Interior Design Basics

Details

This introductory interior design course covers various topics and skills needed for success as a residential interior designer. You will start by defining key terms and concepts in interior design and then learn how to effectively apply design elements and principles to create residential design plans. You will also explore the historical design features that influence contemporary projects.

Best practices in space planning, material selection, color theory, and lighting design will be covered, along with considerations for health, safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Your training even dives into how to select furniture, textiles, accessories, window treatments, and artwork to enhance a space.

By the end of this online interior design course, you will have a solid understanding of the role of a professional interior designer and be equipped with the knowledge to create aesthetically pleasing and functional interior designs.

Enrollment Options:

Instructor-Led
6 Weeks Access Course Code: idb
Start Dates* Sep 17 | Oct 15 | Nov 19 | Dec 17
*Choose start date in cart

$144.00

USD

Enroll before 31th May and get high quality lamination on your hardcopy certificate absolutely free! Use your certificate to your advantage by showing your certified credentials to prospective employers and recruiters.

Syllabus

The World of Interior Design

This lesson provides an overview of the elements and principles of interior design, covering design terminology and sources of inspiration. We emphasize the significance of user needs and their impact on design decisions, focusing on health, safety, and welfare considerations in design solutions.

The Elements of Interior Design

This lesson delves into the essential elements of interior design, which are the tools interior designers utilize. These elements encompass lines, space, shapes, forms, textures, patterns, and light and color. By studying renowned works, you will develop a discerning eye for effectively applying these elements, inspiring their design thinking. Additionally, this lesson introduces the course project and the visual tools necessary for effectively communicating the design project.

History of Interior Design

This lesson offers an overview of interior design history from ancient times to today. Understanding this history informs decision-making, sparks creativity, enhances design solutions, and expands the ability to envision possibilities. Famous historical sites and their enduring designs are a continued source of inspiration, accessible through travel, media, and magazines. Recognizing their influence, even in areas like social media, can broaden design perspectives.

Architectural Materials

This lesson explores the art of decorating with materials, encompassing the architectural shell, room outlines, and boundaries. We examine material selection's economics, maintenance considerations, and sustainable guidelines for making informed material decisions. We compare using natural and artificial materials and how to select textures and patterns to create sensory design effects and establish cultural connections.

Furniture

In Lesson Five, we will explore the evolution of historical furniture styles and their significance in contemporary design. We will examine the different types of furniture commonly used in interior design and how the choice of materials and construction techniques can influence our design plans. Additionally, we will compare various methods and tools for arranging furniture and discuss different sources for acquiring furniture. This lesson will also delve into the selection of construction materials and upholstery, considering factors such as cost and quality. By the end of the lesson, you will gain valuable insights into effective furniture arrangement strategies.

Color

This lesson introduces the basics of color fundamentals and theory and considers color schemes and their effect on users. It also examines color psychology, trends, and how professional designers forecast future color schemes.

Lighting

In this lesson, you'll explore lighting and its impact on spaces, lighting terminology, bulbs, and lighting design. Examining the four layers of light, lighting color temperature, and the evolution of lighting technology will provide a guide for good lighting design for every room in residential design.

Interior Design Principles

In this lesson, you will learn the fundamental principles of interior design, including size, scale, proportion, balance, symmetry, harmony, unity, proximity, alignment, and repetition. We will explore the concepts of emphasis and focal point. The lesson will then focus on applying these principles effectively, using the best practices employed by professional interior designers to craft visually stunning spaces. We will review notable projects and examine quotes from renowned designers, reflecting on what we can learn from their successes. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of the principles that underpin interior design and will develop a design-thinking mindset.

Space Planning

In this lesson, you'll apply the principles of interior design to assist in space planning for residential areas, which will enhance your ability to interpret floor plans. You will learn how to evaluate space planning techniques while considering crucial factors related to health and safety. You will explore concepts such as Accessible and Universal Design, Ergonomics, Sensory Design, and Sustainable Design methods. By the end of this lesson, you will know how to evaluate and implement space planning strategies that prioritize functionality, accessibility, comfort, and sustainability.

Art, Accessories and Window Treatments

This lesson will explain the finishing touches to residential spaces, such as art, accessories, and window treatments. A look at the trends and the classics will offer guidelines, such as where to find and how to order art, accessories, and window treatments. Learn how these final touches will make a space and its overall style, a thoughtful, integrated design approach.

The Interior Design Process

This lesson will introduce the broad steps of an interior design process: Programming, Conceptual and Schematic, Development and Documentation, Construction, Installation, Administration, and Follow-up phases. Learn what it's like to manage an interior design project. A review of design terminology highlights the vocabulary of design thinking.

The Interior Design Profession

The last lesson will cover educational opportunities and career paths in interior design and examine the responsibilities of a typical residential interior designer. You will appreciate the project management and business skills needed for a successful interior design business. You will then explore the wide variety of options that creative, dedicated individuals can experience in Interior Design!

Requirements

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 8 or newer.
  • Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Instructor

Sarah Smallwood

Sarah Smallwood is a licensed interior designer and design strategist. She has a bachelor's degree in interior design and a minor in architecture and an MFA in Design Management. Sarah's passion lies in the area of hospitality design, and her work encompasses a wide range of projects ranging from small independent hotels to large international hospitality chains (such as Marriott International) to the Cosmopolitan casino on the Las Vegas strip. She has worked for leading design and architecture firms in Dallas, Seattle, and New York City, as well as retail clients including Nordstrom. In addition, she has designed interiors for corporations, senior housing projects, and urban condominium projects. She independently works with individuals and families to help them create uniquely personalized homes.

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