Interior design conversations are full of terms that are obvious to designers but confusing to first-time homeowners. This glossary explains 50 of the most common terms in plain English — so you can read quotations confidently, understand every conversation with your designer, and make informed decisions.
Key takeaway
The three terms most misunderstood by Kerala homeowners: BWR versus commercial-grade plywood (the humidity performance gap is critical), carcass versus shutter (the box versus the door), and per-sq-ft rate (which area it actually applies to — always ask).
Material Terms
| Term | What it means | Why it matters in Kerala |
|---|---|---|
| BWR Plywood | Boiling Water Resistant plywood — IS:303 grade, phenol-formaldehyde bonded | The correct material for all Kerala kitchen and wardrobe carcasses — moisture-proof |
| MR Plywood | Moisture Resistant plywood — lower grade, urea-formaldehyde bonded | Not suitable for Kerala kitchen carcasses — will swell in monsoon conditions |
| HDHMR | High Density High Moisture Resistant board — engineered wood panel | Alternative to plywood — acceptable with all edges fully sealed |
| MDF | Medium Density Fibreboard — wood fibre and resin panel | Good for door profiles in dry rooms — avoid near moisture in Kerala |
| Laminate (HPL) | High Pressure Laminate — decorative surface bonded to core material | Good shutter surface in dry areas — edges must be sealed in Kerala |
| Membrane / PVC foil | Vacuum-pressed PVC film on MDF profile | Best all-round shutter surface for Kerala kitchens — seamless, moisture-resistant |
| Acrylic shutter | Solid acrylic panel bonded to substrate | Premium, very durable, fully moisture-resistant — shows fingerprints on gloss |
| Veneer | Thin real wood slice bonded to a substrate | Natural wood appearance — requires sealing in Kerala humidity |
Structural and Construction Terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Carcass | The box body of a cabinet unit — the structural shell, not the door |
| Shutter | The door or drawer front of a cabinet unit — the visible face |
| Edge banding | PVC or ABS strip applied to all cut edges of panels — seals exposed wood edges |
| Multi-boring | Factory drilling of hinge holes and fixing holes at precise positions |
| CNC cutting | Computer Numerical Control panel cutting — precision under 1mm tolerance |
| False ceiling | Secondary ceiling installed below the structural slab — for lighting and aesthetics |
| GI frame | Galvanised iron frame — the structural skeleton of a false ceiling |
| Gypsum board | The panel material used on false ceilings and wall cladding — damaged by moisture |
| PVC ceiling panel | Waterproof ceiling panel — appropriate for bathrooms and utility areas |
| Cove | Concave recessed ledge at wall-ceiling junction — used for concealed LED lighting |
Design and Layout Terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Work triangle | The three-point triangle between hob, sink, and refrigerator — determines kitchen efficiency |
| L-shape kitchen | Kitchen with cabinets on two walls at a right angle |
| Parallel kitchen | Kitchen with two facing rows of cabinets — also called galley kitchen |
| U-shape kitchen | Kitchen with cabinets on three walls — maximum storage configuration |
| Island | A free-standing central counter unit — requires substantial open floor space |
| Peninsula | A counter attached to one wall that projects into the open area — alternative to an island |
| Soft-close | Hinge or channel mechanism that slows and silences closing action |
| Full-extension channel | Drawer slide that allows complete access to the full drawer depth |
| Magic corner | Corner cabinet fitting that brings stored items forward for easy access |
| Larder unit | Tall full-height storage cabinet — for pantry and appliance storage |
Lighting Terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Cove lighting | Concealed LED strips in a cove that cast indirect light on the ceiling |
| Recessed light | Light fixture installed flush with the ceiling surface — also called downlight |
| Colour temperature | Warmth or coolness of light — 2700K warm white, 4000K neutral, 6500K cool white |
| Lux | Unit of illuminance — how much light falls on a surface. Kitchen work surfaces need 300 to 500 lux. |
| CRI | Colour Rendering Index — how accurately a light source renders colours. 90+ CRI recommended for kitchens. |
| Pendant light | Hanging light fixture — decorative over dining tables and islands |
| Under-cabinet light | LED strip mounted below wall cabinets to illuminate the countertop work surface |
Contract and Process Terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Itemised quotation | Quotation that lists every material and component with individual prices — the only safe type |
| Package price | Single total price for a scope without component breakdown — allows hidden substitutions |
| Variation order (VO) | Formal document recording any change to the approved scope — must be signed before execution |
| BOQ | Bill of Quantities — detailed list of every item with quantity and unit rate |
| Snag list | List of items to be completed or corrected before handover — must be cleared before sign-off |
| Per sq ft rate | Price per square foot — always clarify which area this applies to (shutter area, carcass area, or running foot) |
| Civil work | Tile laying, plastering, painting, electrical, and plumbing — often excluded from interior quotations |
| Site readiness | State of the construction site when interior installation can begin — all civil work completed |
⚠️ Warning: Never accept a quotation that uses only package pricing without an itemised breakdown. Package prices – complete kitchen for X rupees – allow material substitution without your knowledge. An itemised quotation with every material specified by grade is the only contract that protects you.
Frequently asked questions
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Design Team, BYTS Interior
10–20 years of combined interior design experience across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. All projects designed and manufactured at our Palakkad factory. Serving Palakkad, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kochi & Coimbatore.
Disclaimer
The information shared in this article is based on BYTS Interior’s industry experience, project observations, and general interior design practices commonly followed in Kerala and South India. Project costs, timelines, material performance, approvals, and technical requirements may vary depending on site conditions, client preferences, market fluctuations, building structure, and local authority regulations. Readers are advised to consult qualified professionals before making financial, structural, or technical decisions based on this content.
The information shared in this article is based on BYTS Interior’s industry experience, project observations, and general interior design practices commonly followed in Kerala and South India. Project costs, timelines, material performance, approvals, and technical requirements may vary depending on site conditions, client preferences, market fluctuations, building structure, and local authority regulations. Readers are advised to consult qualified professionals before making financial, structural, or technical decisions based on this content.