Introduction to Interior Design

Are you a creative person with an eye for design? If so, this course will show you how to transform plain living spaces into beautiful and functional rooms. These lessons will give you the know-how you need to design a room from floor to ceiling. You will delve into color theory, industry trends, spatial arrangements, floor plans, traditional and modern interior design ideas, and other basics.

Explore a range of careers in interior design and get insider tips for entering this exciting field. Interior design is constantly evolving. This course covers some of the latest trends affecting the industry. You will investigate "green" sustainable design, and you'll find out how to modify your designs for people with special needs.

As you master design skills step-by-step, you'll complete your first project: a fully developed room design complete with spatial layout, lighting, and finish selections. Your new knowledge and hands-on practice will give you the confidence you need to start creating beautiful residential interiors for yourself and others.

Lesson List:

• Lesson 1 - The Vast World of Interior Design
  Find a wide range of opportunities and challenges as you design residential spaces, whether you're creating a comfortable family room or outfitting a sleek urban penthouse. At the commercial sphere, interior designers create everything from exclusive boutique hotels to retail storefronts. Find the differences between interior design and interior decoration so that you can choose the discipline that suits you best. 
   
• Lesson 2 - Tools of the Trade
  Use the specialized drawing tools interior designers use to help them create and present their designs. Cover fundamental concepts—the elements of design—that will serve as the building blocks of all the compositions. 
   
• Lesson 3 - You Gotta Have Style
  Go on a journey throughout the past and present design styles. See which styles are the most popular in cutting-edge homes. Look at how the unique cultures around the world can help you create unique styles.
   
• Lesson 4 - Colors of the World
  Start off by exploring the science behind color and why people see the way they do. Learn about the various cultural associations people have with color. Discover how you can influence the mood of others through the colors you select for your designs.
   
• Lesson 5 - Plans, Elevations, and Details—Oh My!
  Architectural drawings communicate the designer's vision to the clients, the contractors, the architect, and others. Get an overview of the kinds of drawings that interior designers use throughout the design process. Identify and read various types of technical drawings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and details. Cover drawings in three-dimensions while learning about axonometric, one-point, and two-point perspective presentation drawings.
   
• Lesson 6 - Plan That Space!
  Before you can think three-dimensionally, start with an architect's scale and make sure that you can get all the necessities to fit within a space. Design an area where it is comfortable without being tight, and spacious without feeling empty.
   
• Lesson 7 - Living in a Material World
  Explore the various types of materials that you can use to achieve beautiful interiors. You'll look into a wide range of finishes, which include natural materials (including stone and wood), synthetic materials (tile, laminate, and resilient flooring), and carpet. 
   
• Lesson 8 - The Fabrics of Our Lives
  There are various types of fibers available, as well as their various strengths and weaknesses, so that you can make the best selection. Fabrics covers a wide array of styles from bedding, pillows, and window treatments. Get some pointers on how to successfully design draperies that will beautifully frame the transition between your stunning interior design and nature's beauty of the outdoors.
   
• Lesson 9 - Lights, Camera, Action!
  This lesson will explain the psychology behind good lighting design and help you create the right effect in your space while making it visually interesting. Become familiar with the various types of light fixtures available to use in your designs and learn how to select from the many types of artificial light sources.
   
• Lesson 10 - Design for All
  Explore how to incorporate some of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act into the home. Create spaces that allow retirees to age gracefully in their homes. Learn how to adapt spaces to allow people to maintain their independence through design choices.
   
• Lesson 11 - It's Not Easy Being Green
  Many companies are pioneering new ways of designing that look at the life cycle of a product and consider the environmental implications. Learn about green design, which is the art of creating beautiful spaces that are efficient in their use of energy and natural resources. 
• Lesson 12 - Taking Care of Business
  Gain practical advice on how to set up and run your own interior design business. Get suggestions on how to set up your studio by determining the legal business structure, practical recommendations for outfitting your space, marketing yourself and setting pricing structures. Receive some advice as you navigate the construction process with your contractors, clients, and vendors.
   

Upon registering, you have six (6) weeks to complete the program.

Course Dates and Times

 Course Hours: 24 Hours

This workshop is offered through our continuing education online partner.