Course curriculum

  • 1

    What is Interior Design?

    • Overview

    • What is interior design?

    • The history of interior design

    • What qualities are helpful for a career in interior design?

    • How are interior designers trained?

    • Take a Quick Recap Test

    • What are the prospects like for interior designers?

    • Summary

  • 2

    Planning a Project and Client Communication

    • Overview

    • Why you need to develop project planning skills

    • What questions should an interior designer ask when putting together an initial set of diagrams?

    • The basic principles of design that should be used when planning how a space will be used

    • Take a Quick Recap Test

    • Presenting a plan to a client

    • Using project schedules

    • Summary

  • 3

    Planning Considerations for Different Types of Room and Spaces

    • Overview

    • Ensure that the spaces you design are carefully considered

    • Special considerations that apply when designing kitchens

    • Special considerations that apply when designing living rooms

    • Special considerations that apply when designing bedrooms

    • Special considerations that apply when designing bathrooms

    • Take a Quick Recap Test

    • Special considerations that apply when designing an office

    • Special considerations to bear in mind when designing other commercial spaces

    • Designing accessible spaces

    • Summary

  • 4

    Use of Color in Interior Design

    • Overview

    • The role of color

    • Color psychology

    • Take a Quick Recap Test

    • Making use of the color wheel in interior design

    • Other considerations when choosing colors for interior design

    • Summary

  • 5

    Use of Surface Materials and Textures in Interior Design

    • Overview

    • The power of surfaces and textures

    • Common surface materials and finishes used in interior design

    • There is no way of avoiding texture when planning a space.

    • Take a Quick Recap Test

    • Creating a sense of texture in a space using paint

    • Summary

  • 6

    Use of Lighting in Interior Design

    • Overview

    • Lighting and mood

    • The three main types of lighting used in interiors

    • Choosing the right kind of bulb

    • Other terms associated with lighting design

    • Working with natural light

    • Take a Quick Recap Test

    • What to think about when choosing lighting options within a space

    • Summary

  • 7

    Sourcing and Selecting Furniture

    • Overview

    • A brief introduction to furniture

    • The history of furniture and modern furniture styles

    • How to source furniture

    • How to customize furniture

    • Take a Quick Recap Test

    • Summary

  • 8

    Working with Textiles and Accessories

    • Overview

    • The power of textiles and accessories

    • Natural fibers and their use in interior design

    • Synthetic fibers and their use in interior design

    • Leather

    • What should you remember when selecting textiles?

    • Working with accessories

    • Working with art

    • Incorporating personal items and mementos into a space

    • Making use of plants

    • Pillows and cushions

    • Take a Quick Recap Test

    • Summary

  • 9

    Sustainability and Ethics in Interior Design

    • Overview

    • The rise of green design

    • Choosing and using environmentally-friendly products

    • Reducing energy loss and heating bills

    • Take a Quick Recap Test

    • The environmental impact of sourcing products from abroad

    • Disposing of waste products in a responsible manner

    • Summary

  • 10

    Running Your Own Interior Design Business

    • Overview

    • Why set up your own business?

    • Before you begin

    • Registering as self-employed

    • Insurance

    • How much to charge clients

    • Employing other people

    • How to advertise your business

    • Summary

    • Take a Recap Test