Let’s be honest—some words and phrases in the interior design industry are a bit like sliding barn doors. They were fresh and exciting at first, but now, they’re overused and everywhere.
You know the words: “luxury,” “timeless,” “transform your vision into reality.” At first, they sound polished and sophisticated. But when clients see the same phrases over and over, they start to lose their impact—kind of like seeing shiplap in every home reno show.
Here’s the truth: your clients want to feel like they’re meeting you through your website, not just scrolling through a portfolio that could belong to anyone. And the way you do that? It starts with the words you choose.
Using language that feels fresh, specific, and true to your brand helps you stand out. So today, I’m sharing 50 of the most overused phrases in interior design and what to say instead.
And yes, this list was inspired by a real-life moment. Recently, I audited a designer’s website, and the first line I saw was, “We design spaces that are both beautiful and functional.”
Now…I get what she was trying to say—but I have to admit, my “cringe meter” went off a little. As my 11-year-old daughter would say, “Mom, that’s so cringey.” (She’s my built-in reality check, and honestly, she’s usually right!)
Check out these common phrases and explore how you can make your messaging feel more authentic, more memorable, and way less “cringe.”
50 most overused words in interior design
Category one: Design buzzwords
These frequently used words sound impressive at first, but they’re so overused that they’ve started to feel kinda hollow. Every designer wants to bring “luxury” and “bespoke” to the table, but when everyone’s saying it, clients don’t know what it actually means for you.
- Bespoke design
- Curated look
- Luxury
- High-end
- Premium
- Tailored to perfection
- Personalized service
- Exquisite craftsmanship
- Artisanal touch
- One-of-a-kind
What to say instead: Bring in specifics that only you can offer. Maybe “bespoke design” for you means selecting pieces with a story, or curating materials that reflect a client’s heritage. Instead of relying on catch-all phrases, describe your spcial approach in a way that’s unmistakably yours.
Category two: Service clichés
These phrases are meant to sound like you’re offering a premium experience, but they’re often so broad that they apply to practically any industry. “We handle every detail so you can enjoy…” could apply to event planning, construction, even custom car detailing. Am I right, or am I right?!
- Attention to detail
- Comprehensive design services
- Seamless process
- Tailored solution
- White-glove service
- From concept to completion
- We handle every detail so you can enjoy…
- Experience the difference
- Full-service design
- Client-focused approach
What to say instead: Let clients know what “attention to detail” or “seamless process” actually looks like.
Do you guide them through overwhelming decisions—like choosing the perfect millwork design, determining the floorplan that best suits their family’s needs, or selecting materials that match their lifestyle—with an organized, stress-free plan?
Or do you handle all the arrangements—liaising with the general contractor, coordinating schedules with electricians and plumbers, managing vendor orders and timelines—so they don’t have to lift a finger?
Specifics like these give clients a clear picture of the value you bring, making your process feel tailored and genuine.
Category three: Ambiguous style descriptions
These overused words and phrases are popular in interior design, but they’re so vague they don’t give clients a clear sense of what you actually bring to the table. When every designer claims “timeless elegance” or “classic with a modern twist,” it’s hard to know who you’re really getting.
- Timeless
- Classic with a modern twist
- Sophisticated and stylish
- Elevated design
- Effortlessly chic
- Functional and beautiful
- Clean, modern lines
- Understated luxury
- Effortlessly stylish
- Inspired spaces
What to say instead: Describe your style in a way that’s unique to you. If “timeless elegance” for you means incorporating heirloom pieces into modern designs, say that. If “classic with a modern twist” includes mixing textures or layering neutrals, spell it out. Specifics give clients a real sense of what to expect when working with you.
Category four: Generic value statements
These overused words and phrases try to convey value but don’t give clients a concrete idea of the transformation you offer. They sound impressive but don’t actually communicate what makes your service different.
- Transform your vision into reality
- Creating a sanctuary
- Designing your dream home
- Bringing your vision to life
- Making spaces beautiful
- Inspired by you
- Where function meets beauty
- Enhancing lifestyle
- Personalized vision
- Unique
What to say instead: Think about the real impact of your designs on your clients’ lives. Are you creating serene spaces for busy professionals to unwind? Or family rooms that stand up to the demands of daily life? Get specific about how you change clients’ spaces and, by extension, their lives. This is how you turn vague promises into memorable experiences.
Category five: Mood-setting phrases
These overused words and phrases aim to capture the vibe of a space, but without specifics, they don’t make a lasting impression. Mood-setting words can be powerful, but they work best when they’re personal and detailed.
- Luxurious
- Serene and peaceful
- Elegant and sophisticated
- Cozy and comfortable
- Touch of luxury
- Modern yet timeless
- Haven
- Spa-like
- Oasis
- Bright and airy
What to say instead: For the record, I’m not entirely hating the words in this last category. In fact, some of them I like in the right context. But on their own…they are a bit meh. So rather than just saying you create “warm and inviting” spaces, describe what makes them feel that way. Is it the rich textures, layered lighting, or cozy seating?
By giving clients a clear picture of what goes into creating these moods, you make your designs—and your brand—stand out.
One more for the overused camp…
I feel like this overused phrase deserves a category of its own: “You dream it, we build it.”
Let’s be real—this line could be used by anyone from home builders to event planners to, I don’t know, custom cake designers!!!
It’s meant to sound like you’re bringing a client’s vision to life, but it’s so generic it could fit literally any service industry.
How about instead… think about how you can say the same thing in a way that reflects what you specifically bring to the table.
Maybe you’re the expert in turning vague ideas into cohesive, well-thoughtout spaces, or maybe you have a real skill and talent for helping clients discover their very own style they didn’t even know they loved.
Whatever it is, make sure your message is uniquely you.
Lil’ disclaimer: sometimes these words DO work
I’ll be the first one to admit, sometimes these words are exactly what you need to describe your work.
In fact, I’ve used many of these in my client projects for these amazing interior designers’ main headlines – specifically above the fold. Like here, and here, and here.
Words like “timeless,” “elevated,” and “curated” can capture a feeling or style that’s hard to replace.
And that’s okay!
The key here is CONTEXT. On their own, these words can feel generic, overused, and even a bit empty. But when you add context—when you describe what makes your “timeless elegance” truly timeless or explain how you “curate” in a way that’s unique to you—these phrases gain weight and meaning.
So, don’t feel pressured to abandon these words completely. Just make sure you’re giving them enough context to show clients why they matter in your work.
How to make your brand messaging stand out?
Now that we’ve looked at the common culprits and talked a bit about when it’s totally ok to use them, here’s how to replace these words and phrases with messaging that resonates with your ideal clients.
1. Find your voice. Let your personality shine.
Your brand voice should feel as natural as if you were speaking to a friend over coffee. Think about how you talk when you’re explaining your work in real life. Are you warm and conversational? Direct and formal?
Use that tone in your messaging. Clients connect with authenticity, and your voice is one of the best ways to show it.
Try this: Write a few lines about your work in your own voice, then compare it to your website copy. If it doesn’t match, you’ve got a good place to start.
2. Get specific. Gimme a real picture.
Specific language makes you and your brand memorable and builds trust. Instead of saying you offer “timeless elegance,” describe what that actually means in your designs.
Maybe it’s about pairing heirloom-quality vintage pieces with sleek, understated furniture that will stand the test of time.
Or maybe it’s your skill in choosing rich, decadent textures and incredible finishes that make a space feel deeply personal and layered—never just trendy or fleeting.
By bringing these specific details to life, you help clients imagine how your approach will transform their space.
Try this: Go through your website and highlight vague phrases. Swap them out with details that make your work memorable. The more details your provide, the better your audience can visualize what you’re communicating. Make it vivid.
3. Tell Stories. Show, don’t tell.
Stories help clients imagine what it’s like to work with you. Rather than saying you offer a “stress-free process,” share a real-life example of how you handled a challenging project. Stories create connection, and they’re one of the best ways to make your expertise relatable.
Try this: Think of a favorite project and write out the story behind it. What made it special? What challenges did you solve? How did you solve them? Use this story to bring your approach to life.
And guess what…once you’re done with this exercise, you’ve got a solid project page for your portfolio. Because a really good portfolio page includes not just static photos, but stories that provide context.
Let’s wrap it up…
I get it…using familiar but overused words and phrases feels safe, but it doesn’t capture what makes you unique, different, and better.
Clients don’t just want another designer—they want someone who understands their world and speaks directly to them. By finding your voice, getting super specific, and sharing real stories, you can create messaging that feels authentic, memorable, and truly reflective of your brand.
Want help finding the words that connect? As part of my website copywriting process, I conduct in-depth client interviews—up to five of your clients—to get to the bottom of what really, really matters to them.
These conversations uncover their true desires, values, needs, and pain points. Also, let’s not forget…awesome customer testimonials! And here’s the magic: I capture the exact language that resonates with them. Then, I weave these audience insights into your website copy so that it doesn’t just sound professional; it sounds real.
The result? Messaging that feels like a genuine conversation with a trusted friend, leaving an impression that lasts.
Not every copywriter offers client interviews as part of their process. I do. In fact, I don’t write website copy without it. And it’s this layer of research that brings depth and authenticity to your brand voice.
Need help with your website copy? Can’t seem to figure out your differentiator? Get clear on your voice or what your clients want? Whatever it is, let’s chat about how we can make your words work as hard as you do.
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