Welcome to the Design Hunter Interiors Glossary, a comprehensive A–Z guide to essential interior design terms. This glossary is designed to help homeowners, renovators, and design enthusiasts understand the vocabulary used by interior designers and decorators so you can follow conversations, make informed decisions, and feel confident during any project.
Starting a renovation or redecorating your home can be exciting, but the industry has its own language. This guide explains commonly used words and concepts clearly and concisely, so you won’t be slowed down by jargon when discussing layouts, materials, lighting, or finishes.
Whether you’re preparing a brief for a designer, reading plans, or shopping for furniture and fixtures, this glossary will serve as a practical reference to streamline your process and improve communication.
Happy decorating!
Table of Contents
- Design Principles
- Styles and Periods
- Furniture and Fixtures
- Materials and Finishes
- Architectural Features
- Measurements and Abbreviations
Design Principles
Balance – The visual distribution of weight in a room, achieved through symmetry, asymmetry, or radial arrangements.
Proportion – The relationship between the sizes of objects and the space they occupy.
Scale – How the size of an object relates to other elements in the room and to the room itself.
Contrast – The use of opposing elements—light vs. dark, rough vs. smooth—to create interest.
Focal Point – The area or element that naturally draws attention in a space.
Harmony – When materials, colours, and forms work together to create a unified look.
Rhythm – Visual flow created by repeating shapes, colours, or textures.
Negative Space – The empty or open space around and between objects, important for clarity and balance.
Styles and Periods
Art Deco – A 1920s–30s style known for bold geometry, rich colours, and metallic accents.
Bauhaus – Functional, modernist design rooted in early 20th-century Germany that emphasises simplicity and industrial materials.
Brutalism – An architectural approach featuring raw concrete and sculptural, monolithic forms.
Industrial – Inspired by factories and warehouses, with exposed structures, metal finishes, and utilitarian fittings.
Mid-Century Modern – Design from the 1940s–60s characterised by clean lines, organic curves, and functional forms.
Minimalism – A pared-back aesthetic focused on simplicity, open space, and purposeful design.
Scandinavian – Light, airy interiors that use natural materials and prioritise comfort and functionality.
Transitional – A blend of traditional and contemporary elements to create a balanced, timeless look.
Furniture and Fixtures
Accent Chair – A distinctive chair used to add colour, pattern, or shape to a scheme.
Armoire – A freestanding wardrobe or large cabinet.
Banquette – Built-in bench seating, commonly used in dining areas and kitchens.
Chaise Longue – An elongated chair designed for reclining and relaxation.
Console Table – A narrow table suitable for hallways or placed behind a sofa.
Daybed – A hybrid between a bed and a sofa, ideal for lounging or guest use.
Pedestal Table – A table supported by a single central column rather than multiple legs.
Pendant Light – A suspended ceiling light that can define a zone or add visual interest.
Sconce – A wall-mounted light fitting used for ambient or accent lighting.
Materials and Finishes
Laminate – A manufactured surface created by fusing layers, often used for affordable countertops and cabinetry.
Lacquer – A high-gloss, durable finish applied to wood and metal for a smooth appearance.
Marquetry – Decorative inlay work using patterned wood veneers.
Patina – A natural change in surface colour or texture caused by age or exposure.
Terrazzo – A composite material made from chips of marble, quartz, or glass set in cement or resin and polished.
Veneer – A thin decorative layer of high-quality wood adhered to a base material to create the look of solid timber.
Architectural Features
Alcove – A recessed section of a wall that can be used for seating, shelving, or display.
Architrave – Decorative moulding that frames doors or windows.
Coving – Curved moulding placed at the junction of wall and ceiling to soften angles.
Mezzanine – An intermediate floor or platform that overlooks the level below.
Niche – A shallow recess in a wall used to display objects or provide a small storage area.
Measurements and Abbreviations
AFF – Above Finished Floor; a vertical measurement taken from the completed floor level.
CAD – Computer-Aided Design; software used to produce detailed drawings and plans.
FF&E – Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment; items that furnish a space but are not part of the building fabric.
RCP – Reflected Ceiling Plan; a drawing that shows ceiling elements and lighting.
WTW – Wall-to-Wall; a measurement commonly used in flooring and layout planning.
A–Z of Interior Design Terminology
- Accent Lighting: Lighting used to highlight specific features or create focal points.
- Aesthetic: The set of principles guiding the visual style of a design.
- Alignment: Arranging elements to form lines or visual connections within a layout.
- Ambient Lighting: General, evenly distributed light that illuminates an entire room.
- Asymmetry: A balanced composition achieved without mirroring elements on either side.
- Balance: The overall distribution of visual weight in a space to create stability.
- Bidirectional Flow: A layout that allows movement in more than one direction for flexibility.
- Colour Harmony: The selection and combination of colours that work well together.
- Colour Palette: The chosen range of colours used across a design scheme.
- Contrast: Using opposing elements to create visual drama and interest.
- Depth: The sense of three-dimensional space achieved through layering, scale, and perspective.
- Elevation: A straight-on view of a wall or façade showing finishes and features.
- Emphasis / Focal Point: A deliberate feature that draws attention in a room.
- Ergonomics: Designing spaces and furniture to support comfort, safety, and efficiency.
- Field of View: The visible area perceived from a particular vantage point.
- Flow: How easily people can move through and use a space.
- Form: The shape and structure of objects within a design.
- Gradient: A gradual transition of colour or tone that adds depth and interest.
- Harmony: A cohesive relationship between all elements that creates a pleasing whole.
- Hierarchy: Organising elements by importance to guide visual attention.
- Illuminance: The amount of light falling on a surface, typically measured in lux.
- Juxtaposition: Placing contrasting elements together to highlight differences or achievements in composition.
- Kinetic Elements: Moving or dynamic parts introduced for interaction or changing effects.
- Layering: Overlapping materials, textures, or objects to build depth and richness.
- Line: The use of direction and edge to lead the eye and define shapes.
- Luminance: The brightness of a surface as perceived from a specific direction.
- Mass: The perceived bulk or volume of an object within a space.
- Modularity: Using standardised units that enable flexible configurations.
- Negative Space: The open areas that define and enhance the objects around them.
- Niche: A small recessed area used for display or storage.
- Ombre: A gradual fading of colour from light to dark used in finishes and fabrics.
- Pattern: Repeated motifs used in textiles, wallpapers, and surfaces.
- Perspective: Techniques that create a realistic sense of depth on flat surfaces.
- Proportion: The relationship of sizes between elements that ensures visual harmony.
- Rendering: A visual representation or illustration of a proposed design.
- Repetition: Reusing elements to establish rhythm and cohesion.
- Rhythm: The visual movement created by repeating or progressing elements.
- Saturation: The intensity or purity of a colour.
- Scale: How an object’s size relates to its surroundings and to human dimensions.
- Symmetry: Balanced arrangement mirrored across a central axis.
- Tactility: The sense of texture and how materials feel to the touch.
- Task Lighting: Focused light for specific activities such as reading or cooking.
- Texture: The surface quality of a material, perceived visually or by touch.
- Transparency: The degree to which materials allow light or sight through them.
- Unity: The overall sense that all design parts belong together.
- Valance: A short decorative drapery or border used at the top of windows or beds.
- Variety: Introducing diverse elements to keep a design lively and engaging.
- Vista: A framed view or sightline that enhances the visual experience.
- Whitespace: Unoccupied space that prevents clutter and improves legibility in layouts.
- Zoning: Dividing a space into distinct functional areas for better organisation.
Using this Interior Design Glossary
Keep this glossary as a quick reference during planning, shopping, or working with contractors and designers. Using the correct terms helps you communicate ideas clearly, evaluate options more effectively, and make confident choices for materials, lighting, furniture, and spatial layout.
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