We understand that interior design terminology can become confusing or overwhelming at times, so our expert designer, Danielle Langlois has come to the rescue and defined some of the more commonly used terms when discussing interior design and interior decoration.
The visually appealing properties of design elements (e.g. movement, colour, shape, pattern and so on).
A section of wall or room that is recessed.
An Islamic decoration style utilising abstract curvilinear motifs and intertwining foliage to create patterns.
A decorative and functional moulded frame around a window or doorway.
A movable cabinet that's usually larger than a wardrobe and features shelves and hanging rails.
An art style from the 1920s and '30s characterised by bold colours and geometric shapes.
An international style of decorative art characterised by flowing curves and complex linear designs.
Vertical material placed behind a sink, stove, or counter to protect the wall from splatter.
An upholstered bench built on or placed along a wall for seating.
A 20th century school of design, architecture & arts who were influential in minimalist contemporary design where "form follows function".
Fixed to the head of a bed, a bedhead is an upright panel or board.
Bespoke refers to something that is uniquely created for a particular client.
A long, narrow cushion or pillow used to provide body support.
Shuttle-woven silk fabric with elegant raised patterns created during the weaving process.
A lowered section of ceiling that has been dropped down or boxed-in. Typically used to conceal services such as air-conditioning, plumbing or wiring.
A writing desk or dresser containing drawers for storage and a hinged flap.
A CAD Drawing brings the visual components of 2D and 3D projects to life.
A beam or structure that is projected and supported at one end only.
The focal point or feature placed in the middle of something (usually a dining table).
An upholstered sofa shaped like a chair with a lengthened seat.
Very similar pattern to Herringbone, however the sloping parallel lines meet in a centre point and do not overlap.
Cold Materials have cooler shades and colours leaning towards blues, purples and some shades of green.
When two design styles are combined in harmony, it falls under the category of combination.
A design style that is simple yet sophisticated, focussing on clean textures and lines.
A common term for a solid surface type that contains natural, polymer minerals.
A decorative and functional moulding board that runs along the border of the interior wall, connecting it to the ceiling.
A daybed is a smaller bed to be used more casually in a home and is not restricted to being in the bedroom.
This is when the importance of style, space planning and practicality create the foundation of a meaningful interior design transformation.
An adjective for décor featuring a diverse mixture of textures, trends, styles, and other elements.
Sometimes referred to as “engineered stone” - is a man-made material that is 90% ground quartz mineral and a 10% mixture of pigments, polymers, and resins.
A technical drawing to scale, showing an above view layout of a building interior.
This refers to the cohesion and liveability when rooms are positioned well, and what their relationship is to one another.
Glass that is textured with vertical grooves.
The area where the eye is first drawn, such as a centrepiece on a table.
Something that makes common human activities or experiences easier.
A wall exhibiting a collection of photos, artwork and decor.
A design style that is beachy, bright and features a lot of blues and whites.
The permanent materials found in a home (e.g. cabinetry, floors, walls etc).
The components that contribute to the function & aesthetic of a door or window. Includes handles/knobs/pulls, locks, hinges, latches & door stops.
A pattern consisting of parallel sloping lines, stacked in a symmetrical overlapping weave.
A design style adopted from the aesthetics of industrial spaces and factories.
There is a broad range of Interior Design Styles, each with different style characteristics that contribute to an overall theme.
The centrepiece of a kitchen — the Island Bench offers additional space for meal prep, entertaining and more.
This is when you bring different textured materials into one space to create interest and visual appeal.
A space that is a pleasure to live in due to its helpful features.
This is used to determine all the materials that will be brought into your home, from curtain fabrics to wall colours and more.
A design style that is bold, colourful and believes busier is better.
Drawing on style elements from the 1940s, featuring clean lines and high functionality.
A design style that places emphasis on simplicity, clean lines, a neutral colour palette and subtle materials within a space.
A simplistic, sleek design style kept minimal and elegant.
A sofa that is made up of main and additional sections, such as a chaise or arm pieces.
Ideas for an interior design or decoration project are visualised in a mood board.
A Moroccan technique for wall surfacing, using lime plaster and soap derived from olives.
A second entryway to the main space of a home, allowing you to remove outwear before entering.
Something that has more than one use.
A division between vanities, showers or toilets. Nib walls can also be used for additional storage, display or privacy purposes.
A shallow wall recess used for display or storage purposes.
Usually separate areas in the home that flow on from one to the other without walls in between.
A stand-alone piece of furniture, traditionally used as footstools or tables in living rooms.
A coastal design style with a touch of glamour.
A weathered or tarnished finish on furniture or décor.
A pavilion is a separate outdoor living space where you can unwind or entertain guests.
When your own personality is brought into the home through design and decoration elements.
A clear acrylic material.
It is a man-made product composed of powdered clay and coloured pigments, bonded under high heat and pressure. Porcelain is known for its durability and variety of colours and vein patterns.
A traditional name for a small room typically located on the main level of the home containing a toilet, vanity, basin, and mirror.
The acquisition of interior items or products. Includes sourcing, specifying, budgeting, ordering, delivery management & invoicing.
In Interior Design, the Project Brief is the vision of the client/homeowner as they explain it to the Interior Designer whom they have hired.
Walls are made from a mixture of earthy materials, such as sand, gravel and clay.
This is when you change the structure or elements within a home.
Taking something old and giving it a new look!
The process of replacing & updating the materials (padding, springs, fabric) within the soft coverings of furniture.
Fabric window coverings that raise and lower with a cord system.
A narrow length of carpet or cloth used to decorate and protect flooring or furniture.
A design style that celebrates natural materials, with a fondness of metals and ruggedness.
A design style that strays away from clutter and focuses on meaningful, simple features.
A narrow recess or featured “gap” between two surfaces, typically used between cabinetry and a ceiling.
Eco-friendly rugs that are made from Agave sisalana - a cactus plant!
A protective board that runs along the border of the floor and interior wall.
Delicate fabrics found in the likes of sheets, cushions, table linens etc.
A piece of material that protects walls and surfaces from splashes.
White or light-coloured calcareous rock, with a porous surface finish. Deposited from mineral springs and classified as a type of limestone.
A smaller bed stored under a larger bed, which can be pulled out and used for guests or as another bed.
The provision & manufacture of materials (padding, springs, fabrics) that make up the soft coverings of furniture items (cushions, sofas, bench seats, bedheads).
Something that is made of different colours, with unique patches and streaks.
Multiple thin layers of timber bonded with adhesive to create decorative sheets with a wood finish.
Interior panelling covering the lower part of an interior wall for decorative and protective purposes.
A decorative paper used to cover plain walls.
Warm Materials have warmer shades and colours leaning towards reds, oranges and some shades of yellow.
