Decorative Techniques
16 decorative techniques terms used in interior design, each with a clear definition and how to use it.
Accent wall
An accent wall is a single wall in a room painted, papered, or clad differently from the other three walls, used to add visual interest, define a focal point, or anchor furniture grouping. Common but increasingly controversial; the design community has shifted toward fully drenched rooms instead.
Ceruse (cerused oak)
Ceruse is a wood finishing technique in which lime paste (originally lead-based, now safer alternatives) is rubbed into wood grain, particularly oak, to highlight the grain pattern and produce a distinctive "limed wood" or "white-grain" appearance. Cerused oak has become extremely popular in contemporary residential design, particularly in Belgian, quiet luxury, and modern Mediterranean styles.
Chalk paint
Chalk paint is a modern decorative paint formulated for furniture refinishing, recognized for its ultra-matte chalky finish, distinctive thick consistency, and ability to adhere to almost any surface without sanding or priming. Developed by Annie Sloan in 1990, chalk paint became extremely popular in shabby chic, country, and DIY furniture refinishing during the 2010s-2020s.
Color drenching
Color drenching is a paint technique in which an entire room, walls, ceiling, trim, doors, and sometimes built-in furniture, is painted the same color, creating a fully immersive monochromatic environment rather than the traditional contrast of colored walls against white trim and ceiling.
Distressing
Distressing is the deliberate physical or chemical aging of a material, particularly furniture, paint, and textiles, to mimic natural wear and patina. Techniques include sanding paint to reveal underlying layers, chipping or denting wood, distressing leather, and applying aged finishes to give new pieces a vintage appearance. Distressing is foundational to country, farmhouse, shabby chic, and certain modern aesthetics.
French polish
French polish is a wood finishing technique using multiple thin coats of shellac applied with a cloth pad to produce an exceptionally high-gloss, mirror-like finish. Developed in early 19th-century France and Britain, French polish remains the standard finish for fine antique restoration, musical instruments, and the highest level of traditional furniture making.
Fresco
Fresco is an ancient painting technique in which water-based pigments are applied directly onto freshly-laid wet plaster. As the plaster dries, the paint becomes chemically bonded with the wall surface, producing exceptionally durable wall paintings. Famous frescoes include the Sistine Chapel ceiling and Pompeian wall paintings.
Gilding
Gilding is the decorative technique of applying a thin layer of gold (or another metal, silver, copper, palladium, aluminum) onto a surface. Used to decorate furniture, picture frames, mirrors, architectural elements, ceramics, and book edges, gilding produces the unmistakable warm metallic luxury that no paint can replicate.
Herringbone
Herringbone is a distinctive pattern of rectangular shapes arranged in a staggered V or zigzag configuration, resembling the skeleton of a herring fish. Used in flooring (wood, tile, brick), brickwork, textiles, and other architectural and decorative contexts, herringbone has been continuously popular for over 2,000 years.
Inlay
Inlay is the decorative technique of inserting one material into the surface of another to create patterns, designs, or pictures. Common inlay materials include different woods (marquetry), metals (silver, brass, gold), stone, mother of pearl, and shell. Used across cultures and centuries, from ancient Egyptian sarcophagi to Mughal Indian furniture to contemporary luxury residential design.
Lacquer
Lacquer is a clear or pigmented finish that produces a hard, glossy, durable protective coating on furniture, walls, and decorative objects. Originally derived from the sap of Asian lacquer trees, modern lacquers include traditional formulas and synthetic resin versions. Lacquered surfaces produce distinctive deep gloss and are foundational to Hollywood Regency, Asian, and modern contemporary luxury aesthetics.
Marquetry
Marquetry is the decorative technique of creating pictures or patterns by inlaying small pieces of wood veneer into the surface of furniture. Different colored veneers (made from various wood species) are cut into shapes and assembled to form designs, flowers, landscapes, geometric patterns. Marquetry has been a hallmark of fine European furniture-making since the 17th century.
Milk paint
Milk paint is a natural paint made from milk protein (casein), lime, clay, and natural pigments, producing a distinctive matte, slightly chalky finish that ages beautifully and develops natural patina. Used continuously since prehistoric times, milk paint experienced a revival in shabby chic and country design and remains popular for furniture refinishing and natural-materials interiors.
Mural
A mural is a painting or other artwork applied directly to a wall, ceiling, or large architectural surface, distinct from framed art that can be moved. Murals span techniques from prehistoric cave paintings to ancient frescoes, hand-painted scenes, contemporary spray-paint street art, and modern wallpaper murals that simulate the effect.
Patina
Patina is the natural surface change that develops on materials, particularly metals (oxidation), wood (color shifts from light and air), leather (developing rich character), and stone (weathering), through age and exposure. In residential design, patina is highly valued for the depth, character, and authenticity it adds to materials, distinguishing aged pieces from new ones.
Trompe-l'œil
Trompe-l'œil (French for "deceives the eye") is a painting technique that creates the illusion of three-dimensional space, objects, or architectural features on a flat surface. Practiced since ancient Pompeian wall paintings, trompe-l'œil is used in residential design to create the illusion of doorways, windows, garden views, columns, and architectural features that don't actually exist.