Home Design Terms Explained
When it comes to home styling, I have a pretty casual approach. Not to mean I don’t take the elements seriously, but I’m far from pretentious or rigid. Labels can be kind of intimidating actually and feel like a barrier to learning anything. That said, knowing some key terms can be helpful! Over the years as I’ve worked on many homes and interacted with contractors or ordered pieces, knowing the vocabulary has given me a lot of confidence. Here, I’m breaking down some common home design terms to to help you create authentic, lovely spaces.
Focal Point
Focal point is pretty much what it sounds like, it’s the main focus of a space. Often, this is something like a fireplace, artwork, or a statement piece of furniture that draws the eye and anchors the space.
It serves as the centerpiece around which the rest of the room’s design is arranged. Not only does this make a space interesting, but it’s a good place to start when you’re faced with decorating a space. Sometimes it can feel a little old timey – and overused. Like you do not need a gigantic television or artwork to be the focal point, it can be a fireplace, mirror, or even a window (my favorite!).
Texture
We get it, texture is all the rage. Textured pillows, blankets, baskets everywhere. So what’s the big deal? Well texture is the surface quality of a material, which can be how it feels or how it looks. Adding texture adds depth and richness to a room, preventing it from feeling flat or one-dimensional.
Usually more medical or sterile places lack texture and feel really flat. Texture is easy to achieve with fabrics, finishes, and even natural elements like wood or stone. Read more about it in my post; 7 Ways to Add Texture to Home Decor.
Color Palette
A color palette is just the mix of colors you use in a room to set the vibe. Color scheme is another way of saying this. Whether it’s a group of neutrals or more bold choices, a color palette is kind of like the main shades you’ll use in a space.
They don’t have to be exact or set in stone but it can give you a good framework for choosing items like rugs, couches, and artwork. When thinking of color palettes, remember; warm tones make things feel cozy and inviting, while cool tones keep it chill and calming. When your colors work together, the whole space feels balanced!
Check Out: My Curated Paint Color Schemes – I’ve preselected groups of paint colors that work well together in a variety of decor styles.
Minimalism
Minimalism is a design style characterized by simplicity and the use of elements, focusing on clean lines, open spaces, and a limited color palette. The goal is to create a clutter-free environment that emphasizes function and form. Minimalism often involves thoughtful curation, with each piece serving a specific purpose or making a strong visual statement.
Read More: The Basics of Minimal Home Decor
Proportion
Proportion is one of my favorite home design concepts. It’s all about how the sizes of different elements in a space work together. When the proportions are right, everything feels balanced and harmonious.
Basically it’s the concept that the size and shape of item or element, fits the existing space – it’s not too large or too small. Using the rule of thirds or the golden ratio to nail the perfect proportions in a room’s layout and decor.
Contrast
One home design term that gets talked about a lot is contrast – this is about using opposites—like light and dark colors, rough and smooth textures, or big and small shapes to make a space more visually interesting. It highlights differences and makes certain features pop, adding depth and dimension to the design.
By balancing these contrasting elements, designers create spaces that feel dynamic, engaging, and full of character. Contrast is one of my favorite ways to add interest in the home. Check out my post: How to Add Contrast at Home for more ideas.
Free Home Design Checklist
Wondering if your space has these details? Thinking it might be missing something? I’ve got you! I’ve created a simple checklist and plan with all seven design elements. Simply download and use in your space to create a more balance design!
FreeHome Design Checklist
Want to see how to apply all this in your home? Grab my free design elements checklist. I go over each one and specific ways to include in your home. Simply download and get started!
Balance
Speaking of balance, this home design term is all about making a room feel just right—not too heavy on one side or the other. It can be symmetrical, like a mirror image on both sides, or asymmetrical, where things don’t match exactly but still feel even. When the balance is spot on, the whole space feels stable, comfy, and easy on the eyes.
For example, one side of the room might have a tall bookcase and the other has a vertical plant. It’s not exactly even but the visual weight is balanced – meaning it feels equal.
Harmony
Harmony is all about making everything in a room work together so it feels unified and put-together. When colors, textures, and styles flow seamlessly, the space just clicks. It’s the secret to creating a room that feels cohesive and calm instead of chaotic or mismatched.
Harmony is a home design term that’s hard to explain on it’s own. But when all the other design elements are addressed (like lighting, texture, color, etc.), I’d say that’s when harmony is achieved.
Layering
Layering is the process of adding depth and interest to a room by overlapping elements, such as textures, patterns, and colors. This involves using different fabrics on furniture, putting rugs on top of each other, or adding various types of lighting.
The opposite of layering is when items are all separate and disjointed. Like furniture not resting on rugs or art work too far apart and “floating on the wall.” This makes everything feel separate and kind of wonky. Pillows are a great example of this, so I created my simple guide How to Layer Throw Pillows Like a Pro.
Statement Piece
A statement piece is something in a room that draws attention and sets the tone for the entire space. This could be a piece of artwork, a striking piece of furniture, or an unusual light fixture. A statement piece often becomes the focal point of a room, but not always.
Cohesion
Cohesion is a home design term used all the time – maybe too much! But in any case, it’s all about making sure everything in a room works together effortlessly. When the colors, furniture, accessories, and layout are all in sync, it creates a unified look that feels intentional and well-put-together. It’s what makes a space feel like it just flows!
Cohesiveness doesn’t mean they match or are exactly the same decor style, it means that other factors are considered -like layering, contrast, and texture so every items feels like it works together.
Transition
Transition is all about how one space flows into the next, making everything feel connected and seamless. For example, if your living room opens into the dining room, adding touches of natural wood—like a wood-framed mirror in one room and a wood dining table in the next—can create a sense of continuity. It’s an easy way to tie the spaces together and make them feel cohesive.
Visual Weight
Visual weight is the perceived heaviness or lightness of an object or area in a room based on its size, color, shape, or texture. It seems technical but actually super useful!
Visual weight influences how balanced a room feels, with heavier items grounding a space and lighter items adding a sense of openness. Designers often play with visual weight to create interest and prevent a room from feeling too heavy or too sparse.
Accent Wall
An accent wall is one wall in a space that is different from the others. It’s a great way to add depth and make a space more interesting.
Whether it’s painted a bold color, covered in wallpaper, or finished with a unique texture, it draws attention and creates contrast. IAccent walls are a great way to define specific areas within an open-concept layout, making the room feel more dynamic and intentional. I love creating modern accent walls and created a post; How to Choose an Accent Wall for tips on doing it well.
Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting is like the foundation of a well lit room. It’s the main source of light that sets the overall tone and makes the space feel cozy and welcoming. Think ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, or recessed lights that brighten up the whole area evenly. Pair it with accent or task lighting to add depth and create the perfect vibe!
When choosing lighting it’s really important to consider the warm or cool lighting. I’ve created an entire post with examples and why this is so crucial. Read More: Warm vs Cool Lighting
Open Concept
Ok, open concept is a home design term you probably hear all the time. But sometimes, we can overlook what it actually means. Also called an open floor plan, it combines spaces like the kitchen and living room into one large, open area without walls. It creates a spacious feel, improves flow, and makes it easier for people to connect.
While open concepts are great for enhancing natural light and creating a social vibe, they can also be a little tricky to decorate. I’ve created some tips on How to Decorate Open Concept to tackle just this problem.
Hygge
If you spend any time on Instagram, you might be wondering what is hygge? Well, hygge is a Danish concept that emphasizes coziness, comfort, and contentment – a key element of Scandinavian design. It often includes warm lighting, soft textures, and inviting decor, creating a sense of well-being and relaxation. Hygge is about creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Vignette
A vignette is a small, curated display of decorative objects, often arranged on a table, shelf, or mantel. Vignettes add personality and interest to a space, showcasing items like artwork, books, plants, and other decor pieces. Usually there is a focal point and a good use of balance and proportion.
Final Thoughts on Design Terms
At the end of the day, decorating a home is all about making it feel like you. Knowing a few key home design terms can help, but it’s not about following rules—it’s about experimenting, having fun, and creating a space that feels inviting and comfortable. Want to learn more? Check out Houzz’s Design Dictionary A-Z.
Whether you’re setting up a focal point, layering textures, or playing with contrast, it’s all about finding what works and feels right for your home. Hopefully, these tips make the process a little less intimidating and a lot more enjoyable. To check out more specifics, check out my posts on Home Design Questions Answered.
