Interior design is the art and science of improving the interior of a building to achieve a healthier and more attractive environment for people who use the space. An interior designer is someone who plans, researches, coordinates, and manages such development projects.
Interior Design Vocabulary Words with Meanings
Following is an a to z list of words related to interior design along with their explanation for beginner interior designers:
1. Advancing colors
This phrase is used to describe the optical illusion, often created by dark colors, of making a surface appear closer or larger than it actually is.
2. Contrast
Creating contrast in a room’s décor is achieved by using opposite textures (such as glass and wood), light and dark colors, solids and patterns, etc.
3. Curated
When a designer puts together a collection of furnishings, it is said to be curated. Curated collections often reflect the designer’s personal style or have a historical connection or meaning.
4. Elevated
This word describes a situation when a designer takes a décor to a new level of style or demonstrates her or his design expertise in an impressive way.
5. layered
The art of adding design elements to create a cohesive room décor is called layering. Each level of the design, such as flooring, window treatments, furniture, and accessories, adds another layer.
6. Open concept
This popular modern phrase is used to describe an open floor plan where multiple activities or tasks take place, such as a kitchen, dining and living spaces occupying a large open area.
7. Rhythm
This type of room design has a flow to it that generates a rhythm within the design. The eye moves about the room, touching on one design element after another, such as patterns, colors, and textures, some contrasting and others matching.
8. Textured
This term describes a room or object that has a tactile and/or visual appeal. It’s often used to describe the different fabrics, colors and patterns used in a décor.
9. Well appointed
A well-appointed room is one that is designed with high-end furnishings and outstanding execution of interior design principles.
10. Baluster
This is the vertical supports of a railing. It can be made out of wood, metal, glass, etc and have simple to ornamental designs.
11. Dado
The lower part of an interior wall is decorated differently from the upper part for aesthetic or functional uses. This is mainly seen in kitchen, living and bath areas.
11. Engaged column
This is the column that is partially projecting from the wall and partially embedded in it
12. Hue
Color in its pure state.
13. Lintel
This is a horizontal supporting beam of timber, stone, concrete or steel that spans the distance between an opening, mainly a window or doorway.
14. Marquetry
These are decorative inlay patterns formed with small pieces of colored wood veneers and other materials (mother of pearl, tortoiseshell, brass etc.) solely for the decoration of furniture or any product.
15. Patina
A surface film, usually brown or green, produced by the oxidation over a long period and polishing.
16. portico
It is a covered entry structure resting on columns at regular intervals.
17. Powder room
This is a toilet room in a private house intended primarily for use by guests.
18. Eaves
The part of the roof that overhangs the walls of a building is eaves.
19. Skirting
For this a border of tiles or wood is fixed around the lower length of the interior wall to protect it from dirt, kicks etc. It can vary in height as per the design.
20. Sill
This is a strong horizontal member at the base of a window opening or doorway mainly made of wood, metal or a slab of stone.
21. Cantilever
This is a long projecting structure fixed only at one end, while the other end floats in the air.
22. Bevel
A slope or slanting edge takes shape in carpentry and stonework to allow play of materials, lights and shades on material.
23. Niche
This is a shallow recess or cavity in the wall to display artwork, statues etc. It adds a certain character to the wall. A wall with various niches can also be treated as a statement wall.
24. Ornamentation
As the name suggests, this is the act of embellishing any object or material with decorative details.
25. Ottoman
It is a foot stool and very much in trend these days.
26. Case goods
Types of cabinetry and furniture that are designed to provide storage.
27. Chair rail
Horizontal molding that is generally placed towards the middle of a wall, close to the height of a standard dining room chair.
28. Countertop
A horizontal surface generally found in kitchens and used for cooking and eating.
29. Dimmable
When a lightbulb’s brightness is adjustable.
30. Focal point
The point in a room or design that the eye is drawn to. The decorative center of a room from which all other design elements take their cue.
31. Laminate
A layered synthetic type of flooring that is made using lamination.
32. Light fixture
A device that houses an electrical lamp meant to provide illumination.
Apart from these words a designer should also have a knowledge of proper words to describe a design to its clients to make it stand out from the rest.
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