The compound word "装潢" (zhuānghuáng) is formed through the semantic combination of its two characters: "装" (zhuāng), which originally meant to install, decorate, or mount, and "潢" (huáng), which historically referred to the process of dyeing paper a yellowish hue or the art of mounting scrolls with such paper. Together, they originated from the traditional craft of mounting and embellishing scrolls of calligraphy or painting, where "装" denoted the physical framing and backing, and "潢" specified the decorative treatment of the materials. Over time, the term's meaning broadened metaphorically from this specific artistic process to encompass the general decoration and ornamentation of spaces, particularly interior design and furnishings.