Fundamentals to Interior Design

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