Course Structure
There are 10 lessons in this course:
Lesson 1. Scope and Nature of Interior Design
- Introductory Considerations
- Interior Designers & Skills Required
- History of Interior Design
- Popular Styles
- Trends
- Decorating with Colour
- Decorating with Texture
- Wabi-sabi
- Decorating with Pattern
- Decorating with Artwork
- Decoration with Features
- Principles
- Other Influential Design Components
Lesson 2. Choosing Components
- Introduction
- Paints
- Hard Materials. metal etc - glass, masonry, polymers, stone, tiles, plasterboard
- Floor Treatments
- Finishes
- Soft Materials and Accessories
- Choosing Furnishings
- Window Coverings
- Design Brief
- Preparing Colour Samples and Materials Boards
- Preserving Nature in Interior Design
- Indoor/Outdoor Rooms and Spaces
- Using and Placing Indoor Plants
Lesson 3. Choosing Services
- Introduction
- Types of Services -electricity, gas, water, telecommunications
- Heating and Cooling
- Managing Heat Transfer
- Heating Options
- Hot Water Systems
- Lighting
- Ambient Lighting
- Task Lighting
- Accent Lighting
- Electrical Outlets & Light Switches
- Telephone and Internet
- Water Supply
- Other Services
- Smart Building Solutions
- Robots for Cleaning
- Collaboration in Creative Processes
- On site Safety
Lesson 4. Redesigning an Old Building
- Ethics and Legalities
- Ethics of Building Preservation
- What is Regulated
- Planning Consent
- Heritage and Conservation Areas
- Evaluating the Site
- Creativity
- Determining a Client Goals
- Changes? - Restoration, Renovation or Design
- Redecoration
- Reorganisation/Altering Space
- Drawing Floor Plans
Lesson 5. Designing a New Building
- Role of a Designer
- Colour and Aesthetics
- Physical Features
- Practical Features
- Luxury Features and Quality
- Resources
- Structures -considering size, level, straightness, type of materials
- Sound and sound proofing
- Acoustic Panels
- Properties of Different Materials - Thermal, Electrical, Environmental, Economic, etc
- Technology in Design
- Sensors and Robotics in New Home Design
- Design Simulation
- CAD Design Process
Lesson 6. Altering Spaces
- Working with a Brief
- Spatial Awareness
- Photos, Sketches, Accurate Measurements
- Levelling
- Using Computer Software
- Spatial Planning
- Use of Space - storage, work, social, private
- Design Considerations - axis lines, focal points
- Creating Flow
- Creating Specific Areas
- Using Views
- Functionality, Proportion, Scale
- The Kitchen Triangle Design
- Altering Existing Spaces -Extensions, Conversions
- Recreating Original Styles
- Workplace Interiors.
Lesson 7. Organising the Interior
- Introduction
- Design Decisions for Organising Space - Harmony, unity, balance, scale, proportion, rhythm, contrast, details
- Reorganisation
- Temporary or Permanent Change
- Creating Ambience
- Reorganising Furnishings
- Maximising Use of Space -Decluttering, distancing, space saving furniture, using smaller items, using walls, visual effects
- Storage Example - Butlers pantry
- Creating Open Plan Spaces
Lesson 8. Designing for Health & Wellbeing
- Introduction
- Interior Materials for Better Health - paints, natural paint
- Managing Bacteria, Rots, other Biological Hazards
- Adhesives, Fabrics
- Feng Shui
- Biophilic Design
- Green Design
- Ergonomics
- The Psychology of Interior Design
Lesson 9. Budgeting
- Budgeting Priorities, Timing, Feasibility
- Managing a Project
- Implementing an Operational Plan
- Controlling a Project
- Creating a GANTT Chart
- Critical Path Analysis
- Invoicing
- Bad Debts
Lesson 10. Special Project
Four parts to this project
- Choose a room to design
- Research design considerations
- Prepare a design
- Report on your design
COURSE AIMS
- Describe different styles of interior design and their relationship to aesthetic and functional criteria, relative to varied historical and cultural contexts.
- Discuss options and criteria used to choose the components used in an interior design including furnishings, wall and floor treatments, colour choices and decoration.
- Determine services to be incorporated into an interior and where to install them.
- Determine options for interior improvements in an old interior and compare the possibilities.
- Determine options for interior development of a new interior and compare the possibilities.
- Explain how spatial awareness and spatial planning skills can be used to alter spaces.
- Explain how an interior might be improved by reorganisation of the components that already exist.
- Explain how an interior can be designed to more conducive to the wellbeing of the occupants.
- Prepare a budget for an Interior Design.
- Create a design for two rooms.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What are the benefits of studying Interior Design?
Save time and money through making better decisions and avoiding costly mistakes.
Gain better confidence in your taste and choices (knowing what works and why).
Improve your ability to solve layout and space challenges (making rooms feel right for living or working in).
Get greater personal satisfaction and creativity through expressing style and personality.
Get more value from your projects by choosing finishes, colours, and materials that fit the brief and budget.
Make better energy-conscious designs by choosing layouts, lighting, and finishes that can improve comfort and reduce energy use.
Develop skills managing projects - budgeting, sourcing, and checking details so jobs run smoother.
What is the course duration and format?
There are 10 lessons.
The course can be completed in approximately 10 weeks.
Each lesson includes experiential tasks, a self-assessment test, and a written assignment.
Assignments and projects are marked by our expert tutors and returned with written feedback.
There is an optional exam upon completion of the course.
The course is self-paced. Study wherever you want, whenever you want.
How long can I access course materials?
You have all the time you want. We don't have a cut-off date. You can continue to access your course indefinitely. This is one of the ways we are different.
You can review and revisit course material as often as you like, helping to reinforce learning and improve retention.
Can I use this course as a credit toward a qualification?
Yes. This can be used as a module in a variety of certificates and diplomas with ACS or in a degree with one of our affiliate partners, Warnborough College.
Various other universities and colleges around the world have also assessed and given credits for our courses in degrees.
Who is this course for?
Aspiring designers, painters and decorators
People working in related roles (e.g., architecture, retail design, shopfitters, staging, construction support)
DIY/home renovators
Career starters or career changers
Builders and construction workers
Property owners/landlords
Facilities managers and maintenance workers
Anyone seeking structure and guidance in interior design rather than just following trends
Ready to Enrol?
If you're ready to enrol or have any questions, please follow the instructions at the top of the page.