Interior Design Glossary

General illumination that provides uniform, overall light throughout a space.

An informal arrangement of different elements that achieves visual equilibrium through equal visual weight rather than mirror-image placement.

A design approach integrating natural elements into built environments to strengthen the human-nature connection and improve well-being.

A collaborative digital process that uses intelligent 3D models for planning, designing, constructing, and managing buildings and interiors.

A circular diagram organizing colors by their chromatic relationships, used to identify complementary, analogous, triadic, and other harmonious color schemes.

The juxtaposition of different elements — such as light and dark, rough and smooth, or large and small — to create visual interest and hierarchy.

A two-dimensional architectural drawing showing a vertical view of an interior wall, used to communicate the placement of cabinetry, fixtures, and finishes.

The design principle of creating a focal point that dominates a space and draws the viewer's attention first.

The science of designing environments and products to fit human physical capabilities for optimal comfort, efficiency, and safety.

A scaled, two-dimensional diagram showing the layout of a space as viewed from above, including walls, doors, windows, and furniture placement.

The dominant visual element in a room that immediately captures attention and anchors the design composition.

The pleasing arrangement of parts that creates a unified, visually coherent whole in a designed space.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — a green building certification program addressing environmental sustainability in design and construction.

A curated visual composition of images, colors, materials, and textures used to communicate the concept and aesthetic direction of a design project.

Intentionally empty or unoccupied areas in a composition that provide visual rest and define surrounding elements.

The relationship between the dimensions of different elements within a space, ensuring they relate harmoniously to one another.

A realistic visual representation of a proposed interior design, created by hand or with digital software, showing materials, lighting, and spatial relationships.

A design principle that creates visual movement through the repetition or progression of elements such as color, pattern, texture, or shape.

The size of objects in relation to the space they occupy and to the human body.

The analysis and organization of spatial layouts to optimize function, traffic flow, and user experience within a given area.

An approach to design that minimizes environmental impact through responsible material selection, energy efficiency, and healthy indoor environments.

Focused illumination directed at areas where specific activities such as reading, cooking, or working are performed.

The tactile and visual quality of a surface that adds depth and sensory interest to a design, ranging from smooth and glossy to rough and matte.

The design of environments to be accessible and usable by all people, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance, without requiring special adaptation.

The perceived heaviness or prominence of an element in a composition, influenced by its size, color, texture, and position.