Online Class: Interior Design 101
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15Lessons
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25Exams &
Assignments -
10Hours
average time -
1.0CEUs
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Video Audit
Available
Course Description
In order to create an interior environment, designers need to think about the form and functionality of the space. The form refers to the look and feel. The functionality refers to how they space will be practically used. In order to effectively blend form and functionality, designers need to rely upon many resources, guidelines, and professionals.
Interior designers often tend to be interior decorators. After all, designers are often responsible for all aspects of a project, including the design, development, and finishing touches. However, interior decorators may not necessarily be interior designers; designers need to have more in-depth knowledge than decorators.
While many interior designers are also decorators, designers do not generally take on other professional roles, such as plumber, carpenter, electrician, or otherwise. Therefore, designers must work closely with many other industry professionals.
Interior designers also have the liberty to be self-employed or to work with a firm. Either way, there are some business skills and best practices that every interior designer should use in order to be successful.
This course is designed to teach you how to be an interior designer by focusing on interior design from a macro level. If you decide to pursue an interior design career after reading about everything that will be required of you if you choose to pursue a career in interior design, then you will spend years learning the minute details that are essential to creating a successful design.
Note: This course focuses on all aspects of interior design. While interior decorating plays a large role in interior design, it is important to remember that the two are not the same. This course will not go into great detail about interior decorating, but, rather, will provide an overview of the kind of information interior designers will need to know.
Course Motivation
Interior Designers Work With Professionals in Many Other Fields.
Often interior designers will have an integral role in the decorating of a space because of their oversight and planning role. In a sense, an interior designer is often like a project manager, with his or her hands in many pots. Because of their holistic approach to a space, interior designers are often called in to consult with clients before a project begins, especially on new construction projects.
Interior decorators, however, have very specialized roles. Decorators are charged with working within a developed space to create a particular feel. Unlike interior designers, decorators do not manipulate the foundations of a space. Instead, they must be able to see the possibilities that exist in the current space. Interior decorators may have more in-depth knowledge of design principles, styles, and trends than interior designers, as well.
In most cases, an interior designer and an interior decorator will work closely together; they may also be the same person. However, interior decorators may not work with professionals in other trades, the way an interior designer does.
Both interior decorators and interior designers must be skilled at selecting:
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Window treatments
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Bedding
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Furniture
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Artwork
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Accessories
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Storage units
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Light fixtures
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Carpets and rugs
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Colors
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Fabrics and textures
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Design styles
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Layout
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Designs for special events
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And more
However, interior designers must take their knowledge a few steps further to include:
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Space planning
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Kitchen and bath design
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Plumbing layout and fixtures
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Lighting layout and fixtures
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Sound design
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Flooring
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Custom carpentry
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Stone and tile
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Climate control
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Windows and doors
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Cabinetry
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Specialty design, such as LEED
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Building codes
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Americans With Disabilities Act requirements
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And more
There are building codes and regulations for every space, but they may vary based on the type of space.
Interior Design Specialties
As with any professional discipline, the field of interior design encompasses many different specialties. Many interior designers work within all specialties, but a specialty is not required. Also, some interior designers choose to limit their projects to one particular specialty. These specialties include:
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Corporate
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Retail
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Government
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Healthcare
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Hospitality
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Institutional
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Residential
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Sustainability
In order to design a successful space in any of these specialty groups, interior designers need to be aware of the particular government codes and regulations, which can differ from structure to structure.
Interior designers will also want to be sure they understand how each space will be used – and by whom – so they can follow best practice design standards. For example, the upholstery that an interior designer uses for a public space may differ greatly from the upholstery an interior designer selects for a residential space.
Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Introduction to Interior Design
Understanding the role of the interior designer and how the designer works with professionals in other disciplines.Lesson 2: Evolution of Design
As time has evolved, spaces became not only functionally arranged, but also developed with an increasing focus on aesthetic appeal.Lesson 3: Basic Interior Design Decorating Principles
This lesson includes an overview of basic design decorating principles that all designers need to be aware of, including elements of color, proportions, lighting, furniture, accessories, and textures.Lesson 4: Color
Color can set the tone for an environment and make a design successful.Lesson 5: Major Design Styles
Interior designers must be knowledgeable about the many different design styles that have been used throughout history.Lesson 6: Design Codes
Interior design is regulated by local, state, and federal codes that all designers need to be aware of.Lesson 7: Standards
Interior designers are encouraged to incorporate interior design standards into their projects.Lesson 8: Licensing and Certification
Interior designers need to learn about the licensing and certification requirements for their particular states.Lesson 9: Areas of Specialization
Interior designers will often specialize in a particular industry, or type of design.Lesson 10: LEED Building Certification
Sustainable design is environmentally friendly design that seeks to minimize a building's impact on the environment. Interior designers can be LEED-certified to show that they are aware of environmentally friendly strategies.Lesson 11: LEED Professional Certification
LEED certification is not only one of the most sought-after certifications available for interior designers, it can also increase your marketability within a diverse client or employer base.Lesson 12: Bodies of Knowledge
Interior designers need to have a wide body of knowledge to have a career in the field.Lesson 13: 10 Things Every Professional Interior Designer Should Do to Have a Successful Business
Here's an overview of the business side of interior design that designers need to keep in mind.Lesson 14: Interior Design Associations
Interior design professional organizations help interior designers stay connected, network, and continue their educations in design.Lesson 15: Resources for Interior Designers
As with any profession, interior designers need to have resources available to them that they can use to stay informed about industry news, receive updates about design regulations and codes, connect with other designers, and learn about current events re
Learning Outcomes
- Define what interior design is.
- Describe evolution of design.
- Define basic interior design decorating principles.
- Identify color.
- Recognize major design styles.
- Summarize design codes.
- Define standards.
- Summarize licensing and certification.
- Identify areas of specialization.
- Identify bodies of knowledge.
- Summarize 10 things every professional interior designer should do to have a successful business.
- Identify interior design associations.
- Recognize resources for interior designers.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information
- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Student Testimonials
- "This course help a lot and more about about my goals to became an professional interior designer." -- Lolomanaia T.
- "Instructor was outstanding!" -- Doug W.
- "The lessons were informative and very helpful." -- Johanna T.
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