This diploma course teaches you everything you need to know to launch a career in interior design. We cover the artistic side of the job and outline the practical business issues you need to consider to start your own business or work on a freelance basis.
The course begins by introducing you to key aspects of project planning and client communication. We demonstrate how to employ colour to make the best use of surface materials and textures. We then show you how to work with textiles and accessories and how to find and select the right furniture to make the most of the available space.
We provide practical instructions and demonstrations to help you grasp important design principles and factors to consider when working with a particular space. While our emphasis is on residential spaces, the course also suits those looking to design commercial interiors. We can help you to turn a passion for decor into a career as you learn how to turn building interiors into works of art. Each room can be a canvas awaiting your hand so sign up to become an interior designer.
Module 1
What is Interior Design?
In this module, you will learn about what is meant by the terms “interior design” and “interior designer”, the tasks carried out on a day-to-day basis, education paths into the profession as well as career prospects.
Module 2
Project Planning and Client Communication
In this module, you will learn why every interior design project begins with a set of preliminary diagrams and a floor plan, the basic principles of design that should be followed. As well as an overview of the tools interior designers use to plan how a space can be structured.
Module 3
Planning Rooms and Spaces
In this module, you will be introduced to why each room in a house or commercial setting warrants special consideration, what to consider when designing these different types of spaces and how to ensure that the spaces you design are accessible to those with disabilities.
Module 4
Colour in Interior Design
In this module, you will be introduced to why you need to understand the role played by colour in interior design, colour psychology and its application in interior design, and using neutral tones and colour schemes. In addition, you will also find out about how to use the colour wheel when decorating an interior and Classic colour “rules” and their rationale.
Module 5
Surface Materials and Textures
In this module, you will be introduced to why surfaces and textures are key components of interior design, common surface materials used in interior design and how a designer can realise their full potential. In addition, you will learn about common finishes and textures used on walls, doors and ceilings and why and how a designer may select a particular texture for use in an interior.
Module 6
Diploma in Interior Design - First Assessment
This is the first assessment in the Interior Design Diploma course. You will be tested on your knowledge of the first half of the course content.
Module 7
Use of Lighting
In this module, you will be introduced to why designers need to consider light sources within a space, the three main types of lighting used in residential and commercial spaces and the key issues that must be confronted when working with natural and artificial light. You will also learn how to choose appropriate light fixtures, including bulbs and how to achieve a variety of special lighting effects.
Module 8
Sourcing and Selecting Furniture
In this module, you will be introduced to why you should aim to develop an understanding of the history of furniture, the most popular interior design styles in use today and how to select the right piece of furniture for a space. You will also learn how to source furniture in an efficient, cost-effective manner and how to customise a piece of furniture.
Module 9
Textiles and Accessories
In this module you will be introduced to why textiles and accessories are important in interior design, the most common natural and synthetic fibres in use today and the advantages and disadvantages of working with leather. You will also learn how fibres are converted into textiles and how each is typically used in interior design, the most common accessories used in interior design and how to use accessories to their full potential.
Module 10
Sustainability and Ethics
In this module, you will learn why you need to understand and implement sustainable and ethical design practices, how to devise environmentally friendly designs at the earliest stages of a project and how to minimise the effects of painting and decorating on the environment. You will also learn how to source materials, furniture and accessories in an ethical manner that promotes corporate responsibility and how to dispose of waste products and unwanted items.
Module 11
Business of Interior Design
In this module you will learn about practical considerations to bear in mind when setting up your business, including the appropriate selection of office space and the tools you will need to get started, how to register as self-employed and your legal obligations and the procedures you need to follow, including income tax and health and safety legislation.
Module 12
Diploma in Interior Design - Second Assessment
This is the second assessment in the Interior Design Diploma course. You will be tested on your knowledge of the second half of the course content.
Module 13
Course assessment
