The Interior Design Language - Pt. 1

I'd say, one of the first imposter syndrome experiences that will come up on your journey to becoming an interior designer, without necessarily having a degree...is not speaking the same language as professionally trained & certified designers. Now, as someone who 100% got into design without that lingo, or even an awareness of important terms that I should know...you can get by. I promise. And I even really want to promote you being comfortable in being open when you don't know something. Sentences like "Hey, I'm self taught, that term is new to me. Would you mind explaining what you are referring to?" goes a LONG way. You will be successful because you are confident. Not because you know the lingo.

That said, I've started sharing my experiences & knowledge so that you don't have to do it the hard way like I did. So, let's discuss some key terms in the interior design "language" that will make you more comfortable & sound like you know this world from the start.

1. Balance: The distribution of visual weight in a room. It can be symmetrical (formal), asymmetrical (informal), or radial, ensuring a sense of harmony and equilibrium.

2. Focal Point: The central element or feature that immediately draws attention in a space, such as a fireplace, artwork, or a statement piece of furniture.

3. Scale and Proportion: Scale refers to the size of an object in relation to the space, while proportion relates to the size of objects in relation to each other.

4. Mood Board: A visual tool used to convey the overall concept, color palette, and style of a design project, often including images, materials, and textures.

5. Space Planning: The process of organizing furniture and functions to work cohesively within a room while considering circulation, flow, and purpose.

6. Traffic Flow: The natural pathways people use to move through a space, ensuring clear and unobstructed routes for comfort and functionality.

7. Finish Schedule: A detailed document outlining all the materials and finishes (e.g., paint, flooring, cabinetry) to be used in a project, often shared with contractors.

8. FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment): The movable pieces and accessories that are not permanently attached, including furniture, lighting, and decorative items.

9. Millwork: Custom woodwork such as cabinetry, moldings, and built-ins, often fabricated to add functional and aesthetic elements to a design.

10. Trim: Decorative or functional woodwork installed at edges (e.g., baseboards, crown molding, and wainscoting) to enhance a room's architectural detail.

11. Palette: The cohesive selection of colors, materials, and textures used to establish the overall aesthetic of a space.

12. Contrast: The deliberate use of opposing elements, such as light and dark or rough and smooth textures, to create visual interest and depth.

13. Ambient Lighting: The general, overall lighting in a room that provides sufficient illumination, often achieved with ceiling fixtures or recessed lights.

14. Accent Lighting: Focused lighting used to highlight specific features, such as artwork, architectural details, or decorative objects.

15. VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds): Chemicals released from paints, finishes, and materials that can affect air quality. Low-VOC or no-VOC products are preferred for health and sustainability.

16. Soft Goods: Textiles used in a space, including curtains, upholstery, rugs, and cushions, which add softness and warmth to a design.

17. Specification (Spec) Sheet: A document detailing the technical aspects, dimensions, and finishes of a product, used to ensure accuracy during sourcing and installation.

18. Lead Time: The time required for a product to be ordered, manufactured, and delivered, a crucial factor when planning project timelines.

19. Punch List: A checklist created near the end of a project to identify final adjustments or incomplete tasks before declaring a project complete.

20. Sconce: A wall-mounted lighting fixture, often used for decorative or functional purposes, such as providing ambient or accent lighting.

    
    
    
    

Stay tuned for part two of this list!

Keep in mind, there are only 3 weeks left to access the pre-order book deal - the one where you get a signed copy of the book when it comes out, & access to ALL tools & courses until Feb. 1st. The price will go up at that deadline, so don't wait - we're talking hundreds of dollars in savings :)

XOXO

Shira