Deciphering design jargon: what does it all mean?
Embarking on a renovation or design project is exciting but can often feel overwhelming, especially when you're met with a sea of industry-specific jargon. Terms like “FF&E,” “M&E,” and “rendered elevations” may leave you scratching your head, wondering what they mean and how they fit into your project.
To make the process smoother and empower you to engage confidently with your designer, contractor, or architect, we’ve compiled a useful guide to some of the most commonly used terms in the interior design and construction world.
1. FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment)
FF&E refers to the loose items in your space that aren’t permanently attached but are integral to the design. This includes:
Furniture: Sofas, chairs, dining tables, and beds.
Fixtures: Light fittings, mirrors, and artwork.
Equipment: TVs, appliances, and other electronics.
Accessories: Rugs, cushions, vases, and decorative pieces.
Your designer will typically specify and procure these items to ensure they align with the overall design scheme.
2. Window Treatments
Window treatments are any items used to dress a window, serving both decorative and practical purposes. These include:
Curtains: Long fabric panels, often layered for style and light control.
Sheers: Lightweight, translucent fabric for softening light while maintaining privacy.
Blinds: Functional coverings, including roller, Roman, and Venetian blinds.
Each option is tailored to your space, adding elegance while controlling light and privacy.
Semi sheer curtains
3. Case Goods
Case goods refer to hard-material furniture pieces that are typically non-upholstered. Examples include:
Console tables
Dining tables and chairs
Sideboards and TV units
Freestanding bookshelves and wardrobes
Bedside tables and dressers
These items are often made from wood, metal, or other durable materials and provide functional storage and style.
4. Upholstery
Upholstery refers to soft, padded furniture such as:
Sofas and armchairs
Stools, pouffes, and ottomans
Headboards for beds
Cushioned seating in custom joinery, like breakfast banquettes or window seats
This category focuses on comfort, fabric selection, and durability.
Upholstered armchair
5. Soft Furnishings
Soft furnishings bring texture, colour, and comfort to your home. These include:
Decorative cushions
Throws and blankets
Curtains, sheers, and blinds
These details are often the finishing touches that make a house feel like home.
6. Joinery
Bespoke joinery involves custom-made woodwork tailored to your space, such as:
Fitted wardrobes and cupboards
Kitchens and utility rooms
Panelled walls and bespoke shelving
Staircases, doors, and windows
Bathroom vanity units & mirrored cabinets
High-quality joinery is both functional and visually striking, tailored to complement the architectural style of your property.
Library joinery
7. Decorative vs. Task Lighting
Lighting is essential to any design, and it’s often divided into:
Decorative Lighting: Adds ambiance and draws attention to focal points. Examples include wall lights, chandeliers, and table lamps.
Task Lighting: Provides illumination for practical purposes, like reading or cooking. Examples include spotlights, under-cabinet lighting, and LED strips.
A well-designed lighting scheme strikes a balance between the two, enhancing both function and atmosphere.
Decorative wall lights
8. M&E (Mechanical & Electrical)
M&E refers to the systems that make a building work, including:
Lighting and electrical layouts
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
Plumbing and drainage
Home automation, security systems, and CCTV
While these systems are usually designed by specialists, your interior designer ensures they integrate seamlessly with the aesthetic vision.
9. Ironmongery
Ironmongery includes the hardware for doors and windows, such as:
Handles, knobs, and latches
Hinges, bolts, and locks
Decorative items like keyhole escutcheons
These often-overlooked details can elevate the design, especially in period properties.
Original period door handle
10. Sanitary Ware and Brassware
These terms refer to bathroom and plumbing fixtures:
Sanitary Ware: Items like basins, toilets, baths, and shower trays, typically made from ceramic or stone.
Brassware: Taps, showerheads, and other fittings, often made from brass and available in finishes like chrome, nickel, or matt black.
Selecting the right sanitary ware and brassware ensures functionality while complementing your design scheme.
11. Plans, Elevations, and Sections
These technical drawings are crucial for visualising and executing a project:
Plan: A bird’s-eye view showing the layout of rooms, furniture, and fittings.
Elevation: A vertical view showing walls, windows, and decorative details.
Section: A vertical cut-through of the building, revealing internal structures.
These drawings ensure precision during construction and help bring your vision to life.
Floor plan
12. Rendered Elevation
Rendered elevations are detailed, coloured visuals that showcase textures, materials, and overall design. These artistic representations help you visualise the finished space and understand how all elements will come together.
Rendered elevation of a bespoke bar in our Surrey project
13. Pied-à-terre
A small, secondary home kept for occasional use, typically in a city. It offers a compact, functional, and stylish retreat for business or leisure, designed for comfort in a minimal space.
Ideal for short stays or frequent visits, it combines convenience and luxury.
14. Kelvins & Lumens
Kelvins (K) measure the color temperature of light, indicating whether it’s warm (yellowish) or cool (bluish). Lower Kelvins (2700K-3000K) produce warm light, while higher Kelvins (4000K-6500K) give off cooler, daylight-like light.
Lumens (lm) measure the brightness or intensity of light. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light.
Why Understanding Jargon Matters
Having a grasp of these terms will:
Improve communication with your design team.
Help you make informed decisions.
Reduce confusion and delays during your project.
Whether you’re working on a full-scale renovation or a light refresh, understanding the lingo can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Got questions about these terms or ready to kick off your own project? Drop us a message —we’re here to guide you every step of the way!
