International Certificate In Interior Design
Self Paced Interior Design Online Courses
A house becomes a home with your skilled touch and creative vision. Our Interior Design Courses give you all of the training and skills you need to create beautiful and comfortable homes.
The Interior Design Courses are delivered online and consists of 12 modules and 12 interactive assignments. You can study in your own time and at your own pace. Students studying the Certificate Course are provided up to 12 months to complete their studies. Extensions are available if required.The modules are designed to be read sequentially and will help build your knowledge to enable you to design a residential space.
There are exercises at the end of each module, which will require you to participate in the design experience. It is through participation and interaction that you will learn to feel confident and find your creative voice. The exercises are designed to help you build your first professional portfolio.
Each student will be given the same residential renovation tasks that will require them to upload new floor and lighting plans, suggest furnishings, fabrics, window treatments, lighting, upholstery and accessories, explore decoration and various design styles, provide colour schemes, upload mood boards, write quotations, prepare newspaper ads, write a scope of works for your contractors, provide a preliminary costing for your clients, etc.
As these are online courses, we understand that some of our students do not have access to real life renovations or clients, so each project completed throughout our course will be hypothetical.
Experience the transformation as your thoughts and opinions evolve while gaining more knowledge and skills. Enjoy the process of gaining skills that will enable you to communicate your untapped, creative potential.
This is a course of very high standards, that is very competitively priced. The course materials are used internationally, and the delivery and format are identical to the Diploma version of the course. The only difference is that the Certificate course is less rigorous.
Tutors do not have to be Government accredited but have all been handpicked for their industry expertise and ability to impart knowledge to students.
This is a non accredited course in Australia although the course is recognised globally by the following bodies:
– DDA (Decorators & Designers Association of Canada)
– BBB (Better Business Bureau)
– CID (Certified Interior Decorators International)
– IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre)
– BAC (British Accreditation Council)
– UKRLP (United Kingdom Register of Learning Providers)
You need a great portfolio, not necessarily a degree in interior design to become a professional interior designer. This is exactly what our Certificate Course focuses on – providing you with the practical skills and technical knowledge to build a professional portfolio and launch a rewarding freelance interior design career or an exciting new hobby.
Course FEE
Flexible Payment Options
- Contributions From Leading Interior Designers
- High Definition Video Content
- 24/7 Support
- Exclusive Facebook Group
- No Fixed Start Dates
- Flexible Payment Options
- Free Website Portfolio To Display Your Work
- 7 Day Money Back Guarantee
- Personal Tutor
Student Work
Course Curriculum
Module 1
Module 1The Visual Language of Design
The first module is an introduction to the creative and exciting world of interior design.
You will be introduced to the elements and principles of design that are used to create harmonious and balanced interiors.
• Learn how to observe, evaluate and form opinions of different design styles by analysing interior spaces.
• Develop your ‘designer’s eye’ and understand how to apply the knowledge and create inspirational designs for home and work environments.
Module Content:
- Getting Started
- Welcome To IDI!
- Modules
- How To Use Our Course
- What Do I Need?
- Software And Devices
- Materials
- What Is Interior Design?
- Quotes We Love
- Philosophy Of Interior Design
- The Visual Language Of Design
- Understanding Design Theory
- Elements Of Interior Design
- Space
- Line
- Shape
- Colour
- Texture
- Light
- Pattern
- Principles Of Design
- Balance
- Rhythm
- Emphasis
- Proportion And Scale
- Harmony
Module 2
Module 2The History of Style, Decoration and Architecture
This comprehensive module takes you on a fascinating journey, beginning with the origins of decorative finishes seen in cave paintings and ancient dwellings and leads you through the history of design and architecture to the present day.
Full of visual images and information, Module 2 will convey the meanings and messages behind the styles and decorative images you encounter.
• Learn to recognise architectural and decorative details influenced by ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian architecture, Neo-Classicism and more recent design styles.
• Incorporate these ideas into your designs, adding originality and creativity to your work.
• Gain an appreciation of art and design history and how it will continue to be an influence both in the present and the future.
Module Content:
- The History Of Style, Decoration & Architecture
- Architecture Timeline
- The History Of Architecture
- Neolithic 10000-2000BC
- Mesopotamian 4500-2000BC
- Ancient Egyptian 3000-900BC
- Ancient Greek 1000-100BC
- Roman 1050BC–500AD
- Byzantine 500-1500
- Moorish 700-1500
- Gothic 1150–1400
- Renaissance 1400-1600
- Baroque 1590–1725
- Rococo 1700–1790
- Industrial Revolution 1760–1820
- Neoclassical Styles 1720-1830
- Palladianism
- Georgian
- Greek Revival
- Victorian Architecture And Design 1837–1901
- Edwardian 1901-1914
- Arts And Crafts Movement 1870-1910
- Art Nouveau 1890-1914
- Modernism 1900-1950
- Art Deco 1920-1930
- De Stijl Movement 1917-1931
- Bauhaus 1919-1933
- Postmodernism 1960
- Minimalism 1980
- Contemporary – Present Day
- Sustainability
Module 3
Module 3Design Styles
In this module, you will learn how to make strategic and conceptual decisions for your design projects based on the desired function, style and mood of the space.
• Explore some of the most common interior decorating styles, including traditional, country, eclectic and contemporary.
• Develop your knowledge of different structures, common problems and solutions so that you can communicate clearly with clients, suppliers and tradespeople.
• Evaluate a site and assess existing structures in order to create a master plan and implement your ideas.
• Discover how to keep informed of trends and how to look for trend inspiration.
• Learn how to visually present ideas to your client by creating a mood board.
Module Content:
- Speaking The Language Fluently
- Trends
- Colour Trends
- Types Of Interior Design Styles
- African
- American
- Arts And Crafts
- Art Nouveau
- Art Deco
- Bohemian
- Coastal
- Country
- Eclectic
- French Provincial
- Gothic
- Hamptons
- Hollywood Glam
- Industrial
- Japandi
- Japanese
- Mediterranean
- Mid-Century Modern
- Minimalism
- Modern Australian
- Modern Farmhouse
- Moroccan
- Retro
- Rustic
- Scandinavian
- Shabby Chic
- Traditional
- Tropical
- Urban Chic
- Victorian
- Wabi-Sabi
- Considering The Site
- Building An Aesthetic Plan
- How To Visually Present Ideas To Your Client
- Mood Boards
Module 4
Module 4Space Planning
Now you will discover how to apply the design elements to your spatial planning and design concepts, considering different furniture layouts to suit the intended function of the space.
• Learn how to draw a floor plan, rearrange an existing space and plan a new layout for a renovation project.
• Study the different architectural elements that will be included in your floor plan, such as doors, windows, fireplaces and lighting fixtures.
• Become familiar with the functionality of different rooms and understand the role that furniture plays in the design process.
• Extend this project in subsequent assignments and develop a lighting plan, colour scheme and finishes.
• Build your first professional portfolio as you complete these exercises.
Module Content:
- Space Planning And Proportion
- Furniture Layouts
- The Next Step In Space Planning
- Styling An Existing Room
- Living Room
- Kitchen Design
- Bathroom Design
- Residential Building Design
- Energy Efficiency
- Orientation
- Parts Of A Residential Building
- Floor Plans
- What Is A Floor Plan?
- Parts Of The Floor Plan
- Symbols
- Abbreviations
- Spatial Planning
- What Is Spatial Planning?
Module 5
Module 5Lighting
This module will enable you to discover the sources and properties of light, types of lighting and how the orientation of a space affects natural lighting.
• Learn how light affects the selection of colours on different surfaces, finishes and fabrics.
• Understand how to communicate your ideas clearly to electricians, builders and suppliers by specifying the correct products suitable for the intended purpose.
• Learn the various types of light bulbs available to interior designers and how to select the right one for a client’s room.
• Turn your creative vision into reality by using natural and artificial lighting to create a stunning effect in your interior design projects.
• Incorporate these ideas into your plan as you continue with the renovation project that started in Module 4.
Module Content:
- Lighting
- Light And How We See
- Colour Properties Of Light
- Colour Temperature
- Colour Rendering
- Natural Light
- Evaluating Natural Light Levels
- Artificial Light
- Sources Of Artificial Light
- Site Analysis
- Mounting Options
- Types Of Light Fittings
- Light Levels
- How Light Is Measured
- Designing With Light
- Types Of Artificial Light
- Lighting Design
- Lighting The Home
- The Front Door
- Entrance And Hallway
- Living Rooms
- Kitchen
- Dining Room
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Stairs
- Exterior Light Fittings
- Electrical, Lighting And Home Technology
- The Smart House
- Communicating With Your Builder
- Lighting And Electrical Plans
- Power Outlets
- Symbols Used To Create A Reflected Ceiling Plan
- Lighting Symbols
Module 6
Module 6Colour
This module will introduce you to the power and psychology of colour and how it can be used as a pivotal design tool in your projects.
• Learn about the properties of colour and understand how it can change the mood of a space, alter perceptions and create the intended style. Discover the effect of natural and artificial light on colour and surface textures.
• Use the colour wheel as inspiration and guidance to develop harmonious schemes and gain the confidence to use it effectively. Discover that there are no bad colours, only bad combinations.
• Experience the power of using colour in all aspects of your design projects to trigger different responses, such as vibrant and uplifting or muted and restful.
• Familiarise yourself with paint systems, products and specifications.
• Put together multiple colour schemes to accompany the renovation project from Module 4.
Module Content:
- Colour
- How Design Elements Interrelate
- Guidelines For Using Colour
- Colour And Light
- Colour Psychology & Symbolism
- The Emotional Effect Of Colours
- Colour Symbolism
- Colour Mixing Systems
- The Human Eye
- Additive Colour Mixing
- Subtractive Colour Mixing
- The Colour Wheel
- Primary Colours
- Secondary Colours
- Tertiary Colours
- Properties Of Colour
- Hue
- Value
- Tint
- Shade
- Tone
- Chroma
- Colour Temperature
- Colour Undertone
- Colour Harmony Groups
- Creating Successful Colour Schemes
- Colour And Perception
- Simultaneous Contrast
- Colour Interactions
- Planning A Colour Scheme
- Flooring
- Communicating About Colour
- How To Specify Colour Accurately
- Sampling The Colours
- Exterior Colour
- Types Of Paint
- Wallpaper
- Specialty Paint Finishes
- Painters
- Colours On Computers
- Interior Paint Colour Viewers And Visualisers
- Trend Forecasting
- Staying Inspired
Module 7
Module 7Interior Finishes
You will learn how to apply the concepts of three-dimensional design to the reality of a finished space.
• Discover the importance of ensuring quality finishes on the floor, walls and ceiling to create a striking and functional backdrop for furnishings and window treatments.
• Gain the product knowledge required to select and specify cost-effective finishes suitable for the intended end use to create a professional and enduring interior space.
• Find out how to plan and project manage the sequence of floor, wall and ceiling finishes required at different stages of a project.
• Create finish schedules for each room from the renovation project that began in Module 4.
Module Content:
- Wall Finishes
- Walls
- Coatings
- Veneers
- Cladding
- Mirrors
- Wainscoting
- Flooring Materials
- Hard Flooring Surfaces
- Natural Stone Products
- Manmade Products
- Soft Flooring Surfaces
- Carpet Construction
- Ceilings
- Decorative Details
- Plaster Details
- Windows And Glass
- Door Hardware
- Kitchen, Bathroom And Laundry Finishes
- Benchtops
- Natural Stone Options
- Solid Surfaces
- Composite Stone
- Wood Products
- Splashbacks And Walls
- Cabinets
- Acoustics
- Upholstered Panels
- Environmentally Sustainable Design
- Choosing Sustainable Materials
- Enhance Indoor Environmental Quality
- Minimising Waste
- Specifications
- Tips For Creating A Successful Design
- Specifications For A Design Project
- Lighting Schedule
Module 8
Module 8Decorative Textiles and Fabrics
This informative module introduces you to the history, beauty and luxury of decorative textiles and fabrics.
You will be shown how to appreciate the importance of including items with luxurious and aesthetic appeal as essential components in your design, regardless of the available budget.
• Discover the endless possibilities for using fabrics with style and flair to create eye-catching interior spaces. Gain the confidence needed to apply the elements of design and transform spaces by using textiles, fabrics and other decorative accessories.
• Learn about the technical properties of fabrics and their suitability for different end uses. Understand the functional and aesthetic properties required for bed linen, rugs and decorative textiles.
• Create fabric selections for each room from the renovation project that began in Module 4.
Module Content:
- A Brief History Of Textiles
- Textile Science
- Fabrics
- Decorative Textiles
- Patterns And Prints
- A Guide To Mixing Patterns
- Choosing Fabrics For Interior Design
- Fabric Compositions
- Upholstery-Weight Fabrics
- Curtain-Weight Fabrics
- Eco-Friendly And Organic Fabrics
- Window Furnishings
- Specifying Fabrics
- Fabric Abbreviations
Module 9
Module 9Furniture, Art and Accessories
The pinnacle of great design is working with beautiful objects, furniture and art. With reference to Module 2 and the history of interior design, you will learn how furniture styles have been developed over the years for specific uses and applications.
• Apply your knowledge of design elements to the reality of placing beautiful objects into perfectly planned and well thought out spaces.
• Experience the sense of achievement when your space planning and elevations come to life.
• Showcase your creative potential with coordinated, harmonious interiors.
• Create the complete decor scheme for each room from the renovation project in Module 4.
Module Content:
- Furniture
- History, Period & Contemporary Pieces
- Upholstered Furniture
- The Technical Side Of Upholstered Furniture
- Applying The Elements & Principles Of Design
- Specifying A New Piece
- Furniture Safety
- Art
- Sculpture
- Screens
- Photography
- Accessories
- Area Rugs
- Unique Rug Styles
Module 10
Module 10Working With Clients
This module teaches you the work practices of professional designers. You will be shown the vital procedures and thought processes that bring a design to completion in the real world.
• Learn how to support your creative knowledge with the practical application that ensures success from the start of a project through to completion.
• Ensure that your proposals and management skills will bring work in on schedule and budget for any design project, whether for yourself or for a client.
• Gain the confidence needed to work professionally in the design industry.
Module Content:
- The Home Is Where The Heart Is
- Reasons For Using An Interior Designer
- Building Relationships With Clients
- How To Approach A Design Project
- Analysis Phase
- Your First Meeting
- Questions To Ask
- Setting Project Priority
- Site Evaluation
- Talking About Money
- Concept Phase
- Your Second Meeting
- Visual Design Tools
- Priorities For The Second Meeting
- Final Design
- Implementation Phase
- Source And Specification
- Schedule Of Work
- Order Of Tasks
- Project Cost
- Your Fee Structure
- Paperwork For The Interior Designer
- Quotations
- Agreements
- Programs To Help With Your Paperwork
- Safety On A Construction Site
Module 11
Module 11Visual Communication
In this module, you will be taught how to document your ideas and designs for clients, contractors and your own reference.
• Learn how to easily create a three-dimensional drawing from floor plans to help visualise the space and make more informed design choices.
• Find out how these drawings can help you win business and then manage the design process.
• Support your documentation with a clear set of drawings to ensure your ideas are interpreted correctly.
• Experience the pleasure of seeing your design concepts spring to life as projects are completed.
Module Content:
- Communicating Accurately
- Things To Consider
- The Design Brief
- Drawing: Its Relationship To Your Work
- Imagining Colour
- Developing A Concept
- Drawing Equipment
- Orthographic Drawings
- Interior Elevations
- Drawing Kitchen Elevations
- Sections
- Additional Drawings
- Axonometric Drawings
- Rendering
- Sketching
- The Illusion Of 3D
- Types Of Perspective Drawings
- How To Draw A One Point Perspective Plan
- Materials Board
- Layout
- Construction
Module 12
Module 12Setting Up an Interior Design Business
If you are considering making design your career, this may be the decisive chapter that is the stepping stone to your future success.
• See yourself in the context of the design industry.
• Take professional advice from outstanding business consultants who work with creative, respected and successful interior designers.
• Benefit from this valuable information regarding business development, business practice and market positioning.
• Learn how to put together a professional portfolio and receive an insight on setting up your own website and social media networks.
Module Content:
- Getting Started
- Setting Up An Office
- Home Office
- Hiring Office Space
- Designing Your Office
- Space Planning
- Drawing Your Plan
- Consider Branding
- Lighting
- Technological Requirements
- Ergonomic Check List For Your Office
- Desk Height
- Sit & Stand Desk Options
- Desktop Layout
- Setting Up Your Business
- Business Plan
- Business Branding
- Business Name And Logo
- Website
- Business Expenses
- Finding Clients
- Word Of Mouth
- Social Media
- Website
- Email Marketing
- Direct Mail
- Press Advertising
- The Headline
- Getting The Tone Right
- Public Relations
- Interior Design Career Paths
- What You Need When Applying For Work
- Skills
- Resumes
- Cover Letter
- Portfolio
- How To Make A Portfolio
- Finding Work In The Field
Course Fees
Flexible Payment Options
Darren Palmer masterseries
International Certificate Course + Darren Palmer MASTERSERIES
The Interior Design Institute offers you the most advanced and comprehensive online solution to learning available today. We offer the most thorough home study courses in Interior Design using the very latest online learning techniques. Our commitment to providing the highest quality training program has resulted in unique teaching and student support systems, which produce unparalleled results.
CONTRIBUTORS
VICKI MULLINS
Vicki is excited to share her wealth of knowledge gained from her diverse background in graphic design and interior design with the students of The Interior Design Institute.
WENDI SNYDER
Wendi had a 25 year career in theatre working in costume and set design, which took her around the world where she educated herself in architecture and interior design. During this time, she qualified with a real estate license and worked on many interior design projects for theatrical personalities.
JASMINE ABEL
Jasmine is the brains behind the design of our course materials and social media platforms and has worked together with Vicki and Wendi to deliver the course modules to our students.
WENDE REID
Under her company name, form and colour, Wende Reid practices architectural, interior and furniture design and fine art consulting. She began her career in New York and now practices in Sydney.
OUR TUTORS
Our handpicked tutors are not only great teachers, but experts in their fields.
SAVITRI GANDAKUSUMAH
Savitri’s passion for teaching grew from more than 10 years of experience, where she has successfully developed an extensive expertise in teaching Interior Design.
LINDA BISTRICIC
Linda has over 20 years experience in teaching interior design at TAFE, as coordinator of the interior design department and in curriculum design and development.
VICKI MULLINS
Vicki is excited to share her wealth of knowledge gained from her diverse background in graphic design and interior design with the students of The Interior Design Institute.
ROBERT PARISI
Robert Parisi began to develop his interest and passion for architecture and interior design as a young child.
Accreditation
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The courses are designed to be self-paced. For the Certificate Course, you would expect to be dedicating on average about 6-8 hours per week for 24 weeks. For the Diploma Course, you would expect to dedicate, as per AQF standards, approximately 18 hours per week of structured training over an 18 month period. Students studying the Certificate Course are provided up to 12 months to complete their studies. Students studying the Diploma Course are provided up to 18 months to complete their studies.
The courses are completed online. This means there are no classes to attend. You can study in your own time and at your own pace.
Our course is compatible with both PC and Mac devices, and basic computer knowledge is required. You will need:
– Microsoft Office with Excel, PowerPoint and Word (or similar software)
– Internet access
– Printer
– Scanner or digital camera
Our courses are compatible with both PC and MAC computers, tablet and smartphone devices.
We recommend students source the following:
Scale ruler / Colour wheel / Lead pencil / Standard ruler / Eraser / Fine liner black pen 0.5mm / Blank paper to draw on or a visual diary / Colour pencils / Copic markers (optional) / Tape measure
Yes. We have a dedicated student Facebook group with over 20k active members. This group allows you to connect with other like-minded designers where you can discuss your assignments, the course and all things design.
Your tutor’s role is to assess your assignments and provide you with personalised feedback. They are also available to answer any questions you may have about your course. You can communicate with your personal tutor at any time through your secure student site, which you will be given access to once you enrol.
No. The courses are designed to allow for students who have had little or no experience in interior design.
As the courses are provided online, you have the flexibility to start when and where suits you. If you enrolled today, for example, you could start straight away.
Our course does not include any CAD software. We do, however, teach AutoCAD, ArchiCAD and SketchUp through our Advanced Modules. These can be purchased as you progress through the course.
All the learning is done online in that when you enrol, you receive a username and password, which enables you to log onto our secure student site. From there, you can download your first module, which you could liken to your textbook as it contains all the information you will need to complete assignment one. Each module is approximately 90 pages in length and is full of detailed, technical information delivered in a friendly, conversational manner that is easy to understand. The concepts are further explained by way of diagrams, images and examples. Once you have completed your assignment (some are just theoretical, but the majority of assignments combine both theory and fun practical tasks), you then upload it onto our site for your tutor to mark. The tutors will give you a grade (out of 10) and a comprehensive evaluation of your work and ideas. Their feedback will help nurture and improve your skills each step of the way.-
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