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Become an Interior Decorator

Certificate IV
in Interior Decoration

Explore all aspects of design for residential interiors with this hands-on, industry driven course. You’ll learn how to make considered creative decisions about colour, fabric, lighting, soft furnishings and space planning. Our course is designed to push your boundaries and develop your skills, empowering you to tackle our major project – a whole house residential interior scheme.

Accredited Qualification MSF40122
10 hrs per week / 1-2 years self paced online

Feel supported

Be mentored and inspired
by our passionate Educators.

Careers Coach

Discover our exclusive
careers service.

Accredited

Receive a qualification
from Sydney Design School.

What will I learn?

This comprehensive foundation course starts with the basics and gradually builds your skills and confidence. You’ll begin with the elements and principles of design, before exploring the inspiring world of colour, drawing and model making. We’ll teach you how to develop interior schemes and plan kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living spaces.

What does the course cover?

In this intensive and highly practical course we guide you through the process of creating just the right look and feel for the interior of a home from taking a brief from a client through to presenting a fully resolved interior scheme.

You will cover:

  • Design principles and concept development
  • Colour theory, interior colour schemes, paint technology and specifications
  • Interior decoration styles and trends
  • Client liaison and communication
  • Sketch drawing, rendering techniques and one and two point perspective
  • Interior planning for residential including kitchens, bathrooms, living and outdoor spaces
  • Technical drawing and model making
  • Furnishing, fabrics, window treatments, furniture, lighting and upholstery
  • Interior scheme development
  • Sample boards and specifications
  • The business of interior design and decoration

Units of Study

IDO01 FOUNDATIONS OF DESIGN AND COLOUR

Develop an understanding of the Interior Design and Decoration Industry and what influences design styles. Be introduced to the foundations of design including concept development, elements and principles of design and composition.

Explore the inspiring world of colour and learn how to create dynamic colour schemes. Explore the technicalities of paint and learn how to develop industry standard professional specifications.

IDO02 INTERIOR PLANNING AND DESIGN

Be introduced to the fundamentals of residential interior design, planning and lighting. Explore all aspects of residential design including designing bathrooms, kitchens, living, bedrooms and outdoor spaces. Visualise space in two and three dimensions through model making and perspective drawing techniques.

IDO03 INTERIOR SCHEMES AND 3D VISUALISATION

Explore all aspects of interior decoration including furniture, furnishings, upholstery, window treatments and flooring. Learn how to construct an interior scheme and present professional sample boards and specifications.

IDO04 RESIDENTIAL DECORATION

Prepare for the real world by working on a simulated residential project. Take a client brief and work through the design stages to the final presentation. Learn essential business skills, prepare a professional resume and portfolio ready to launch your dream career.

Competencies can be found here

What is the cost?

This course is divided into 4 units and you can apply and pay unit by unit or upfront.

  • Unit 1 Foundations of Design and Colour + Design Kit  |  $2,390
  • Unit 2 Interior Planning and Design  |  $1,795
  • Unit 3 Interior Schemes and 3D Visualisation  |  $1,795
  • Unit 4 Residential Decoration  |  $1,795
  • Total course cost  |  AUD $7,775 (GST Free)
  • Pay in full upfront to receive 10% off  |  AUD $6,997.50 (GST Free)

If you are studying outside Australia you will be charged a shipping fee at checkout. You will also need to cover the cost of any GST, customs or duty that may be charged by your local authority. Please allow AUD $50 incidental printing costs.

How can I pay?

We know the investment you’re making in your future is an important one, which is why we offer a range of payment options.

Option 1 – Pay upfront and save

Pay for the total course cost at enrolment and receive a 10% discount.

  • Course cost  |  $7,775 (GST Free)
  • Less 10% discount
  • Total Course cost  |  $6,997.50 (GST Free)

Option 2 – Pay unit by unit

Pay for Unit 1 when you apply and then pay for each subsequent unit when you finish your current unit.

Option 3 – Pay by instalment

Pay an initial unit deposit by credit card at the time of enrolment, followed by 2 monthly instalments via Ezidebit. Please note, that payment by instalment is available to Australian students only. For full instalment details, click here.

If you require a longer instalment plan to pay for your first unit please contact our team at [email protected] for more options.

Note: A credit card transaction fee will be applied at checkout for all payments.

What will I need?

Our Design Kit contains everything you need to get started. It’s included in the cost of your first unit. Shipping is free within Australia, if you are studying internationally you will be charged a shipping fee at checkout and will need to cover the cost of any GST, customs or duty that may be charged by your local authority. You’ll also need a smart phone, computer or laptop with Microsoft Office and access to the internet. Students will need access to a printer a few times in this course, most of our Australian students use Officeworks.

How does it work?

This course is delivered through our online eCampus. The eCampus is easy to navigate and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. It is filled with inspirational content, practical resources and video tutorials.

You will work through a range of activities. Each activity carefully guides you step-by-step through the creative process, gradually building your knowledge and confidence.

Along the way, our Educators – who are professionals working in the industry –  will be on hand to provide guidance and answer questions via phone or email. When you’ve completed all of your activities and assessments, you simply upload your work for marking and feedback.

We estimate that you will need to spend approximately 10 hours per week studying to complete the work within 1 – 2 years. You have a maximum of 6 months to complete each unit. This qualification can be credited towards the Diploma of Interior Design if wish to extend your study.

What are the career opportunities?

Our Careers Coach will help you to prepare a professional resume and will assist you with identifying job opportunities in your local area. You’ll also get access to our exclusive online job board for Sydney-based roles.

Graduate career opportunities

  • Interior Decorator
  • Interior Stylist
  • Colour Consultant
  • Adviser for a product, furniture or lighting supplier
  • Entrepreneur in your own interiors business

Entry requirements

You don’t need any previous experience just enthusiasm and a passion for interiors! We start from the basics and gradually build your skills, knowledge and confidence. You will need basic computer knowledge and the ability to navigate the Internet.

To study with Interior Design Online you will need a strong command of the English language (verbal, written and comprehension) and, if required, be able to score at least 6 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test here or an equivalent.

If required, our team will be in contact with you by telephone to assess your English language proficiency, prior to an enrolment confirmation being sent. If your application is not successful due to your language ability your payment will be refunded in full.

How do I apply?

You can apply online today. Follow the link below to enter your details into our online application form. You can choose to pay for the course in full, by unit or by instalments.

Please allow one business day for our team to process your application and payment. You will then receive a confirmation of your enrolment via email including your login to our eCampus and payment receipt.

This will be followed by a welcome email from an Educator. You will receive a link to join a live online welcome session via Zoom where you will get  a guided tour of our eCampus. Your Design Kit will be posted to you and should arrive within one week or your enrolment but you won’t need the resources until much further into your course.

Accreditation

You’ll receive an accredited and internationally recognised dual branded qualification from Sydney Design School and Interior Design Online. This course is accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority, the Government’s national regulator for vocational education. RTO91446.

This qualification can be credited towards the Diploma of Interior Design.

“I absolutely loved it and it has given me the courage to explore, especially with colour and textures. The Educators are very approachable and supportive.”

Graduate Cecilia Mazadiego

Want to try a different delivery mode?

Live online classes

If you want a more social experience you can learn in our real time online classroom. Sydney Design School offers this course two days per week. International students do not require a student visa. Visit the website to find out more.

On campus classes

Get the face to face Sydney Design School experience in our world class studios. Our physical school offers this course one or two days per week. A visa is required for international students. Visit the website to find out more.

Explore work by our creative students

GRACE WHITELOCK
ASHIMA SOOD
DANIELLE SAMS
MEAH ROFE