. Keep exploring and experimenting with different combinations of these elements to create your perfect space.