Interior Design Terms Defined

7/10/2020

John Elliott Interiors is the best interior design company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are here for you to help you create the home of your dreams. There are a lot of terms that we use on a regular basis in the professional design world that you may not be familiar with. Today we are helping you address some of the most common design terms. Keep reading to learn more!



Art Deco

A modernist style of visual arts that first emerged in France in the leadup to World War I. Art Deco influence can be seen in all sorts of modern design, from structural architecture to household appliance design.

Case Goods

Types of cabinetry and furniture that are designed to provide storage.

Contemporary

Rather than being one specific style of interior design, the word contemporary is attached to a style of the present time period. As time goes by, the style associated with this title will change.

Contrast

Contrast happens when unlike things of opposite natures are put together. In interior design, this can be done by using opposite textures like glass and wood, light and dark colors, and solids with patterns for a few examples.

Curated

When an interior designer uses their talent and expertise to create a collection of furnishings for a client, that collection is said to be curated. The pieces have been carefully put together to reflect a particular style or meaning as requested and sometimes has historical tie-ins.

Faux

A design element that is artificially constructed to mimic another type of material or piece.



Feng Shui

A traditional method of Chinese design based around energy forces. Feng shui is meant to bring the individual in harmony with their surroundings.

Focal Point

This is an item in a room that immediately draws your eye, catches your attention, and generates interest. It can be a special piece of furniture, a fantastic piece of art, or an element of the room such as a fireplace or a large picture window. Generally, the rest of the design will be planned around the focal point.

Hue

The color or shade of an interior design element.

Mid-Century Modern

A modern style of architectural design that emerged in the aftermath of World War II, defined by open floor plans and large windows.

Retro

A design that harkens back to older design styles and sensibilities.

Rhythm

This is the description used to explain the flow that the room design generates. The way that everything works together to urge your eyes to move around the room in a specific way, touching on one design element after another.

Scale

An understanding of how the size of one object in a space relates to the size of the other objects in the space.


Texture

This word is often used to describe the different fabrics, colors, and patterns used to decorate a room. All of those things give the space a tactile and visual appeal, giving it the look of being textured.

Upholstery

The cushioning and padding found on furniture pieces.

Victorian

An architectural style defined by highly ornamented design and grand, sweeping facades.

Wainscoting

A type of interior wall paneling that covers the lower portion of a wall.

Window Treatments 

Window coverings that are used for aesthetic design purposes as well as to provide privacy and insulation.

Expert Interior Design


As the best interior designers at the Lake of the Ozarks, we have all of the tips and information that you need for the home design of your dreams. We are here for you! If you ever have any questions when it comes to interior design, contact the best interior design company at the Lake of the Ozarks - John Elliott Interiors.



Let us help you create an interior for your life.


2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd.
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

573.365.7057

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