Design Guides
Interior Design Glossary: 50 Terms Every Kerala Homeowner Should Know
Fifty interior design terms every Kerala homeowner should know: plywood grades, carcass vs shutter, per-sq-ft rates and more, in plain English for Palakkad buyers.
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.
Material terms
| Term | What it means | Why it matters in Kerala |
|---|---|---|
| BWP plywood | Boiling Waterproof marine plywood: IS:710 grade, phenol-formaldehyde bonded | BYTS Interior’s standard for all Kerala kitchen and wardrobe carcasses; fully boiling-water-proof |
| BWR plywood | Boiling Water Resistant plywood: IS:303 grade, phenol-formaldehyde bonded | A lower-cost resistant alternative, below marine grade; acceptable for carcasses in drier rooms |
| 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, an engineered wood panel | Alternative to plywood; acceptable with all edges fully sealed |
| MDF | Medium Density Fibreboard, a wood fibre and resin panel | Good for door profiles in dry rooms; avoid near moisture in Kerala |
| Laminate (HPL) | High Pressure Laminate, a decorative surface bonded to a core material | Good shutter surface in dry areas; edges must be sealed in Kerala |
| Membrane / PVC foil | Vacuum-pressed PVC film on MDF profile | Strong all-round shutter surface for Kerala kitchens; seamless and moisture-resistant |
| Acrylic shutter | Solid acrylic panel bonded to a 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, sealing exposed wood edges |
| Multi-boring | Factory drilling of hinge and fixing holes at precise positions |
| CNC cutting | Computer Numerical Control panel cutting, with 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 | 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 the 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 that 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 a galley kitchen |
| U-shape kitchen | Kitchen with cabinets on three walls: the 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, an alternative to an island |
| Soft-close | Hinge or channel mechanism that slows and silences the 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 | Fixture installed flush with the ceiling surface, also called a 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 fixture, used decoratively 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 listing every material and component with individual prices: the only safe type |
| Package price | Single total price for a scope without 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: a 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 it 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 site when interior installation can begin, with 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
What is the difference between a carcass and a shutter?
The carcass is the box body of a cabinet: the structural shell that holds the shelves and contains the storage space. The shutter is the door you open and close to access the carcass. A carcass built from BWP (IS:710) 710-grade marine plywood determines how long the kitchen lasts; the shutter determines how it looks. Both matter, but the carcass matters more in Kerala.
What does per sq ft rate mean in an interior quotation?
It is the price per unit area of the interior element being quoted. The confusion is that different firms measure different areas. Some quote per sq ft of shutter area (the visible door surface), some per sq ft of carcass area (the total cabinet area including interior), and some per running foot of cabinet length. Always ask specifically 'per sq ft of what area?' before comparing quotations.
What does civil work mean and why is it often excluded from interior quotations?
Civil work refers to the construction trades that prepare a space for interior installation: tile laying, plastering and painting, creating electrical points, and plumbing modifications. Interior firms typically quote only for the furniture and carpentry they supply and install, not the civil preparation. For a 3BHK in Kerala, excluded civil work can add significantly to the total project cost.
What is the difference between the IS:710 and IS:303 plywood standards?
IS:710 is the Bureau of Indian Standards certification for BWP (Boiling Waterproof) marine plywood, the highest moisture rating available, tested to withstand boiling water without delaminating. IS:303 covers commercial-grade plywood, including the BWR (Boiling Water Resistant) and MR (Moisture Resistant) grades. For all kitchen and wardrobe carcasses in Kerala, specify BWP (IS:710) 710-grade marine plywood. This is BYTS Interior's standard.
Disclaimer: This article reflects BYTS Interior's project experience and general practices in Kerala and South India. Costs, timelines, material performance and approvals vary with site conditions, market rates and local regulations. Consult a qualified professional before making financial, structural or technical decisions.
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