Interiors Glossary: An Essential A-Z of Interior Design Terminology

Welcome to the Design Hunter Interiors Glossary, an A-Z guide to interior design terminology.

Embarking on a home renovation is exciting, but if you’re unfamiliar with some of the terms and buzzwords used by interior designers and decorators, it’s easy to end up feeling a little confused by all the jargon.

This essential glossary aims to demystify the language of interior design and make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Whether you’re a first-time home decorator, a seasoned renovator, or just someone with a passion for beautiful spaces, I hope you’ll find this guide helpful. Each term is explained in a clear, concise manner, making it a useful reference point for any interior project you are embarking on.

Happy decorating!

A-Z of Interior Design Terminology

Accent Lighting: Lighting that highlights a particular object or draws attention to a part of the field of view.
Aesthetic: A set of principles underlying the work of a particular artist or artistic movement.
Alignment: The arrangement of elements to create a line or ‘visual connection’ in a design.
Ambient Lighting: General lighting that evenly illuminates a whole room or area.
Asymmetry: An imbalance in visual elements in a space, achieving balance without mirroring.
Balance: The even distribution of visual weight in a space, which can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial.
Bidirectional Flow: A layout or design that allows movement in multiple directions.
Colour Harmony: The theory of combining colors in a way that is harmonious to the eye.
Colour Palette: A selected range of colours used in a design scheme.
Contrast: The arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark, rough vs. smooth, etc.) in a piece to create visual interest.
Depth: The perception of three-dimensionality or distance in a room or a design.
Elevation: A head-on view of an interior or exterior wall, showing the finished appearance.
Emphasis/Focal Point: Creating a centre of attention or a highlight in a space to draw the viewer’s eye.
Ergonomics: The science of designing the workspace, considering how people interact with their environments.
Field of View: The extent of the observable world seen at any given moment.
Flow: The ease with which one can move through a space, determined by layout and spatial organisation.
Form: The shape and structure of solid objects within a space.
Gradient: A gradual change of colour or texture within a design.
Harmony: The feeling of unity or cohesiveness in a space, where all parts contribute to a whole.
Hierarchy: The visual arrangement of elements in a space in order of importance.
Illuminance: The amount of light that falls on a surface, measured in lux.
Juxtaposition: Placing two or more elements side by side to highlight their differences or create interesting contrasts.
Kinetic Elements: Dynamic or moving components in a design.
Layering: Placing different materials, textures, or objects in a way that they partially overlap, creating depth and interest.
Line: The use of various forms of lines in a space, which can direct the eye or create forms.
Luminance: The intensity of light emitted from a surface per unit area in a given direction.
Mass: The physical volume or bulk of a solid body or structure.
Modularity: The use of standardised units or dimensions in design for flexibility and variety.
Negative Space: The empty or open space around and between objects, which defines shapes and can add balance.
Niche: A small recess in a wall, often used for display purposes.
Ombre: A design effect where colour shades or tones fade into each other, typically from light to dark.
Pattern: A repetitive design used in wallpapers, fabrics, or other surfaces.
Perspective: The technique used to represent three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface.
Proportion: The relative size and scale of various elements within a space, considering the relationship between objects.
Rendering: A detailed drawing or painting showing a room’s design and decoration.
Repetition: Using the same element multiple times in a space to create rhythm and unity.
Rhythm: The visual flow throughout a space, achieved through repetition, progression, transition, and contrast.
Saturation: The intensity or purity of a colour.
Scale: Refers to the size of objects in relation to the space they are in or to other objects within the space.
Symmetry: The arrangement of elements so that they are evenly distributed on either side of a central axis.
Tactility: The perceived texture or quality of a surface through touch.
Task Lighting: Lighting designed for a specific functional purpose, like reading or cooking.
Texture: The perceived surface quality of a material, which can be seen or felt.
Transparency: The use of materials or design elements that are see-through or allow light to pass through.
Unity: The feeling that all components of a design fit together in a cohesive whole.
Valance: A short ornamental drapery or border hung from the top of a window or bed, used as a decorative feature.
Variety: The use of different elements in a design to add interest and prevent monotony.
Vista: A view, especially one seen through a long, narrow avenue or passage.
Whitespace: Unfilled areas of a design, helping to prevent a cluttered look and feel.
Zoning: Organising a space into distinct functional areas.