INTERIOR DESIGN GLOSSARY

The full set of drawings and documents (floor plans, site plans, elevations, etc.) that builders and councils rely on to understand exactly what is being built.

A protective barrier along staircases, balconies, or decks consisting of vertical posts (balusters) and a handrail.

The 'skin' of the home (walls, roof, windows, doors, floor) that separates the interior from the exterior environment.

The outer layer applied to a building's exterior to protect the structure from weather and define the facade's aesthetic.

The big-picture design stage focusing on mood boards, color palettes, and broad space planning to define the project's 'look and feel'.

The impression a home makes from the street, influenced by facade design, landscaping, fencing, and lighting.

A window system featuring two panes of glass separated by a sealed gas or air gap to improve insulation and noise reduction.

A 2D drawing showing one face of a building or room to illustrate height, proportions, and vertical alignment.

The practice of designing spaces to suit human comfort, reach, and movement patterns.

The main outward-facing exterior of a home, composed of windows, doors, cladding, and roof shapes.

A single wall treated with unique colors, textures, or materials (like VJ panelling or stone) to draw the eye and anchor a space.

Stands for Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment; includes loose items like sofas, rugs, and lamps that are not fixed to the structure.

The final surface treatment of a material (e.g., matte paint, honed stone, or stained timber) that affects look, touch, and maintenance.

A scaled overhead drawing showing the layout of rooms, walls, doors, and key fixtures to study circulation and zoning.

The ease of movement through a home and the natural connection between different spaces and finishes.

Permanent, non-living outdoor elements such as paving, decks, retaining walls, and pools.

An approach that views the home as a whole, considering how light, acoustics, and storage relate to the architecture and landscape.

Stands for Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning; the systems responsible for climate control and air health in a home.

The first working meeting to discuss lifestyle needs, budget, and feasibility before starting a design package.

A freestanding cabinetry unit in a kitchen that serves as a work surface and social hub.

Built-in elements like kitchen cabinets and wardrobes that provide custom storage and functionality.

A style of mixer tap with a single fine lever for easy one-handed control of water flow and temperature.

A planning principle linking the fridge, sink, and cooktop to ensure efficient movement during food prep.

A drawing specifying the location and type of light fittings, categorized into ambient, task, and accent lighting.

Slats (glass, timber, or metal) used for passive ventilation and privacy control.

Decorative timber elements such as skirting boards, architraves, and wall panelling that add character to a room.

A curated collection of images and materials that serves as the reference point for the project's design direction.

The use of window placement and skylights to utilize daylight, affecting mood and comfort.

A layout where kitchen, dining, and living areas are combined into one shared space to suit modern living.

Prime Cost Items; allowances in a building contract for items not yet selected, such as taps or appliances.

A light fitting that hangs from the ceiling to provide focused task lighting or visual interest.

The coordination of trades, budgets, and schedules to ensure a design is realized correctly on site.

A measure of a material's resistance to heat transfer; higher values indicate better insulation.

A coating applied over masonry or blockwork walls to create a smooth or textured finish.

Upgrading or adding new elements (like insulation or windows) to an existing building rather than rebuilding.

A wall-mounted light fitting used for ambient, task, or accent lighting.

A vertical 'slice' drawing through a building or joinery piece to show heights, levels, and internal construction.

A service where visible finishes and fixtures are curated and documented in a Schedule of Finishes.

The living elements of a landscape, including trees, plants, lawn, and garden beds.

The process of arranging furniture and circulation paths to ensure a room functions well and feels balanced.

The vertical surface behind a wet area or cooktop that protects walls from moisture and grease.

Designing homes that reduce environmental impact through efficient appliances, insulation, and responsible material sourcing.

The visual and tactile quality of a surface (rough, smooth, matte) used to add depth to a design.

Designing spaces that are accessible and intuitive for all people, regardless of age or mobility.

Tongue-and-groove boards that create V-shaped grooves, used to add texture to walls.

A thin layer of real timber bonded to a stable core (MDF or plywood) to provide the look of wood with better stability.

A final inspection of a finished project to identify minor defects and explain how to maintain finishes.

Rooms with high water usage, such as bathrooms and laundries, requiring specific waterproofing and ventilation.

Coverings like curtains, blinds, and shutters used to manage light, privacy, and acoustics.

Dividing a home into functional areas (living, sleeping, working) to manage noise and organization.