Space Planning & Layout

ADA refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Accessible design is an approach to creating spaces that are usable by people with a wide range of abilities.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on a single residential lot.

A design term referring to a color scheme that uses no hue.

Acoustics is the branch of science that deals with the study of sound and how it is perceived in an environment.

Adaptable in interior design refers to spaces, furniture, and fixtures that can easily be modified to accommodate changing needs or preferences.

Advancing colors are hues that appear to come forward in a space, making walls seem closer.

An alcove is a recessed area in a room, often used for additional space or styling.

Alignment in interior design refers to the arrangement of elements in a way that creates a line or row, forming a visual connection.

An appliance refers to a device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task, often used to refer to household or kitchen items.

Asian Zen Style is a tranquil and minimalist interior design approach influenced by the simplicity and natural elements of Zen philosophy.

Asymmetrical refers to a design that is not symmetrical, exhibiting balance through differing elements.

A back order is an order for an item that is temporarily out of stock.

Balance in interior design refers to the distribution of visual weight in a space.

A banquette is a long, upholstered bench that is often used in dining areas.

A tall chair designed for use at a bar or high countertop.

A barrel vault, also known as a tunnel vault or a wagon vault, is an architectural element characterized by its semi-cylindrical shape.

A bench is a long seat for multiple people that is often made of wood or metal.

Bidirectional flow in interior design refers to the two-way movement within a space, allowing for efficient circulation and interaction.

A bistro table is a small table, typically round, designed for intimate dining or coffee for two.

In the context of interior design, home builder refers to a person or company specializing in constructing residential homes.

The physical barrier that separates the interior of a building from the exterior environment.

A building permit is an official approval issued by local government or regulatory authority for the construction or substantial alteration of a building.

A building trade professional is an expert skilled in the construction, renovation, or repair of buildings.

Built-in refers to any feature or piece of furniture that is permanently integrated into a room's structure.

A bunk bed is a type of bed in which one bed frame is stacked on top of another, allowing two or more beds to occupy the floor space usually required by just one.

A versatile table featuring hinged leaves that can be folded and stored under its top.

A canopy bed is a bed surrounded by fabric hung from the ceiling or bed frame, creating a canopy.

Casement refers to a window that is attached to its frame by one or more hinges at the side.

A professional designation for individuals specializing in the design, planning, and execution of kitchens and bathrooms.

A chair and a half is an oversized armchair, larger than a standard chair but smaller than a loveseat.

A long chair designed for lounging with the legs extended.

Clearance refers to the minimum amount of space required around furniture or fixtures to ensure accessibility, functionality, and safety.

Client Purchase Price refers to the cost price of items or services purchased on behalf of a client in the context of interior design.

Cohesive refers to a design that appears unified and harmonious, with all elements working together effectively.

A color scheme is an intentional selection of colors used in design for aesthetics and practical purposes.

Construction drawings are detailed plans and drawings produced by architects and designers to guide the construction or renovation of a building.

A concept statement articulates the vision and overarching theme for an interior design project.

Colour Harmony is the pleasing arrangement of colours.

A meeting or series of meetings between a client and a professional to discuss plans, preferences, and requirements for an interior design project.

Contrast is the difference in luminance or color that makes an object distinguishable.

Drop leaf is a type of table or desk design featuring one or more hinged leaves that can be lowered or raised to adjust the surface area.

A fall front is a hinge-mounted panel typically found on desks or secretaire that folds down to provide a writing surface.

FF&E refers to the movable furniture, fixtures, and equipment within a building.

Curated in interior design refers to a carefully selected and arranged collection of items that enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects of a space.

A drop front refers to a hinged panel on a piece of furniture that can be lowered to provide a horizontal surface.

An Easy Chair is a type of comfortable, upholstered armchair designed for relaxation or reading.

Complementary colors are pairs of colors that, when combined, cancel each other out to produce a grayscale color like white or black.

A console table is a narrow, long table typically placed against a wall.

Depth is the perception of three-dimensional space in a design, contributing to its complexity and visual interest.

Egress refers to the way out of a room or building which includes exits or any other means of leaving.

A sub-contractor, often shortened to sub-contractor, is a specialist who is hired by the main contractor to perform specific tasks or services on a larger project.

A daybed is a versatile piece of furniture that combines the features of a sofa and a bed.

Drawn to scale refers to the replication of an object or space on paper or software, proportionately adjusting its dimensions to fit a specific size reference.

Elevation is a flat representation of a facade or an interior wall, depicting it head-on.

Ergonomic refers to the design of products and environments to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice of arranging living spaces to create harmony and balance with the natural world.

A file cabinet is a storage unit with drawers or compartments designed for organizing and storing files and documents.

A general contractor is a primary professional responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a construction project.

A credenza is a type of sideboard or buffet typically used in dining rooms for serving food, displaying serving dishes, or as an additional storage space.

A curved-back sofa is a type of sofa with a rounded, continuous backrest.

A development permit is official approval from local authorities allowing new construction, expansion, or alteration of buildings.

Direct lighting refers to a lighting solution where the majority of light is directed downwards towards a specific area or task.

A small dining area, often adjoining a kitchen or living space, designed for informal meals.

Double Extra Long refers to a specific size of bedding, particularly mattresses and bed linens.

A double bed is a medium-sized bed designed to accommodate two people.

A design questionnaire is a tool used to gather information from clients on their preferences, requirements, and goals for an interior design project.

Monochromatic refers to a color scheme that uses only one color.

Natural light is the illumination provided by the sun that enhances the visual comfort and appearance of a space.

Muted colors are hues that have been dulled or desaturated.

Negative space refers to the area around and between objects in a room.

Open concept refers to a design philosophy where multiple rooms are combined into a larger, open space without walls or partitions.

Open plan refers to a floor layout without walls or barriers between different living spaces.

A palette is the range of colors used in a particular design or piece of art.

A floor plan is a scale drawing that presents the layout of a space from above.

Perspective is a technique that creates the illusion of depth and space in design.

A low-profile bed frame with a solid or slated base designed to support a mattress without the need for a box spring.

A document that outlines the scope, standards, guidelines, and specifications of a design project.

A futon is a multifunctional piece of furniture that can serve as both a sofa and a bed.

Proportion in interior design refers to the ratio between elements in a space.

A detailed checklist used near the completion of a project to verify all work is done to specifications.

Room divider is a furniture or architectural element that separates spaces within a room.

Rendering in interior design refers to the process of creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional images or animations showing the attributes of a proposed architectural design.

Functionalism is a design approach that emphasizes the purpose of design over aesthetics.

Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a color.

Segmental refers to parts or segments of a whole, often relating to design elements divided into sections.

A sofa that converts into a bed.

French doors are hinged, double doors featuring glass panes extending for most of their length.

Furniture dimensions refer to the measurements of a piece of furniture, including the height, width, depth (or length), and sometimes weight.

Rhythm in interior design refers to the visual flow and repetition of elements to create a sense of organized movement.

Scale refers to the size of objects in relation to each other and the space they occupy.

Shoji refers to a traditional Japanese sliding panel that separates spaces or serves as a door or window.

A sketch is a freehand drawing that captures the basic ideas and concepts of a design.

A footboard is a decorative or functional panel at the foot of a bed.

A gateleg table is a type of folding table with legs that are hinged to swing out and support hinged leaves.

The outline or general shape of an object.

Furniture arrangement is the process of organizing and positioning furniture in a room to create a cohesive, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space.

Size refers to the dimensions or proportions of an object or space.

Space planning is a crucial aspect of interior design that involves arranging the physical layout of spaces within a building to optimize their use and functionality.

A floor lamp is a tall, freestanding lighting fixture designed to stand on the floor.

A notation or label used to identify materials or items for a specific project or client in interior design.

Symmetry in interior design refers to a balanced distribution of visual weight on either side of a central axis.

Task lighting refers to light sources specifically designed to assist in the execution of activities that require focused illumination.

A tight-back sofa is a type of couch that has a fully upholstered back without any loose cushions.

A general contractor is a professional responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations on a construction site.

A split-back sofa is a versatile piece of furniture featuring a backrest that is divided into two or more sections, each of which can be adjusted independently.

Sustainable design is an approach to designing physical objects, the built environment, and services in a way that reduces their impact on the environment and promotes both ecological and human health.

A swing leg is a movable leg attached to furniture, allowing it to extend or collapse.

A swivel chair is a chair with a single central leg that allows the seat to rotate 360 degrees around its vertical axis.

Tint refers to a color made lighter by adding white.

A handkerchief table is a type of drop-leaf table where the leaves are supported by brackets that swing out, resembling a handkerchief partially unfolded.

A bed designed to save space, which stores an additional bed underneath.

Universal Design is an approach to design that caters to the widest possible range of abilities, ensuring products and environments are accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of age, size, or disability.

Twin Extra Long (Twin XL) is a mattress size that is longer than a standard twin.

Warm colors are those hues that evoke warmth and coziness, often found on the red, orange, and yellow side of the color spectrum.

Vis-à-vis in interior design refers to furniture or objects facing each other.

Zen Design is an approach to interior design that emphasizes simplicity, natural beauty, and harmony.

Zoning is the process of dividing a space into distinct areas, each with a specific function.

Wrap Group refers to a methodology of grouping furniture and decor items to create a cohesive and visually appealing arrangement.

A writing desk is a piece of furniture designed specifically for writing and other related tasks.

Illuminance is the measure of how much light falls on a surface.

An island is a standalone work station or storage area within a room, often found in kitchens.

Hierarchy in interior design refers to the deliberate organization of elements in a space to signify their importance.

International Style is an architectural movement characterized by minimalism, functionality, and the use of modern materials.

Japanese Style in interior design refers to an aesthetic that emphasizes minimalism, natural materials, and a strong connection with nature.

A kitchen island is a freestanding piece of cabinetry that is placed in a kitchen to provide additional countertop space, storage, and sometimes seating.

A kidney desk is a desk shaped like a kidney, characterized by its curved front and usually a recessed center.

Knocking down a wall involves the process of removing a wall to open up space or change the layout of an interior.

Modularity refers to the design principle of creating components that can be easily combined or separated to adapt to changing needs or spaces.

Layout refers to the arrangement of objects within a space.

A loft bed is a bed raised off the ground, typically supported by posts or a framework, creating usable space beneath.

Modular seating is a flexible furniture solution composed of multiple independent pieces that can be arranged and rearranged to suit different spaces and needs.

Line in interior design refers to the continuous mark or edge that defines shapes and forms, and guides the eye movement within a space.

A design style characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and a monochromatic palette with color used as an accent.