About Interior Decorating Courses

Design-savvy individuals should consider interior-decorating careers.

There's good news for those design-savvy individuals looking to put their interest in design to work as a career. Interior decorating courses are plentiful, making design and decorating a realistic goal with a multitude of educational options. Both traditional and nontraditional students can find educational training in interior decorating and space-planning through traditional universities and with online education.

Program Types

Not all interior decorating courses are the same. Interior decorating and space planning programs are available in a variety of program concentrations, including space planning, decorating and design. Interior-decorating and space-planning-program students should be aware that interior decorating is not design. Interior design requires study in architecture, while interior-decorating and space-planning students study the elements, theories and principals of decorating. Many programs for decorating are diploma programs, but bachelor's degree programs are available for those seeking further education.

Online

A huge selection of reputable interior-design programs are available through distance learning online. Most online distance-learning programs are diploma programs, not bachelor's degrees. They are also substantially less expensive than traditional bachelor's degree programs, and all course materials are included in the cost of the program. Course materials for online interior-decorating diploma programs include books and booklets, online professional assistance and course-specific materials, such as templates.

Traditional

Traditional colleges and universities offering interior-decorating degree programs are widely varied, with degrees offered being contingent on the school and program types. Trade schools and community colleges with interior-decorating courses and space-planning courses are associate-degree-granting colleges. University programs are available to those seeking a bachelor's or master's degree in interior decorating, though most university programs are design, not decorating, programs.

Courses

Courses in interior design include both theory and practice. A good interior-decorating and space-planning program will include a combination of the two and require students to put what they have learned to use. Typical interior-decorating programs might include such courses as color theory, space planning, window and wall treatments, fabrics and textiles, lighting, spacial harmony and business practices.

Membership and Certification

The interior-decorating field has a number of professional associations, organizations and certifying agencies. Before selecting an interior-decorating program, potential students should check program accreditation to ensure that they are choosing a program that will meet their professional needs, as well as the standards for professional associations and licensing agency membership. Many professional interior decorating organizations offer resources for students and student memberships.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Interior Designers
• National Association of Schools of Art and Design

Resources

• National Council for Interior Design Qualification