The Certificate of Interior Design and Property Styling offers a practical introduction to interior design, focusing on the key elements that shape well-designed spaces. You’ll start by learning what interior designers and stylists do, how the industry works, and how to apply essential design principles like balance, proportion, emphasis, and scale. You’ll also explore how to use colour, lighting, architectural features, and statement pieces to bring a room to life.
In this online interior design course you will learn how to create harmony and flow within a space. You’ll learn how to coordinate colours and textures, plan for zoning and traffic flow, and balance variety with consistency. There’s a strong focus on writing design briefs, understanding client needs, and planning layouts that are both functional and visually appealing. You’ll also explore how design can influence mood and behaviour, and how cultural factors can shape style choices.
You’ll take a closer look at how to work with colour and lighting to shape atmosphere. This includes understanding the basics of colour theory, how to build colour palettes, and how to layer different types of lighting to change the feel of a space. You’ll learn how to use these tools to make a space feel warmer, brighter, more spacious, or more intimate, depending on the design goals.
Finally, the course introduces a wide range of interior design styles, from coastal and contemporary to Japandi and traditional. You’ll explore what defines each style and how to work with them confidently. You’ll also learn how to turn your skills into a business, defining your services, building a portfolio, finding clients, and setting up your online presence. Whether you’re styling your own home, supporting clients with interior styling, or looking to build a career in interior design, this course will give you the knowledge and tools to succeed.
Course Structure
Certificate of Interior Design and Property Styling
Unit 1: Introduction to Interior Design A
- Introduction to interior design
- The interior design industry
- Interior designers and stylists
- Interior stylists
- Design principles
- Balance
- Achieving balance in a room
- Proportion and scale
- The golden ratio in interior design
- Scale in interior design
- Rhythm and rep
- Emphasis
- Architectural features
- Colour and contrast
- Statement furniture and décor
- Artwork and wall décor
- Lighting
Unit 2: Introduction to Interior Design B
- Harmony and unity
- Bringing harmony into a space
- Colour coordination
- Consistent materials and textures
- Repeating design elements
- Balancing variety and cohesion
- Spatial planning and functionality
- Zoning
- Traffic flow and circulation
- Spatial planning
- Creating visual balance
- Multi-functionality and adaptability
- The psychology of space
- Design and mood
- Cultural influences
- Psychology of design
- Mood and behaviour
- Understanding client needs
- Project planning
- Creating design briefs
- Executing the vision
Unit 3: Colour, Light, and Atmosphere
- Colour, light, and atmosphere
- Understanding colour psychology
- The colour wheel
- Hue, tint, shade and tone
- Cool and warm colours
- Undertones
- Creating colour palettes and schemes
- Natural and artificial light
- Artificial light
- Combining light sources
- Ambient lighting
- Task lighting
- Accent lighting
- Using light to shape mood
- Mood and emotion
- Space and perception
- Tone
- Interior design styles
Unit 4: Interior Design Styles
- Interior design styles
- Mid-century modern
- Scandinavian
- Coastal
- Industrial
- Contemporary
- Traditional
- Hamptons
- Bohemian
- Minimalism
- Japandi
- Modern farmhouse
- Art deco
- French provincial/country
Unit 5: Furniture, Décor, and Materials
- Furniture, décor, and materials
- Popular interior design styles
- Selecting furniture by function
- Style and visual impact
- Scale and layout
- Zoning, circulation, and flow
- Layering textures and materials
- Combining materials
- Updating with 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
- Decorating blogs
Unit 6: Interior Styling for Everyday Living
- Interior styling for everyday living
- Styling with lifestyle in mind
- Balancing practicality and aesthetic
- Practical styling tricks
- Solving everyday styling challenges
- Layering for function and style
- Aesthetic enhancers
- Restyling existing interiors
- Rearranging, repurposing and editing
- Use pieces in new ways
- Knowing what to remove
- Inspiration from second-hand finds
- Seasonal styling
- Engaging the senses
- Personalising without clutter
- Balancing real life with styling
- Finishing touches
Unit 7: Home Staging for Real Estate
- Home staging for real estate
- The purpose of home staging
- Home staging vs styling
- Depersonalising
- Balancing neutrality and warmth
- Cost-effective styling
- Smart, affordable additions
- Bringing out the best in a property
- Styling workarounds
- Staging by property type
- Understanding the buyer
- Working with homeowners
- Working with real estate agents
- Styling options for smaller budgets
Unit 8: Starting Your Own Styling Business
- Defining your services
- Interior styling service menus
- Setting up your interior design business
- Building your portfolio
- Example portfolio
- Establishing an online presence
- Finding your first clients
- Business essentials: what to expect
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 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
About Us
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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