Home & Interior Design Glossary

Aesthetic
The term “aesthetic” refers to the visual appeal or beauty of a space. In interior design, an aesthetic encompasses the overall look and feel of a room, including color schemes, furniture styles, and decorative elements. Different aesthetics might include modern, rustic, or industrial, each bringing a unique vibe to a space.

Balance
Balance in design is about creating visual harmony by distributing visual weight equally within a space. There are three types of balance: symmetrical (where elements on either side of a central line are identical), asymmetrical (where elements differ but are balanced by their visual weight), and radial (where elements are arranged around a central point).

Focal Point
A focal point is the area in a room that draws the most attention, whether it’s a piece of furniture, artwork, or an architectural feature like a fireplace. Establishing a focal point is essential for creating a cohesive and visually appealing design.

Floor Plan
A floor plan is a scaled diagram of a room or building viewed from above. It is an essential tool in interior design, helping to visualize how furniture will fit and how traffic will flow through a space.

Scale and Proportion
Scale refers to the size of an object in relation to the space it occupies, while proportion is about the relationship between different elements in the room. Both are critical in ensuring that a space feels balanced and harmonious.

Traffic Flow
Traffic flow refers to the way people move through a space. A well-designed room allows for easy movement, without obstacles, ensuring that the space is both functional and comfortable.

Color Palette
A color palette is a selection of colors used in a design project. It sets the tone for the room and is key in creating a cohesive look. Designers often use a primary color, secondary colors, and accent colors to achieve the desired effect.

Texture
Texture in interior design refers to the surface quality of materials. It adds depth and interest to a space, making it feel more dynamic. Combining different textures, such as smooth, rough, soft, or hard surfaces, can create a rich and engaging environment.

Contrast
Contrast is the use of opposing elements, such as light and dark, rough and smooth, to create visual interest. It can help to highlight certain features and draw the eye to specific areas of a room.

Veneer
A veneer is a thin layer of wood or other material applied to the surface of furniture or cabinetry. Veneers allow for a high-quality finish at a lower cost than solid wood, and they can be used to achieve various decorative effects.

Upholstery
Upholstery refers to the padded textile covering that is attached to furniture such as sofas and chairs. Common upholstery materials include leather, velvet, and linen, each offering different textures, durability, and aesthetics.

Millwork
Millwork encompasses custom woodwork elements like moldings, trims, and built-in cabinetry. These details can add character and elegance to a space, often providing a bespoke, tailored look.

Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is the general illumination in a room, providing overall light that allows people to see and move around safely. It’s often achieved through ceiling fixtures, wall-mounted fixtures, or floor lamps.

Task Lighting
Task lighting is focused light used for specific activities like reading, cooking, or working. It helps reduce eye strain and enhances functionality in areas where detailed work is performed.

Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is used to highlight particular features in a room, such as artwork, architectural details, or a statement piece of furniture. It adds drama and creates visual interest by drawing attention to these focal points.

Mountain Modern

Mountain Modern style, often referred to as mountain contemporary, fuses rugged, nature-inspired elements with sleek, modern design. This aesthetic creates a seamless integration of the natural world with contemporary living. It emphasizes the use of organic materials, earthy textures, and abundant natural light, paired with streamlined forms and minimal decoration. The interior design typically showcases open spaces, neutral palettes, and a blend of wood, metal, and stone materials.

Transitional

Transitional design is a blend of traditional and contemporary styles, offering a balanced, timeless aesthetic. It combines the comfort and elegance of classic design elements with the clean lines and minimalism of modern styles. This fusion creates a cohesive look that feels warm, welcoming, and sophisticated without being overly ornate or too stark.

Luxury Contemporary

Luxury Contemporary design is a style that emphasizes clean lines, sophisticated elegance, and the use of high-quality, premium materials. It blends the sleek, minimalist approach of contemporary design with luxurious elements, creating spaces that are both modern and opulent. This design style focuses on balance, simplicity, and refinement, often incorporating bold statements without being overly extravagant.