How To Speak Designer

If you travel to a foreign country and try to order a meal in a language you do not speak, chances are you might end up with a plate full of food that you do not want.  Similarly, when homeowners communicate with a designer or contractor, knowing some helpful terminology helps achieve the perfect end product!

Why Learn About Home Design Lingo?

You have probably spent days, weeks, maybe even years dreaming about your new kitchen or bathroom.  All of the episodes of remodeling shows on HGTV have left your mind flooded with brilliant ideas that you hope to carry into your own space.  The vision in your head is crystal clear.  Now, let’s get the advantage of conveying your dream home to your contractor!

Common Design Terms

Knowing the following key words helps unlock the best communication with your designer.

Antique: An item that is at least 100 years old, not to be confused with “vintage.”

               Chair Rail: Molding applied to a wall about 30” above the floor. Usually used in dining rooms.

Chevron: A wide zigzag pattern of two different colors currently popular in wallpaper and paint design.

Coffered Ceiling: Have many sunken panels for added interest.

Contemporary: Décor that is in style now, not the same as modern.

Focal Point: Area of a room that visually draws your attention such as a fireplace, feature wall, or light fixture.

Kitchen Work Triangle: A guide to position the three main elements in your kitchen (sink, stove, and refrigerator).

Monochromatic: Decorating your home in all one color.

Ready Made: Mass produced items available for sale at stores (not custom).  This can refer to cabinets.

Sconce: A wall-mounted light fixture often found in bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and hallways.

Tray Ceiling: Has stair steps on the exterior perimeter of the room.

Vintage: Something that is at least 50 years old but less than 100 years old.

Wainscoting: Decorative wood paneling on a lower portion of a wall (about 30” high or below).

While this is a good start, there are MANY more terms in your designer’s vocabulary that would possibly seem foreign.  This glossary provides an excellent resource for the designer vocabulary: http://www.lonny.com/The+Ultimate+Interior+Design+Dictionary

Tips For Working With A Designer

Speaking the language of design is certainly a helpful start.  These other tips will help to strengthen your relationship even further to build a winning team between you and your designer.

1. Communicate in person or on the phone — E-mails and texts are convenient, but good ‘ole fashioned conversation leaves less room for interpretation.
2. Let them know what’s not working — Save time and money. It’s ok to change things in a project.  Don’t be afraid that you might hurt your designer’s feelings – we want you to be happy with the finished product.
3. Pictures are worth a thousand words — When you provide your designer with a picture of exactly what you want, it eliminates any confusion and clearly describes your vision.  Try creating a binder for your project with photos of the many different aspects of the room you hope to create.

Kitchen Kraft and Dream Baths are proud to offer certified bathroom and kitchen designers to help bring your dreams alive. With our winning team of expert designers, contractors, and, most importantly – YOU, together we can achieve greatness in your home.

Don’t worry if you are not fluent in our language of design – our talented designers are here to exceed your expectations regardless of how knowledgeable you may be.  It’s our job to educate you about your choices to provide the best possible results. Soon we will all be rejoicing in your finished product-a beautiful new kitchen or bathroom!