The ABCs of Interior Design

It is a known fact that there are 26 alphabets in the English language. But what about what each alphabet can represent in interior design? 

In this article, we will be looking at the ABCs of interior design to learn more about the terms commonly used by professionals in the industry. 

1. ARTS (ARTISTIC, ARTISANAL...)

Art is also known as visual art. It includes images, sculptures, paintings and other kinds of visual media. Defined as a highly diverse range of human activities engaged in creating visual, auditory, or performed artefacts, arts are capable of expressing the artist’s imagination or technicalities. They are intended to be appreciated for their beauty.

Including some simple and traditional paintings in our interior can make us feel comfortable. Paintings also create a strong artistic (a unique style of designing that is neither structured nor expected) atmosphere at home. These paintings will also help children to develop and stimulate their learning. In Feng Shui principles, it was mentioned that paintings can bring us luck and fortune.

Although having paintings in our home is like killing two birds with one stone, we must still select the right paintings to match our interior design style.

Different types of paintings suit different interior styles so if you are going for a Western-style interior, Western oil paintings will be a great choice for you. In the Oriental style of interior design, you may use traditional Chinese paintings.

In addition, different paintings may show different meanings. For example, the lotus, which is often portrayed in Chinese paintings, means harmony, perfection, and kindness. The Western painting Scream by Edvard Munch represents the artist's turbulent inner world deep in his heart.

Image via Freepik

Image via Getty Images

2. BESPOKE (PERSONALIZED, CUSTOMIZED...)

This term has evolved from the verb ‘bespeak’ (which means ‘to speak for something’) to an adjective. It basically means something which is specially tailored or custom-made.

Interior design projects should be customized and personalised to statisfy the clients. If you have some particular plans for your interior and need them fulfilled, then going custom may be the best choice for you.

Custom-made furniture or interior design for our home may be good for you as you are able to express your special interests and avoid your dislikes. Also, you can reduce wastage of time and effort to search for the right furniture or decorations for your interior design style.

By going custom-made, you may even get high-quality products which are better value for price easily and conveniently.

Image via Freepik

3. CHIC (ATTRACTIVE, STYLISH...)

The word ‘chic’ is often associated with something that is elegantly and stylishly fashionable.

If you prefer your home to be elegant and attractive, why not have a go at the ‘shabby chic’ style of interior design? The shabby chic interior style has become very popular in recent years.

Features of the shabby chic interior style include using soft colours or hues, mixing of vintage and modern decorations, and incorporating feminine elements.

This design style creates a rustic (but not old) casual yet elegant interior for your living space.

3. DIY (CREATIONS, HANDMADE...)

‘DIY’ is the abbreviation of ‘Do it yourself’. DIY simply means the activity of making or repairing things yourself instead of purchasing them or hiring someone else to do it for you.

In the interior design field, DIY has gained popularity and can be beneficial to homeowners. Furniture DIYs are not just nice to look at but also fun to do, so why not bond with a family member or friend and put your crafting talents to the test? Or you can go solo on this interesting journey. Some DIY ideas include creatively turning your old items into something new that you can use on a daily basis.

DIY mural art, pillows, blankets, and furniture are extremely popular these days as they can be recreated to suit your preferences and personality. In fact, the possibilities are endless when it comes to DIY.

Image via Freepik

4. ECLECTIC (BROAD-RANGING, VARIED...)

Eclectic stands for ideas, styles, or tastes from a broad and diverse range of sources. In interior design, eclectic can mean a combination of various design aesthetics.

The eclectic interior design style is timeless and elegant as it contains different patterns, colours, and textures. It is inspired by different historical periods, achieving a warm, collected atmosphere for your home.

The eclectic interior design style, if implemented, can help your home look lively and vibrant.

                                                                                    Image via Freepik

5. FENG SHUI

Feng Shui is a profound technique with a long history in the Chinese community. It is also called ‘Qiang Wu Shu’ and Qing Shui Shu’. The academic term of Feng Shui is geomancy. Feng Shui is believed to be the power of nature and the large magnetic field energy of the universe.

Wind represents vitality and field energy, while water symbolizes the flow and change. 

Feng Shui was originally used as a method of on-site inspection. It was also known as a geographical skill in ancient times and a philosophical concept for studying the environment and laws of the universe. Since humans are considered as a part of nature, nature is also considered as a part of humans. Feng Shui is thus believed to help attain ‘harmony between human and nature’.

Feng Shui is very important in interior design, particularly for those who believe in it. For those who incorporate Feng Shui into their daily lives, they should take note of useful Feng Shui principles when renovating or designing their home. 

For example, the door of the living room should not be too small or narrow as this will make people feel oppressed and disconnected from the living environment. Also, a small door will make it difficult to accumulate wealth and harmony.

In conclusion, understanding these interior design terms will help develop familiarity with interior design. It will prove useful in selecting which interior styles or design methods can match our living spaces to create the home of our dreams.