Navigating the world of interior design can feel overwhelming with so many industry-specific terms. Whether you're planning a renovation, working with a designer, or just want to brush up on your knowledge, this glossary will help you speak the language of design with confidence.
Wall Textures
Wall textures come into conversation a lot, especially when wallpaper is involved (almost everyone wants to know if you can put wallpaper on textured walls.) For a full deep dive into texture walls (and the answer to this popular questions) you can learn more here.
Smooth Finish – A flat, even surface with no texture.
Knockdown – A troweled or sprayed-on texture that is flattened slightly for a subtle, uneven surface.
Orange Peel – A light, bumpy texture resembling an orange peel.
Popcorn – A heavy, bumpy texture often found on ceilings.
Venetian Plaster – A polished, plaster-like finish with a high-end look.
Skip Trowel – A hand-applied texture with a slightly rough, uneven surface.
Cabinet Door Styles
When doing a kitchen overhall you'll look at a variety of cabinet doors for your cupboards and therefore you'll here a lot of these terms. If you want more examples and deep dive into the pros and cons of each of these styles, check out this blog post.
Shaker – Simple, clean lines with a recessed center panel.
Flat Panel (Slab) – A sleek, modern door with no detailing.
Raised Panel – A traditional style featuring a center panel that is raised.
Glass Front – A cabinet door with a glass insert for display purposes.
Beadboard – Vertical paneling for a cottage or farmhouse look.
Louvered – Doors with horizontal slats, offering ventilation.
Door Styles in a Home
Who knew there were so many different style of doors you could have in your home? Find the name of the one that's been filling up your dreams.
Panel Door – A classic style with raised or recessed panels.
French Door – A door with multiple glass panes, often used for interiors or patios.
Barn Door – A sliding door mounted on a track for a rustic feel.
Pocket Door – A door that slides into the wall to save space.
Dutch Door – A split door that allows the top and bottom to open separately.
Bifold Door – Folding doors typically used for closets or pantries.
Types of Wood
Wood is used in so many different areas of your home, from your floors to the cupboards to accent pieces to furniture. Understanding what each wood looks like, it's level of hardness and it's base color will make all the difference when designing your space. (Don't worry though, when you work with me, I have all this knowledge on hand and can help you make the decision that's right for your home!)
Oak – A durable hardwood with prominent grain.
Maple – A smooth-grain hardwood often used in cabinets.
Walnut – A rich, dark wood with a luxurious look.
Cherry – A reddish-brown wood that deepens with age.
Pine – A softwood with a knotty, rustic appearance.
Mahogany – A deep reddish-brown wood known for elegance.
Paint Types & Techniques
From the paint type to the style you put on your walls, there is a lot to know about paint. While these terms will give you the base for what you might be looking for, I have an entire post dedicated to everything you could possibly need to know about painting to your house, read it here.
Matte – A flat finish with no shine.
Eggshell – A soft sheen that’s easy to clean.
Satin – A mid-sheen finish that works well in high-traffic areas.
Semi-Gloss – A slightly shiny finish, often used for trim.
Gloss – A high-shine finish best for accents.
Whitewashing – A thinned-out paint technique for a faded look.
Color Drenching – Painting walls, ceilings, and trim the same color for a cohesive effect.
Ombre – A gradient effect where color gradually fades.
Limewash – A natural, chalky finish that ages beautifully.
Types of Trim
Whether you go with baseboards, ceiling trim, thick or thin, you'll want to know what all your design options include. Here are the main types of trim you'll come across (or hear about) when in the middle of a renovation.
Baseboard – Runs along the bottom of the walls.
Crown Molding – Decorative trim where the walls meet the ceiling.
Chair Rail – Horizontal trim that protects walls from furniture.
Wainscoting – A paneling feature on the lower half of walls.
Picture Rail – A thin molding used to hang artwork.
Tile Types
Tile, it's a classic material, it last forever, and it has the ability to add so much character to a space. This is partly because it's so versatile and comes in so many different styles and materials. Here are the main tile terms you'll here in the design world.
Ceramic Tile – Durable and widely used, often in bathrooms and kitchens.
Porcelain Tile – Denser than ceramic and water-resistant.
Subway Tile – Rectangular, typically glossy, and often used in backsplashes.
Mosaic Tile – Small tiles arranged in patterns.
Terrazzo – A composite of marble chips in concrete.
Marble Tile – A luxurious natural stone option.
Zellige Tile – Handmade Moroccan tiles with a glossy, imperfect finish.
The physical tile is just the beginning to all the terms you'll hear in reference to a tile project. Below we go even deeper on everything that's used in these projects.
Materials Beneath the Tile
Subfloor – The foundational layer beneath tile flooring, usually plywood or concrete.
Backer Board (Cement Board/CBU) – A water-resistant board placed over the subfloor or wall studs to provide a stable surface for tile.
Self-Leveling Underlayment (SLU) – A liquid compound that levels uneven floors before tile installation.
Uncoupling Membrane – A layer (e.g., Schluter-DITRA) placed between the subfloor and tile to prevent cracking from movement.
Waterproofing Membrane – A barrier (e.g., RedGard, Schluter-KERDI) applied to prevent moisture damage in wet areas.
Mortar/Thinset – A cement-based adhesive used to bond tiles to the substrate.
Grout and Tile Finishing Materials
Grout – A material used to fill spaces between tiles, available in sanded (for wider joints) and unsanded (for thin joints) varieties.
Epoxy Grout – A highly durable and stain-resistant grout made from epoxy resins instead of cement.
Grout Sealer – A protective coating applied to grout to prevent staining and moisture absorption.
Tile Spacers – Small plastic pieces placed between tiles to ensure even spacing during installation.
Caulk (Silicone or Acrylic) – A flexible sealant used in corners and expansion joints to prevent cracking.
Additional Tile Project Materials
Tile Edge Trim (Schluter Trim/Metal Edging) – A protective and decorative trim used on tile edges.
Tile Adhesive (Mastic) – A premixed adhesive used for wall tile in dry areas (not suitable for floors or wet areas).
Expansion Joint – A gap left between tiles or surfaces to accommodate movement and prevent cracking.
Trowel – A tool with notched edges used to apply thinset mortar evenly.
Tile Leveling System – Clips and wedges used to minimize lippage (uneven tile edges).
Flooring Types
Putting in new floor in your renovation project is common (You wouldn't believe some of the carpets I've seen!) But it's more than just wood, tile, and carpet you have to choose from.
Hardwood – Solid wood planks for a timeless look.
Engineered Wood – Layers of real wood over plywood for durability.
Laminate – A budget-friendly alternative that mimics wood.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) – Waterproof, durable, and stylish.
Tile Flooring – Ideal for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Carpet – Soft and warm underfoot, available in various pile heights.
Concrete – Industrial and durable, great for modern spaces.
Design Styles
Finally, we get into the design styles. I dive much deeper into this in my 5 Most Common Design Styles, but hearing a few more options might be helpful. Before starting on your project it can also be handy to know which of these styles you like and don't like and to know that mixing a few together to make your own style isn't only okay, it's encouraged!
Modern – Clean lines, minimal decor, and neutral colors.
Mid-Century Modern – Retro style with organic shapes and wood tones.
Scandinavian – Simple, functional, and light-filled interiors.
Bohemian – Layered, eclectic, and full of color.
Traditional – Rich woods, classic furniture, and elegant details.
Industrial – Raw materials like brick, metal, and exposed beams.
Farmhouse – Cozy, rustic, and often features shiplap and natural materials.
Transitional – A mix of traditional and contemporary styles.
Maximalist – Bold colors, patterns, and plenty of decor.
Custom Framing Glossary
I love working with a custom framer when dealing with any art for your space. The frame and mat add so much extra personality to your walls and allow you to create a cohesive space. But when it comes to framing there are a surprising number of new words to learn. If you want a behind the scenes look at how I custom framed some recent projects, see that here.
Frame Components
Frame – The outer structure that holds and supports the artwork, available in wood, metal, and composite materials.
Moulding – The material used to create the frame, available in various widths, profiles, and finishes.
Rabbet – The inner groove of the frame where the artwork, mat, and glass sit.
Liner – A secondary inner frame, typically fabric-covered, that provides additional depth and contrast.
Matting & Mounting
Mat (Matboard) – A decorative and protective border around the artwork, usually made of acid-free board.
Double Matting – Using two layers of matboard to add depth and visual interest.
Float Mounting – A technique where artwork appears to "float" above the backing rather than being covered by a mat.
Hinge Mounting – A method using archival tape or hinges to attach artwork to a backing board while allowing flexibility.
Dry Mounting – A permanent mounting process where artwork is affixed to a rigid backing using heat and adhesive.
Fillet – A small decorative trim placed inside the mat opening or along the liner for an extra design element.
Glazing (Glass & Acrylic Options)
Glazing – The protective glass or acrylic covering that shields the artwork from dust, UV rays, and damage.
Regular Glass – Standard framing glass that protects from dust and scratches but offers no UV protection.
Non-Glare Glass – Reduces reflection but may slightly blur artwork details.
UV-Protective Glass – Blocks harmful UV rays to prevent fading and damage.
Museum Glass – A high-end glass with anti-reflective and UV-protective properties for maximum clarity.
Acrylic (Plexiglass) – A lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass, available in UV-protective and non-glare options.
Backing & Finishing
Foam Core (Backing Board) – A lightweight, rigid board used to support artwork inside the frame.
Archival Backing – Acid-free backing material that prevents artwork from yellowing or deteriorating over time.
Dust Cover (Frame Backing Paper) – A protective paper backing on the back of a frame to keep out dust and debris.
Framer’s Points – Small metal tabs used to hold the artwork, mat, and backing securely within the frame.
Hanging Hardware – Includes D-rings, sawtooth hangers, and wire to properly hang a framed piece.
Framer’s Tape – Acid-free tape used for securing artwork and backing materials without causing damage.
Interior Design Dictionary
Understanding these design terms can help you communicate your vision clearly and make informed decisions. Whether you're working with a designer like me or tackling a project on your own, this glossary serves as a handy guide for navigating the world of interiors with confidence!
Comments