Interior Design Glossary, Part 1

Coffered Ceiling at project No. 15

Ever felt lost in a sea of design jargon? From 'zellige' to 'biophilic', the world of interior design can feel like its own language. To help clue you in as to what the heck your designer is talking about, we created this comprehensive glossary, your go-to resource for understanding the key terms that shape beautiful spaces. Whether you're a design enthusiast or embarking on a home renovation, this guide will demystify the vocabulary and empower you to communicate your vision with confidence.

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Glossary of Terms

• Accent Lighting

  Lighting used to highlight specific objects or areas in a room or on a house.

• Ambient Lighting

  General, overall lighting in a room.

• Architrave

  The moulding around a door or window opening.

• Armoire

  A large, freestanding cabinet or wardrobe.

• Coffered Ceiling

  A ceiling with recessed panels.

• Color Palette

  The range of colors and sometimes textures used in a design, impacting mood, aesthetic and atmosphere.

• Complementary Colors

  Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, that work well together.

• Console Table

  A narrow table placed against a wall or behind a sofa.

• Drapery

  Fabric window treatment, such as curtains.

• Feng Shui

  The Chinese art of arranging spaces for harmony.

• Focal Point

  The central point of interest in a room, where your eye is drawn.

• Monochromatic

  A color scheme using variations of a single color. See also, color drenching.

• Kilim

  A flat-woven rug.

• Negative Space

  The empty space around and between objects.

• Pattern

  A decorative design, especially a repeated one.

• Proportion

  The relationship of one part to another, or to the whole, in terms of size. Goes hand-in-hand with Scale, above.

• Rabbet Joint

  A joint used to connect two pieces of wood, a groove or recess cut along the edge or end of a piece of wood. Creates a lip that the adjoining piece of wood can fit into.

• Scale

  The relative size of objects in a space, crucial for balance and proportion.

• Sconce

  A wall-mounted light fixture.

• Sectional

  A multi-piece sofa.

• Shiplap

  Wooden boards used as siding or wall covering, with a rabbet joint.

• Texture

  The surface qualities of a material, adding depth and visual appeal to a design.

• Upholstery

  The materials and process of covering furniture with fabric or leather.