Interior Design Language - Pt. 2

In our last post, we started the conversation about how important it can be - mostly for your confidence, but also for clear communication & planning...to know the Interior Design language & terms. Here's a part 2 of that, the next batch of terms I have found helpful to know.

Advanced Interior Design Terms & Definitions

1. Fire-Rated: Materials or assemblies that are certified to withstand fire for a specific period, such as fire-rated doors or walls, to meet safety codes.

2. Compliance: Adherence to building codes, regulations, or standards (e.g., ADA compliance for accessibility) required by local, state, or national authorities.

3. Finish: The surface treatment of a material, such as paint, stain, polish, or texture, that affects its appearance, durability, and maintenance.

4. Substrate: The underlying material (e.g., drywall, concrete, or plywood) to which finishes, tiles, or other surface materials are applied.

5. Load-Bearing Wall: A structural wall that supports weight from the roof, floors, or other parts of the building, as opposed to a non-load-bearing partition wall.

6. Hardscape: The non-plant elements in an outdoor design, such as pathways, retaining walls, or patios, often created with stone, brick, or concrete.

7. Softscape: The plant and organic elements in outdoor spaces, such as grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers.

8. Render: A technical drawing or 3D visualization that illustrates how a finished space or feature will look, often used to convey ideas to clients or contractors.

9. Shop Drawing: Detailed, scaled drawings provided by contractors or fabricators, outlining precise specifications for custom elements like cabinetry or millwork.

10. Plenum: The space between a suspended ceiling and the structural ceiling above, often used for housing HVAC ducts, wiring, and other mechanical systems.

11. Kick Plate: A protective plate installed at the bottom of a door to prevent damage from foot traffic, often made of metal or other durable materials.

12. Joinery: The technique of connecting or joining wood pieces together, commonly used in furniture making, cabinetry, and millwork.

13. Pattern Repeat: The interval at which a pattern on a fabric, wallpaper, or carpet repeats, critical for accurate cutting and installation.

14. Railroading: A method of orienting fabric so the pattern runs horizontally rather than vertically, often used to minimize seams on upholstery.

15. Blocking: The addition of structural support (e.g., wood or metal) inside walls to securely anchor heavy fixtures like shelves, televisions, or grab bars.

16. Grain Direction: The orientation of fibers in wood, fabric, or other materials, influencing both the aesthetic and how the material is cut or assembled.

17. Overspray: The unintentional spread of paint or finish beyond the intended area, often addressed by masking or protective coverings.

18. Tolerance: The allowable variation in dimensions or alignment during construction or installation, ensuring elements fit and function as intended.

19. Field Measurement: Precise measurements taken on-site to ensure designs and materials align accurately with real-world conditions.

20. Caulking: A flexible sealant used to fill gaps between materials (e.g., between tile and countertops or around windows) for waterproofing and aesthetic purposes.

Bonus Terms

21. Laminate: A durable, layered material applied to surfaces, often mimicking wood or stone, commonly used for countertops or furniture.

22. Hand: The way a fabric feels to the touch, such as soft, coarse, or silky, influencing its suitability for different applications.

23. Underlayment: A layer of material placed beneath flooring or tiles to provide support, insulation, or soundproofing.

24. Reveal: The visible edge or gap left intentionally between materials, such as the distance between a cabinet door and the frame.

25. Miter Joint: A beveled edge joint created by cutting two pieces of material at an angle (usually 45 degrees) for seamless corners.

26. Slipcover: A removable fabric cover for furniture, designed for easy cleaning or to change the look of a piece.

27. Seam Allowance: The area between the fabric edge and stitching, allowing for adjustments during upholstery or sewing.

28. Specification Grade: A high-performance product, such as lighting fixtures or flooring, designed to meet rigorous industry standards for commercial use.

29. Subfloor: The structural layer beneath the visible flooring, providing support and stability for the final surface.

30. Tempered Glass: A safety glass treated to increase strength and shatter into small, less dangerous pieces when broken, often used in windows, doors, and furniture.

I like to leave you nuggets at the end of some of these posts... so you should know that the code for 50% off all tools - "New50!" is still active & I don't think anyone realizes that!