From BOQ to Veneer — demystify the language of interior design with plain-English definitions compiled from 11 years and 2,500+ real projects at Houzlook.
A single wall in a room that is treated differently from the others — through a contrasting paint colour, textured wallpaper, stone cladding, or a decorative finish. Accent walls add visual interest and depth without overwhelming the space. Common in living rooms and master bedrooms.
Tip: In Indian apartments, a fluted panel TV wall is a popular, high-impact accent wall choice.
A high-gloss surface finish applied to modular kitchen shutters and wardrobe panels. Acrylic is scratch-resistant, non-porous, and easy to clean — giving furniture a sleek, mirror-like appearance. Available in solid colours. Costs more than laminate but offers a premium look.
Tip: Acrylic shows fingerprints more easily than matte finishes — best for high-traffic kitchens with regular cleaning routines.
A recessed space within a wall, typically used for built-in shelving, display niches, or a reading nook. Alcoves utilise dead wall space effectively and are a cost-efficient way to add storage or decorative elements without taking up floor space.
Soft-close hinge hardware installed on wardrobe and kitchen cabinet shutters. These hinges slow down the closing motion, preventing loud slamming. Essential in modular furniture and standard in Houzlook's premium and luxury ranges. Often provided by brands like Hettich.
A design principle where elements on either side of an imaginary central axis are different in size, shape, or arrangement but still visually balanced. Contemporary interiors often use intentional asymmetry to create dynamic, interesting spaces that feel curated rather than predictable.
A detailed document itemising every material, product, and labour activity in an interior project — with quantities, unit rates, and total costs. A BOQ allows homeowners to compare quotes accurately and identify hidden additions. Always insist on a BOQ before signing any interior design contract.
Tip: At Houzlook, every client receives a full room-by-room BOQ before project commencement — zero hidden fees.
Horizontal wooden or metal strips fixed to the ceiling structure as a sub-frame onto which gypsum board or other false ceiling materials are mounted. The batten system determines the strength and flatness of the finished false ceiling.
A design philosophy that incorporates natural elements — plants, natural light, water features, organic textures, and natural materials — into interior spaces to promote well-being. Research shows biophilic interiors reduce stress and improve productivity. Common elements include indoor planters, wood-grain surfaces, and large windows.
A boxed-out structure, typically in gypsum or wood, built below the ceiling to conceal pipes, beams, ducts, or wiring. In kitchens, bulkheads are commonly built above wall cabinets to create a clean, flush appearance and hide plumbing or electrical conduits.
The structural body of a modular kitchen cabinet or wardrobe — the box itself, excluding the shutters, hardware, and finishes. Typically made from BWR (Boiling Water Resistant) or BWP (Boiling Water Proof) grade plywood, or marine-grade MDF. The carcass quality directly impacts the durability of the furniture.
The process of cutting grooves or channels into walls, floors, or ceilings to lay electrical conduits, plumbing pipes, or data cables. After channelling, walls are plastered and finished back to their original surface. Essential in any full interior project to ensure concealed, clean wiring.
The application of a material (stone, tile, wood, PVC panels, or laminate) directly over an existing wall or surface to create a new decorative or functional layer. Stone cladding on feature walls and tile cladding in bathrooms are the most common applications in Indian home interiors.
An interior design style that reflects current trends — characterised by clean lines, neutral palettes, natural materials, and a mix of textures. Unlike "modern" (which refers to a specific 20th-century movement), contemporary design evolves with time. Most Houzlook projects fall into the contemporary or modern contemporary category.
A decorative moulding installed at the junction of the wall and ceiling. Cornices conceal the edge of false ceilings, house LED strip lighting, and add architectural character to a room. Available in POP (Plaster of Paris), gypsum, or polyurethane materials.
The lower portion of an interior wall (typically up to 900mm–1,200mm height) that is finished differently from the upper wall — often with tiles, wood panelling, or contrasting paint. Common in bathrooms (tile dado) and living rooms (wall panel dado). Dado tiles protect the wall from moisture and impact.
A woodworking joint where cylindrical wooden or metal pegs (dowels) are inserted into aligned holes in two pieces of wood to join them. Dowel joints are stronger than nailed joints and are commonly used in modular furniture assembly. A key indicator of quality in cabinet construction.
The section of a kitchen used for dry food storage, appliances, and preparation — away from the sink and hob. In kitchen design, separating wet and dry zones improves workflow and prolongs the life of materials. The dry area typically includes pantry units and appliance towers.
A thin strip of material (PVC, wood veneer, or acrylic) applied to the exposed edges of plywood or MDF boards to conceal the core and give a finished appearance. Quality edge banding is flush with the panel surface and uses strong adhesive. A common area where low-cost manufacturers cut corners.
A flat, two-dimensional drawing showing the vertical face of a wall or element as seen from the front. Elevations are critical for understanding the layout and appearance of kitchens, wardrobes, TV units, and feature walls before work begins. Always ask to review and approve all elevations before signing off on a design.
A secondary ceiling installed below the structural ceiling, typically in gypsum board, POP, or wood. False ceilings conceal wiring, HVAC ducts, and beams; improve acoustics; and allow integrated lighting. In India, gypsum board false ceilings with LED cove lighting are the most popular choice for contemporary homes.
Tip: False ceiling costs in Bangalore range from ₹80–250/sq ft depending on design complexity and material.
Vertical grooved panels made of wood, MDF, or PVC with a ribbed surface texture. Fluted panels are one of the most on-trend interior elements in 2025 — used for TV walls, wardrobe shutters, and room dividers. They add depth and shadow play to otherwise flat surfaces.
Wood or wood products (plywood, MDF, furniture) certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as sourced from responsibly managed forests. FSC certification is a mark of environmental responsibility. Increasingly requested in eco-conscious home projects in Indian metros.
Galvanised Iron (GI) channels and studs that form the metal sub-frame onto which gypsum board is screwed. The GI frame is used for partition walls, false ceilings, and feature wall structures. A GI-framed gypsum partition is more durable and moisture-resistant than a traditional brick partition in many applications.
A natural stone used for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops, and flooring. Granite is heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and highly durable. Common varieties in India include Absolute Black, Kashmir White, and Tan Brown. Must be sealed periodically to prevent staining. More affordable than quartz but requires more maintenance.
A panel made of gypsum (calcium sulfate) sandwiched between two sheets of paper. Widely used for false ceilings and partition walls. Lightweight, easy to cut, fire-resistant, and smooth-finishing. Standard thickness is 12.5mm. Moisture-resistant variants (green board) are used in bathrooms and kitchens.
The cooking surface unit installed in a kitchen — available in gas, induction, or hybrid formats. Hobs are typically installed flush into the countertop. Size and burner configuration are key factors in kitchen layout planning, as they influence countertop clearances and ventilation hood placement.
A highly durable laminate produced under extreme heat and pressure. HPL is significantly harder and more impact-resistant than standard low-pressure laminates. Commonly used in commercial interiors, office tables, and high-use surfaces where scratch and abrasion resistance is critical.
A kitchen layout with a freestanding central counter (the "island") not connected to any wall. Islands provide additional prep space, storage, and can double as a breakfast counter. Suitable for larger kitchens (typically 150 sq ft+). Growing in popularity in premium apartments in Bangalore and Bhubaneswar.
A quality certification mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Products bearing the ISI mark have been tested and certified to meet Indian standards for safety and performance. Look for ISI marks on electrical fittings, wiring, and hardware used in your interior project.
The panel that runs along the base of kitchen cabinets, covering the gap between the bottom of the unit and the floor. Also called a toe kick or plinth. Proper kick plates protect cabinet bases from moisture and dust accumulation, and give the kitchen a clean, finished look.
Furniture designed to be assembled and disassembled with minimal tools (often flat-packed). While easy to transport, knockdown furniture using cam locks and dowels tends to be less durable over time compared to factory-assembled, site-installed modular furniture. Important distinction when evaluating interior suppliers.
A decorative surface material made of resin-impregnated paper fused to a substrate. Available in thousands of colours, wood grains, textures, and patterns. Laminates are the most widely used surface finish for modular kitchen and wardrobe shutters in India — affordable, durable, and easy to clean. Standard thickness is 0.8mm–1mm.
An elevated storage unit built above the standard height of kitchen or wardrobe cabinets, utilising the space between the top of the unit and the ceiling. Loft units maximise vertical storage, especially valuable in Indian apartments where floor space is limited. Often used for seasonal storage.
An engineered wood product made by binding wood fibres with resin under heat and pressure. MDF is denser and smoother than plywood — ideal for CNC-routed profiles and painted finishes. However, it is not moisture-resistant and swells if exposed to water. Best used in dry areas and for decorative applications.
A premium grade of plywood manufactured with boiling water proof (BWP) adhesive, making it highly resistant to moisture and humidity. Marine ply is used in kitchen base cabinets (near sinks), bathroom vanities, and other areas exposed to water. Costs 30–50% more than standard commercial plywood but significantly outlasts it.
Tip: Always specify BWP/Marine ply for kitchen carcasses — it's one of the most important quality decisions in a modular kitchen project.
Pre-fabricated furniture units manufactured in standard sizes in a factory and assembled on-site. Modular systems allow flexibility in configuration and faster installation compared to carpenter-made (site-built) furniture. Quality depends heavily on the substrate, hardware, and finishing used.
A visual collage of images, colours, textures, and material samples assembled to communicate the intended design direction for a space. At the start of a project, Houzlook designers create moodboards to align on style, palette, and material direction before any detailed drawings begin.
A recessed cavity created in a wall to house shelves, artwork, or decorative objects. Niches are space-efficient — they do not protrude into the room — and add architectural interest. Bathroom niches for toiletries and bedroom TV niches are common examples in Indian home projects.
A kitchen layout where the kitchen is not separated from the living or dining area by a wall — instead flowing directly into the main living space. Open kitchens create an airy, social feel and are increasingly popular in modern Indian apartments. Require good ventilation systems to manage cooking odours.
A premium painted surface finish applied to furniture using polyurethane coatings. PU finish delivers an extremely smooth, scratch-resistant, and durable surface — available in matte, satin, and gloss. More expensive than laminate but preferred for high-end joinery work, especially doors and featured cabinetry.
The base panel at the bottom of floor-standing kitchen or wardrobe units. The plinth raises the unit off the floor, protecting it from water seepage during mopping, and gives the furniture a clean, grounded appearance. Can be detachable for easy cleaning underneath units.
An engineered wood panel made from thin sheets (veneers) of wood glued together in alternating grain directions. Plywood is stronger, more moisture-resistant, and holds screws better than MDF. The go-to substrate for quality modular furniture in India. Key grades: BWR (Boiling Water Resistant), BWP (Boiling Water Proof / Marine), and Commercial.
A white powder that sets hard when mixed with water, used for creating false ceilings, cornices, decorative mouldings, and wall repairs. POP is an older technique compared to gypsum board but is still widely used for ornate ceiling designs. Requires skilled application to achieve smooth, crack-free results.
Light fixtures installed into openings in ceilings or walls, flush with the surface so no part of the fitting protrudes. Also called downlights or pot lights. Recessed lights create a clean, uncluttered ceiling and are a staple of contemporary interior design. Available in adjustable, fixed, and gimbal variants.
Return on Investment from interior design work. Quality interiors in Indian cities like Bangalore and Bhubaneswar typically add 15–25% to property resale value and significantly improve rental yield. Kitchen and master bedroom transformations consistently deliver the highest ROI in residential projects.
A list of defects, incomplete items, or finishing issues identified during the final inspection (walkthrough) of a completed interior project. A snag list is formally documented and must be cleared by the contractor before the project is considered handed over. Always conduct a thorough walkthrough and create a snag list before signing final acceptance.
Tip: At Houzlook, snag-list clearance is a formal step in our 4-stage delivery process — no handover until every item is closed.
Textile-based elements used to complete an interior — curtains, cushions, rugs, upholstered sofas, bed linen, and throws. Soft furnishings significantly impact the warmth, colour, and tactile quality of a space. They are typically outside the scope of a standard interior contractor but are a key part of interior styling.
The process of analysing and allocating floor space within a room or home to ensure optimal flow, function, and aesthetics. Good space planning considers traffic paths, furniture sizing, clearances, natural light, and usage patterns. It is the foundation of any well-designed interior, preceding all other design decisions.
A premium pull-out drawer system used in modular kitchens, characterised by a metal box structure with a soft-close mechanism. Tandem boxes are a step up from standard wooden drawers — offering greater durability, smoother operation, and higher load capacity. Often supplied by brands like Hettich or Grass.
The material used to fill joints between tiles after installation. Available in cement-based, epoxy, and polymer variants. Epoxy grout is the premium choice — stain-proof, chemical-resistant, and ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Colour selection significantly impacts the overall tile pattern appearance.
An interior design style that blends elements of traditional and contemporary design — combining classic proportions with modern lines and neutral palettes. Popular with homeowners who want timeless spaces that feel current without being overtly trendy. Often referred to as "timeless contemporary" in the Indian market.
A purpose-built cabinet or wall panel unit housing the television and related media equipment, with integrated storage and cable management. In Indian living rooms, the TV unit is often the focal point of the living room design — featuring back-panel lighting, display niches, and a combination of open and closed storage.
A short vertical panel (typically 100–150mm tall) installed at the back of a kitchen countertop, at the junction with the wall. Upstands prevent water, oil, and food debris from getting behind the countertop, protecting the wall. Can be made from the same material as the countertop (granite, quartz) or from tiles.
The ancient Indian science of spatial arrangement, derived from Vedic texts. Vastu Shastra prescribes principles for the orientation, layout, and design of spaces to promote health, prosperity, and harmony. Highly relevant in Indian home design — particularly for room placement, door and window orientation, pooja room positioning, and kitchen location within the home.
A thin slice of real wood (0.5–3mm) bonded to a substrate (plywood or MDF) to provide the natural beauty of solid wood at a fraction of the cost. Veneer retains the authentic grain, texture, and warmth of real wood. Used for premium cabinet shutters, wall panels, and furniture surfaces. Requires periodic maintenance to preserve its finish.
The application of waterproof membranes, coatings, or sealants to floors and walls in wet areas (bathrooms, balconies, toilets) before tiling. Proper waterproofing is critical to prevent seepage into slabs and walls below. Should be done to a height of at least 1,000mm on bathroom walls and across the full floor area.
Tip: Never skip waterproofing to save cost — leakage repair after tiling is significantly more expensive and disruptive.
A design principle that describes the relationship between the three primary kitchen work zones: the refrigerator, sink, and cooking hob. The ideal work triangle minimises the distance and number of steps between these three zones, improving kitchen efficiency. Each leg of the triangle should ideally be between 1.2m and 2.7m.