Bloop! 10 Interior Design Words We’re All Saying Wrong (No Shame)

Scarlett J Designs is a a boutique Sarasota interior design studio delivering elevated interiors, bold brand styling, and curated special events for busy professionals and families who want impact without the overwhelm.

Let’s be real—interior design has a whole language of its own. Half the time we’re styling a room, the other half we’re just trying to pronounce what we’re putting in it. 😂

So if you’ve ever stared at a word on a design board and whispered it quietly like, “Is this French? Am I okay?”—you are not alone.

Here’s a fun roundup of the most mispronounced (but totally gorgeous) words in design—aka the “bloop words”. No judgment, just clarity and good vibes.

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1. Wainscoting

Correct: WANE-scot-ing (not wain-scoating)
It’s the decorative wood paneling on your walls. Elegant. Classic. Tricky to say when you’re tired.

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2. Bouclé

Correct: Boo-CLAY
That nubby, cozy texture we all love in chairs and throws. Not “boo-kleee,” not “buckle.” Just French fabulousness.

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3. Sconce

Correct: Skons (rhymes with “Ponce”)
Yes, I also said “skonky” once upon a time. No regrets, only learning.

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4. Chenille

Correct: Shuh-NEEL
Super soft, velvety fabric. Sounds like a chic girl from Paris and honestly? That tracks.

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5. Zellige

Correct: ZEL-leezh
These are the stunning, hand-cut Moroccan tiles that look a little wonky—and that’s the charm. So worth mastering the pronunciation.

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6. Bougainvillea

Correct: BOH-gun-vee-uh or BOO-gun-vee-yah
Gorgeous flowering vine, a fave for outdoor spaces—and a verbal rollercoaster. Take your pick, both are accepted!

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7. Tadelakt

Correct: Tah-deh-LACKT
Smooth, polished plaster finish—like the inside of a dreamy hammam. Very spa, very luxe, very easy to butcher out loud.

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8. Coupe Glass

Correct: Koop
That shallow, vintage-style champagne glass you thought was pronounced like “coop.” (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.)

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9. Chinoiserie

Correct: Sheen-WAHZ-er-ee
Ornate, Asian-inspired patterns and motifs. Rich, opulent, and about 100% easier to style than to pronounce.

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10. Jolie Toile

Correct: Zho-LEE Twahl
“Pretty toile” in French, and we love her. But yes, that first word starts with a zh, not a j. Très chic, très confusing.

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So… Why Does It Matter?

Because design is about confidence. Whether you’re chatting with a contractor or ordering from a showroom, knowing how to pronounce these babies gives you that little extra power boost.

And if you still trip up? Who cares. You’re creating beauty—and that’s what really counts.

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Got a bloop word of your own? DM me—I might just add it to Part II. 😉