Interior design is an exciting and rewarding field that combines creativity with practical problem-solving. Whether you’re redesigning your own home, supporting clients in creating beautiful interiors or want to pursue a design career, this course is ideal for you.
The Certificate of Interior Design is a professional development course that equips you with the knowledge and skills to transform interior spaces with style and functionality.
In this online interior design course, you’ll explore the foundations of interior design, from understanding design principles and spatial planning to the psychology of how environments shape mood and behaviour. You will also learn how to use colour, lighting, furniture, materials, and décor to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically appealing.
You will learn to create mood boards and design concepts for various spaces while gaining skills in sourcing materials, managing budgets, and planning projects from start to finish. You’ll also gain skills for starting your own business, including portfolio development and client acquisition.
On completion of this course, you’ll have the confidence to successfully style interiors whether for personal projects, clients or your own design business.
Course Structure
Unit 1: Introduction to Interior Design A and B
- The interior design industry
- The roles of an interior designer
- Skills for interior designers
- Career opportunities
- Interior designers
- Interior stylists
- Design principles
- Balance
- Proportion
- The golden ratio
- Scale
- Rhythm and repetition
- Emphasis
- Harmony and unity
- Spatial planning and functionality
- Zoning
- Traffic flow and circulation
- Proportion and scale
- Multi-functionality and adaptability
- The psychology of space and how design affects mood
- Cultural influences in interior design
- Psychology of design: mood and behaviour
- Understanding client needs and project planning
- Creating design briefs
- Executing the vision
Unit 2: Colour, Light and Atmosphere
- Understanding colour psychology
- Understanding the colour wheel
- Hue, tint, shade and tone
- Cool and warm colours
- Undertones
- Creating colour palettes and schemes
- Natural light
- Artificial light
- Ambient lighting
- Task lighting
- Accent lighting
- Using light to shape mood and perception
- Perception of space
- Creating atmosphere with tone, texture and lighting
- Interior design styles
Unit 3: Furniture, Décor and Materials
- Selecting furniture by style and function
- Scale and layout
- Layering textures and materials
- Combining materials
- Paint
- Wallpaper and other wall treatments
- Window treatments
- Mixing and matching styles
- Quality and durability
- Styling with rugs, cushions, art and mirrors
- Final touches and accents
Unit 4: Interior Styling for Everyday Living
- Styling with lifestyle in mind
- Balancing practicality aesthetic
- Practical styling tricks
- Shelf styling
- Useful but aesthetic enhancements
- Functional living room layouts
- Restyling with what you already have
- Rearranging, repurposing and editing
- Knowing what to remove
- Inspiration from second hand finds
- Seasonal styling
- Personalising without clutter
- Balancing real life with styling
- Finishing touches
- Styling on a budget
- Storage and styling
Unit 5: Creating Mood Boards and Design Concepts
- What are design concepts?
- Importance of design concepts
- Mood boards
- Concept boards
- Gathering inspiration and defining vision
- Mood boards and what to include
- Using boards to guide styling and client conversations
- Types of design boards and how to make them
Unit 6: Room-by-Room Design and Styling
- Living areas
- Kitchens
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Laundry rooms
- Dining areas
- Entryways and hallways
- How to style with cohesion
Unit 7: Sourcing, Budgeting and Managing Styling Projects
- Client briefs and consultations
- Sourcing furniture, décor and materials
- Tips for sourcing effectively
- Creating and managing budgets
- Budget examples
- Planning and managing the styling process
- Delivering a professional styling outcome
- Helping clients clarify their brief
Unit 8: Starting Your Own Interior Styling Business
- Defining your services
- Example service menus
- Setting up a business
- Building your portfolio
- Example portfolios
- Establishing an online presence
- Finding your first clients
- What to expect when running a business
Estimated duration
40 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Your assessment will consist of a variety of written exercises such as short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports, and/or projects. There are no exams or fixed due dates, giving you the flexibility to complete the training at your own pace. Plus, you’ll have unlimited access to tutor support whenever you need assistance.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
I have done several courses with AOC and very happy with content in units and feedback.
Louise | Tarro, NSW | Certificate of Interior Design
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Aspiring interior designers
- Artists, designers
- Furniture retailers
- Property managers and estate agents
- Painters/decorators, builders and other trades people
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