When designing the interior of your property you want to be certain that everything is just right. Interior designers constantly keep abreast of new trends and styles emerging to offer their client sophisticated, contemporary living spaces. To help you keep informed with your design the following glossary contains some commonly used terms. 
• An Abstract is a concept sketch that pitches desires of the design against realistic constraints.
• A Blend is a fabric made from two or more different materials.
• CAD stands for computer aided design. Many interior designers create an impression of their design using software before presenting it to their client.
• Deco is the name for the striking, contrasting designs used in art deco installations.
• Ergonomics in interior design is analyzing the layout of an area in relation to how people interact with it.
• Feng Shui is a Chinese method used to balance the forces of elements in a given area. Can be used to align furniture and other features of a room to great effect.
• Green Design is a term used to describe designs that focus on being environmentally friendly. This may include using sustainable materials or using environmentally friendly power sources to provide electricity.
• Heather is the name given to a multicoloured effect achieved by combining different coloured fibres.
• Indirect Lighting is ambient lighting that is achieved by locating lighting sources out of direct view.
• Knock Down is another name for flat pack or unassembled furniture.
• Lambrequin is the name for a finely decorated wooden frame used to frame windows.
• Muslin is a plain woven cotton fabric. When woven thinly it can be used to obscure peoples view into a window without reducing your ability to see outside clearly.
• Outdoor Living is the name for external areas with furniture which are designed for unwinding in outside.
• Panic Hardware (otherwise known as exit hardware) is the name given to doors that are designed for ease of escape in emergency.
• Reclaimed Materials are a cost effective way of using recycled materials. Reclaimed wood is popular and is often available from auctions.
• Sustainable Design involves using minimal materials to conserve resources. Practical for if you are sticking to a tight budget or wishing to adhere to green design.
• Tensile Strength is used to measure the amount of wear and tear a given fabric can take.
• Universal Design is a term used to describe a design that accommodates people of all ages and physical ability.
• Viscose is a synthetic material used to imitate silk.
• Wainscoting is a type of decoration made from wood panelling that is used to decorate low sections of wall down to the skirting.