Whether you hire a professional interior designer or tackle a project on your own, there are a few basic interior design terms you need to know. Using these will help you clearly communicate your exact wishes to those you’ll be working with.
Carpenters, architects, electricians, and more regularly use many of these terms in their work.
If you have a basic grasp of interior design terms, you’ll be far more likely to get the end result you have in mind.
1. Hygee
This interior design term sounds like what it creates. Pronounced like “hoo-ga”, this word describes a place that encapsulates all things cozy and, well, huggable. It’s derived from the Danish and Norwegian style of creating spaces that conjure feelings of comfort and complete contentment.
A hygee space is one you want to cozy up in with a good book and take a nap. This design style is great for cozy winter cabins, bedrooms, and even libraries.
2. Eclectic
This is a fun interior design term, not only to say, but to create. When you have an eclectic room or piece, it usually exemplifies the marriage of multiple different design aesthetics.
Eclectic interior designs pull styles and trends from different eras, trends, and sources to create a magically harmonious look. Not to mention, eclectic rooms are a riot to create.
3. Feng Shui
So many important interior design terms come from various world cultures. The term Feng Shui means a space that is both functional and welcoming, and that possesses positive energy.
Think “the opposite of clutter and confusion”.
This Chinese term helps describe the effect created when a room is easy to maneuver and whose layout allows for clarity in the mind and ease of use. If you’ve got couches blocking a walkway, that would be considered as the opposite of Feng Shui.
4. Collected
The interior design term “collected” refers to Individuals who have collected interiors generally have deep pockets. These beautiful spaces are comprised of various pieces of furniture , art and other interior decorations that have been collected and gathered through the years to develop a space with depth.
Usually “collected” (or “collectible”) pieces are high in value and quality.
5. Aspirational
This term means what it sounds like. It refers to a space that aspires to support a certain lifestyle chosen by the creator. For example, if you aspire to live a minimalistic lifestyle, then your home or space will reflect that.
If you aspire to a life attuned to nature and the outdoors, your aspirational space will include elements and functions found in nature.
Many expert interior designers find creating aspirational spaces a great challenge and opportunity to get creative. You may find artistic and even functional pieces that are reminiscent of items you find in the environment you’re trying to imitate.
6. Whimsical
Do you have a great sense of humor? Then a whimsical style may be perfect for your space. Or even one or two whimsical elements that can bring a smile to you and your visitors.
Whimsical rooms or items in an interior are quaint, fanciful, and amusing. They’re fun to find and are great conversation starters for guests as well.
You may also enjoy adding whimsical designs to places like children’s rooms or playrooms. Of course, charm and playfulness aren’t restricted to these areas, they can be fun to add almost anywhere.
7. Bespoke
If you like items made especially for you, then you need them to be bespoke. Custom made, or bespoke, items are special ordered or requested in advance. This allows carpenters, artists, or other kinds of craftsman to create your perfect piece with your own specifications.
Bespoke items are tailor made for an individual. They are the pieces in your home that will identify it as your own, adding personality and originality to your interiors.
8. Elevated
A room that is elevated goes the extra mile in exemplifying fashion or a specific theme or trend. It’s creation and artistic development are, well, …elevated.
The style, design, or theme of elevated spaces are well thought-out and planned. There are no parts or aspects of such a space that do not compliment the desired outcome or theme of the space.
Professional interior designers can help you style an elevated room to match just about any theme or style you can imagine.
9. Chic
This French word is commonly used, but sometimes little understood. Chic spaces are elegant. They are stylish and fashionable while still retaining a degree of timelessness.
Chic spaces are clean, neat, and upscale. They are not kitsch or overly trendy. They usually include classic furniture or art that have a more modern look to them.
Neutral color schemes are often used. Or clean color schemes using blacks, whites, creams, or metallics.
10. Well Appointed
Well appointed can be defined easily in one word: quality. If you want a room with superb craftsmanship and high caliber furnishings, than you want a well appointed room.
These rooms often include great woodwork and exceptionally stylish electrical or plumbing fixtures. They are top-notch in both decorative elements and functional pieces. If your room is well appointed, it is made with nothing second-hand or cheap.
This also means you normally will get what you pay for: the items and structures in this space should last a long time and remain in good condition if well cared for.
More Interior Design Terms
The list of interior design terms is endless, but these commonly used words will help you step up your game and prove you’re “in-the-know” when it comes to professional interior design.
Browse our site for more ideas on the latest interior design trends and products. Let our professionals guide you in finding the perfect styles and design practices to help you create the space you’re looking for.