Interior design has a language all of its own, and for the uninitiated, it can be difficult to keep up! From bouclé to mid-century modern, the terminology can sometimes feel intimidating if you’re not sure what it all means. But, once you understand the basics, these words become helpful tools for describing styles, textures, and functions; making it much easier for you to choose pieces you’ll love for years to come!
To help you feel more confident when browsing collections, or chatting about design trends, we’ve pulled together this beginner-friendly guide to show you some of the most common interior design terms, and how they translate into real furniture you can bring into your home.
Style Categories Explained
Mid-Century Modern is a design style that originated in the mid-20th century, known for its clean lines, organic curves, and tapered wooden legs. It’s timeless, practical, and easy to incorporate into today’s homes.
Try it at home: Our Mid-Century Range embraces the simplicity of mid-century design, and is noted for its simplicity and dedication to functionality across dining, living, and sofa collections.
Scandi, short for ‘Scandinavian’, is all about minimalism, light woods, and calming neutral colours. It values function as well as beauty, creating spacers that feel bright, airy, and uncluttered.
Try it at home: A pale acacia wood bedframe from our Berlin Collection is a perfect Scandi-inspired choice, bringing both warmth and simplicity to your space.
Industrial inspires thoughts of urban lofts, exposed brick walls, and sturdy raw materials like metal and reclaimed wood. Industrial interiors do a great job of balancing ruggedness with function, often mixing wood and metal together.
Try it at home: The Industrial Wall Shelf channels industrial chic while remaining practical for everyday living.
Fabric & Finish Terms
Bouclé is a loop-textured fabric that’s soft, cosy, and full of character. Bouclé has become a go-to upholstery choice for statement armchairs and sofas, and it’s a great way to add instant texture to any space!
Try it at home: Our Abbie is both comfortable and stylish, making it the perfect accent piece.
Velvet is a plush fabric with a rich, soft pile that catches the light beautifully. Velvet works especially well in jewel tones and is often used to add a luxurious feel to sofas, dining chairs, or ottomans.
Try it at home: The Avoca in velvet brings gorgeous depth and sophistication to your space.
Veneer in this case, doesn’t actually have anything to do with teeth. It’s actually thin layer of wood applied to the surface of furniture, allowing for a high-quality finish that’s both durable and cost-effective. Veneers make it possible to enjoy the look of premium woods without the full weight or price tag.
Design & Layout Lingo
An Accent Piece is a furniture item or accessory designed to stand out and bring personality to a room. Accent chairs, bold coffee tables, or colourful sideboards are common examples.
Try it at home: The Alma Armchair in a vibrant pattern makes an instant statement while offering extra seating.
An Open Plan layout is one that doesn’t divide walls, and often combines the kitchen, dining, and living spaces into one flowing area. Furniture choices in open-plan homes need to define zones while keeping the space cohesive.
Try it at home: Our Hollywood Sofa with built-in features like a fridge and wireless charging is perfect for anchoring an open-plan living space while offering maximum functionality.
A Focal Point is the first thing that catches the eye when you walk into a room; whether it’s a fireplace, a piece of artwork, or a striking sofa. Creating a focal point gives a room balance and purpose.
Try it at home: A Chesterfield like the Oxford makes a for a classic focal point, combining timeless design with everyday comfort.
With Me So Far?
Interior design jargon isn’t about making things overly complicated; it’s simply a shorthand for describing how a piece looks, feels, or functions. Once you understand the terms, shopping for furniture becomes a lot easier (and more fun!).
Here at Murphy Home, we believe design should feel accessible, inspiring, and tailored to the ay you live. Whether you’re drawn to Scandi simplicity, industrial grunge, or even just want to know the difference between velvet and bouclé, knowing the language helps you find the perfect match for your home.