When I first started working with boards and property managers, something became very clear: when our clients have a basic understanding of the interior design terms we use during NYC co-op lobby and hallway renovations, the decision-making process goes faster.

As the first interior design firm to specialize exclusively in lobby and hallway renovations for existing NYC residential buildings, we’ve guided hundreds of people through this process. So, whether you’re in the early planning stages or deep into material selections, you may want to bookmark or share this handy guide.

Renderings
Renderings are high-quality, often photo-realistic images that closely show what your lobby will look like after renovation. Think of them as your crystal ball. They help building boards and residents visualize the final design before a single tool is raised. When I present renderings to boards, it’s often the moment when everyone finally gets on the same page.

Perspective Drawings
Perspective drawings are hand- or computer-drawn sketches that show depth and dimension from a specific viewpoint.

Unlike a flat floor plan, they show how your space will look from eye level as you walk through the front door, and they’re especially useful for understanding how your new lobby or hallways will feel to residents and visitors.

Dressed or Colored Elevations
Dressed or colored elevations are flat, straight-on drawings of walls or built-in features, shown with as close to accurate colors and finishes as possible. They’re your roadmap for understanding how the materials and color palettes come together. When a board member asks, “But how will the marble look against that wallcovering?” this is one way we answer that question.

Flooded Floor Plan
A flooded floor plan shows where color or pattern indicates different flooring materials or zones. It’s invaluable for visualizing traffic flow and material transitions, particularly important in lobbies where you might have stone in the entry area transitioning to carpet in the seating area. In hallways, it’s a great indicator of carpet patterns and how they translate around corners and elevator landings because they show both color and patterns from a bird’s-eye view.

RCP (Reflected Ceiling Plan)
A RCP is a drawing that shows your ceiling layout as if you’re looking down at it from above, including light fixtures, sprinklers, and any architectural details.

RCPs are crucial for coordinating design with building code compliance, especially in older NYC buildings where every system needs to work together.

Mock-Up
A mock-up is a full-size sample or small test area created for materials, finishes, or layouts that need approvals before full installation. It’s much easier to change course when you’re looking at a 3-foot sample than after installation is complete.

Mood Board
A mood board is a preliminary collage presentation of materials, colors, textures, and images. It initially conveys one possible overall style and direction for the project.

A mood board can be a helpful tool prior to hiring a design firm to see if you are on the same page with their vision for your building. This alignment is often the first step toward a successful project.

Clear Mirror
A clear mirror is made with low-iron glass for a perfectly neutral reflection, free from the greenish tint you see in standard glass. When you’re investing in an upscale lobby renovation, this level of clarity makes a noticeable difference. This specialized glass shouldn’t be confused with standard clear glass.

Patina
Patina is the natural aging or finish that develops over time on metals, woods, or stones. Some materials are chosen specifically for how their patina evolves, adding character to your space rather than looking worn. Unlacquered brass, for instance, can develop a beautiful and welcoming patina over time.

Reveal
A reveal is a recessed edge or detail that adds dimension and visual interest, often used in millwork or wall paneling.

Reveals create elegant shadow lines without adding visual clutter. They’re one of those details that make the difference between a lobby that looks elegant and well thought-out and one that looks ordinary.

Carpet Bleed
Existing New York City co-op and condo buildings are notorious for crooked walls. When designing hallway carpeting with borders, we never design carpet with the border up against the wall because the border can become misshapen due to the ins and outs of the walls. We specify a 4″ or 6″ mostly solid-looking bleed or buffer zone that cleverly disguises wall imperfections. This way, the decorative border maintains its intended beauty without drawing attention to structural quirks.

Carpet Border
A carpet border is a design detail where a different color or pattern frames the edges of a carpeted area.

Carpet borders add elegance and help define specific zones within your lobby and hallways. We like to think of them as frames around a beautiful painting.

Poms (Carpet Yarns)
Poms are small tufts of yarn that show carpet color and texture options. When creating custom carpet designs, we use these poms to communicate the exact placement of each color within the pattern.

COM (Customer’s Own Material)
With COM, designers provide their own fabric to furniture or window treatment manufacturers for perfect design integration. This requires selecting materials suited to their intended use and supplying fabric specifications (width and pattern repeat) so manufacturers can determine the exact amount needed.

COL (Customer’s Own Leather)
Similar to COM, but specifically for leather provided by the client for furnishings.

When you are familiar with these terms, you’re not just following along with the conversation, you are an active participant in creating a space that enhances your building’s value and your residents’ daily experience.

Your lobby or hallway renovation is about more than decoration. It’s a significant capital improvement that will serve your building for years to come. Being familiar with the language ensures you make decisions with confidence.

If you’re ready to explore what’s possible for your building, let’s start with a conversation in terms we both understand.

Sygrove Associates Design Group is NYC’s original specialist in co-op and condo lobby and hallway renovations. Founder Marilyn Sygrove has guided hundreds of buildings through successful capital improvements for over 30 years. Her firm works in New York City, Westchester County (NY) and New Jersey.

Ready to discuss your building’s common area renovation? Reach Marilyn directly at hello@sygrove.com or 212.757.0631.

Learn more:

• About Sygrove Associates Design Group

• Sygrove Client Testimonials

• View our Lobby Design Gallery