Interior design is a complex and multifaceted field, full of professional jargon and specialized terms. To understand designers’ projects, read industry magazines, or simply confidently talk about renovations, it’s essential to know the basics of this terminology. Here’s a glossary of 50 key terms in the field of interior design.

Basic Concepts:

• Mezzanine: An intermediate floor in a room with high ceilings.
• Balcony: An open platform projecting from the wall of a building.
• Visualization: A 3D image of the future interior.
• Suite: A set of furniture made in a single style.
• Decor: Items that decorate the interior and give it individuality.
• Design Project: A set of documentation defining the appearance and functionality of the interior.
• Interior: The internal space of a building designed for living or working.
• Composition: The organization of elements within an interior into a harmonious whole.
• Concept: The overarching idea underlying the interior design.
• Layout: The organization of space within a building.

Styles and Directions:

• Avant-garde: Bold and experimental direction in design.
• Art Deco: Luxurious style characterized by geometric shapes and expensive materials.
• Boho: Eclectic style combining elements of different cultures and eras.
• Classicism: A style based on the principles of ancient architecture and art.
• Kitsch: A style using deliberately tasteless and vulgar elements.
• Loft: A style originating in industrial spaces, characterized by open planning and rough finishes.
• Minimalism: A style distinguished by simplicity, functionality, and a lack of unnecessary details.
• Provence: Romantic style inspired by the French countryside, using pastel tones and natural materials.
• Scandinavian Style: Functional and cozy style, characterized by light tones and natural materials.
• High-Tech: A style based on the use of modern technologies and materials.

Materials and Finishes:

• Decorative Plaster: Finishing material creating a textured surface of the walls.
• Porcelain Stoneware: Durable and long-lasting material for floor and wall coverings.
• Laminate: Popular flooring material imitating wood.
• MDF: Medium-density fiberboard, used for making furniture.
• Wallpaper: Rolled finishing material for walls.
• Parquet: Flooring made of wooden planks.
• Tile: Ceramic or stone covering for walls and floors.
• Splashback (Skinali): Tempered glass with an applied image, used to protect the kitchen backsplash.
• Veneer: A thin layer of wood used to cover furniture.
• Eco-Veneer: Artificial material imitating veneer.

Furniture and Lighting:

• Overhead Shelf (Furniture): The top shelf in a wardrobe.
• Sconce: Wall-mounted lamp.
• Console Table: Narrow attached cabinet.
• Rocking Chair: Chair with arc-shaped runners for rocking.
• Chandelier: Suspended lamp.
• Illumination: Intensity of the luminous flux.
• Pouf: Soft, backless piece of furniture.
• Cabinet: Small cupboard.
• Sliding Wardrobe: Wardrobe with sliding doors.
• Ergonomics: The science of creating a comfortable and functional space.

Other Terms:

• Accent Wall: A wall highlighted by color, texture, or other elements.
• Baget (Moulding): Decorative strip for framing pictures and mirrors.
• Cornice: Decorative element for hanging curtains.
• Skirting Board: Decorative strip covering the joint between the wall and the floor.
• Curtains: Heavy fabric curtains.
• Rustic: Wall finish imitating rough stone.
• Style Mixing: Combining elements of different styles in one interior.
• Texture: The character of a material’s surface.
• Functionality: The correspondence of the interior to its tasks and needs.
• Color Palette: A set of colors used in the interior.

This glossary will help you navigate the world of interior design and confidently communicate with professionals. Remember, knowing the terms is the first step to creating the perfect space for living and working.