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Like any industry, designers have their own lingo, made up of technical terms or just insider chat. Some of this vocabulary is commonplace and some needs a little explaining.

Here’s a guide to a few of my favorite terms.

A is for Abalone: This marine mollusk has an iridescent mother-of-pearl shell that is commonly used to make accessories ranging from beading for trim to veneers for lamps and other decorative accessories.

B is for Black: Every room should have a touch of black to anchor the space.

C is for Cabinets: They are the bones of the kitchen, so don’t cut corners.

D is for Design: A well-designed space is timeless, functional and should reflect your personality.

E is for Eggshell: One of my favorite paint finishes, eggshell is one step up from flat and is “wipeable,” making it a sensible choice for high-traffic areas.

F is for Finial: Finials are the decorative accents on the end of drapery rods.

G is for Grosgrain ribbon: Grosgrain is not just for bows; it’s the perfect embellishment for throw pillows and looks great accenting a sofa with nailheads.

H is for Herringbone: This is a timeless pattern that looks great in flooring and fabrics.

I is for Ikat: Ikat is a type of weaving process that creates a distinctive blurred appearance. Patterns vary from paisleys to simple circles. These vibrant fabrics add a fun exotic vibe to any room.

J is for Jute: This all-natural material is used for making rugs and fabrics.

K is for Kitchens: The heart of the home, the kitchen deserves special attention.

L is for Limed oak: Limed oak, which is also known as cerused oak, is the new eco-chic finish — it has a bleached appearance with a white wash and it blends with most other finishes. (L is also for Lighting: Layer your room with lighting — ambient, task, directional, accent.)

M is for Metallic: Metallic finishes are hot right now, whether paint, mica wall coverings, or furniture embellished with mercury or antiqued mirror accents.

N is for Nailhead trim: Nailheads make a lovely finishing touch around the base and arms of an English-styled club chair.

O is for Overlap: Use overlapping layers of color and texture to give a space depth.

P is for Paint: It is a quick and inexpensive way to transform any space. And don’t be afraid of color — it adds a bit of splash, pop and fun.

Q is for Quilting: Also known by its French name “matelassé,” quilting has transitioned from the bedroom to the living room and is a fine choice for upholstery.

R is for Reclaimed materials: Go green by using reclaimed materials, which come in all shapes and sizes from wood floors and tables to glass tiles.

S is for Shagreen: Also known as sharkskin, shagreen is commonly found on antique boxes and other decorative accessories.

T is for Three: Think three when you are arranging accessories. When you need to add a pop of color, vary size and shape to provide a winning asymmetrical look.

U is for Ultramarine: This classic deep blue color never goes out of style. An alternative to black, it looks great with neutrals and primary colors.

V is for Violet: Purple is making a comeback. According to color forecasters, varying shades of plum, purple and violet are on the décor horizon. 

W is for Wallpaper: Wallpaper is here to stay. Think contemporary patterns, faux leathers, glass beading, metallics and so much more. 

X is for Extreme: OK, I had to stretch on this one … You don’t have to take extreme measures when it comes to your home. A little here and there will go a long way. 

Y is for Yellow: Add it to a room that has limited natural light to brighten things up. 

Z is for Zebra: Zebra and other animal skin motifs are a welcome addition when used sparingly in a room — like a throw pillow.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm in Greensboro and Wilmington, and The Studio, a trade-focused fabric and furniture resource. Have questions? E-mail Jessica at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.