Online Class: How to Decorate Your Home

Unleash your inner decorator through our immersive course, where every lesson acts as a stepping stone towards mastering the symphonies of design elements like Line, Form, and Color. Explore diverse styles and transform spaces into personal narratives, creating living canvases that echo individual stories.

Self-Paced, Online Class
Tuxedo Park Library
 
  • 15
    Lessons
  • 22
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 10
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.0
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Embark on a Captivating Journey of Home Aesthetics and Creativity

Welcome to a world where the walls echo stories, where every nook and corner resonates with character, and where spaces aren't just spaces—they are reflections of souls. Our meticulously designed home decoration course is more than just an educational platform; it's a gateway to the vast, vibrant universe of interior aesthetics.

With a 15-lesson voyage, we unravel the magic that breathes life into homes. No longer will interior decorating be a mere hobby or an overwhelming task; by the end of this course, it will be your second nature. You'll move beyond the basics and immerse yourself in the intricate ballet of colors, textures, lights, and patterns.

Dive into the mesmerizing world of design fundamentals:

  • A Palette of Choices: Navigate through the ocean of sofas, delve into the mysteries of lighting, discover the allure of varied hardware finishes, and gaze at the vast horizons of window treatments. We ensure that you don't just know the terms; you live them.

  • Understanding the Symphonies of Design: Using the revered principles of Line, Form, Color, and more, you'll learn to harmonize different elements. Like a maestro conducting an orchestra, you will master the rhythm, balance, contrast, and emphasis to create symphonic living spaces.

  • Everyday Inspiration: Our holistic teaching approach means learning isn't confined to the virtual classroom. We encourage you to wear your decorator's hat always, finding muses in cafes, clinics, hotels, or even a stroll in your neighborhood.

  • Diverse Styles, One Course: From minimalist to baroque, from rustic to modern, journey through various design philosophies. Experience the thrill of exploring aesthetics outside your comfort zone, fueling your creativity.

Every corner of our living space holds the potential to be a canvas, a testament to one's persona and aesthetic sense. This course is not just about decorating; it's about discovering oneself, it's about storytelling, it's about creating a haven you call home. Whether you wish to transform your sanctuary, venture into a career in interior decorating, or just satiate your creative cravings, we promise a journey of discovery, creativity, and endless inspiration.

So, are you ready to paint your story? Join us, and let's create magic, one room at a time!

 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.94 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(454 votes)

Lesson 1. Understanding Interior Decorating: Distinguishing Design from Decoration

Differentiating interior design from decorating, the lesson presents the history and transformative impact of decorating pioneers like Elsie de Wolfe. By embracing elements like color, line, and light, learners are guided towards creating harmonious and balanced spaces that shape daily experiences. Additional lesson topics: A Look Into the History of Interior Design with Tobi Fairley; Elements of Style: Designing a Home and a Life; Styled: Secrets for Arranging Rooms, from Tabletops to Bookshelves; Interior Design : Elements of Interior Design 11 Total Points
  • Complete Assignment: Why this Course?
  • Assessment: Exam 1

Lesson 2. Color-Themed Interior Design

Colors powerfully impact mood and perception, with strategic use transforming room size and ambiance for unique, compelling spaces. Mastery of hues, tints, shades, and tones enables decorators to leverage color's intricate interplay with light, scale, and texture for sophisticated interior designs. Additional lesson topics: 10 Ways to Correct Your Interior Design Color Myths; Interior Decorating Tips Using the Color Wheel; How to Work With Warm and Cool Colors; Several Ways to Conquer Your Fear of Color; Color Rules for Small Spaces 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Exam 2

Lesson 3. Mastering Textiles and Texture in Interior Design

An insight into textiles reveals the intricate balance between natural and synthetic fibers, showing how each choice contributes uniquely to a room’s functionality and style. Whether opting for durable wool or luxurious silk, understanding fiber properties enhances the versatility and longevity of design choices. Additional lesson topics: How to Pick The Right Textiles for Your Home; BBC; Textile Arts; Interior Decoration with Textile Furnishings; Style Your Home with Pattern, Color, and Texture! Video Several of 3 11 Total Points
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Activity
  • Assessment: Exam 3

Lesson 4. Exploring Diverse Interior Decorating Styles: From Midcentury Modern to Mediterranean

Mediterranean style draws inspiration from the diverse cultural influences of Southern Europe and North Africa, emphasizing the region's distinct climate with bold colors and earthy textures. Stucco walls and intricate ceramic tiles are used to create dignified, dynamic spaces reflecting the Mediterranean's vibrant essence. Additional lesson topics: 10 Inexpensive Decorating Ideas; Your Decorating Style Defined; A Guide to Identifying Your Home Décor Style; Decorating Styles on Pinterest 11 Total Points
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Activity
  • Assessment: Exam 4

Lesson 5. Sofa and Seating Selections for the Ideal Living Room Atmosphere

Tables serve as pivotal elements in the living room setup, establishing zones for function and decoration, with diverse options enabling the inclusion of personal collections that spark conversation. When paired with strategic seating arrangements, such elements transform the living room into a dynamic space that reflects the homeowner's style and preferences. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Exam 5

Lesson 6. Cabinets and Conversations: The Art of Kitchen and Dining Room Design

Kitchen design that focuses on cabinetry, hardware, and organization can transform functionality and aesthetics without altering the fundamental infrastructure like plumbing. Complementing informal or formal dining spaces with appropriate lighting and furniture defines the character and utility of these rooms. Additional lesson topics: How to Decorate a Dining Room; 75 Stunning Designer Dining Rooms; 100+ Inspiring Kitchen Design Ideas; Several INSPIRING SMALL KITCHENS YOU'LL LOVE; Small Kitchen Decorating Ideas 11 Total Points
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Activity
  • Assessment: Exam 6

Lesson 7. Beyond the Threshold: Entryways and Corners That Wow

Turning entryways into organized mudrooms addresses practical family needs, offering storage for everything from winter gear to musical instruments, thereby simplifying daily routines. Customizable hooks, shelves, and bins in mudrooms reflect the family's lifestyle while maintaining an organized and tidy home environment. Additional lesson topics: How to Decorate an Entryway and Living Room Separately : Interior Design and Decor; 862 Foyers; Several Ways to Make Your Entryway More Welcoming; Smart Decorating Ideas for Room Corners 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Exam 7

Lesson 8. Transforming Bathrooms: Design Solutions for Powder Rooms and Full Bath Spaces

Vanities in full bathrooms play a crucial role in both practicality and personal reflection, with design elements like cabinetry, mirrors, and sink selection impacting user experience. Thoughtful design can create the perfect balance between ample storage and elegant style, catering to the specific needs and preferences of the user. Additional lesson topics: Bathroom Vanity Décor on Pinterest; Bathroom Vanities Ideas Home Design Photos; Home Decorating Basics : How to Outfit a Powder Room; HOME DECOR: Powder Room Makeover 11 Total Points
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Activity
  • Assessment: Exam 8

Lesson 9. Illuminate Your World: Mastering Lighting for Stunning Interior Décor

Different layers of lighting, including ambient, task, focal, and decorative, are strategically used to create welcoming and practical spaces in interior design. With energy-efficient lamps like LEDs, decorators can maintain aesthetic charm while promoting environmental sustainability. Additional lesson topics: HOW TO USE LIGHTING AS AN INTERIOR DESIGN ELEMENT; Several Ways to Get Ambient Lighting Just Right; BBC; Lighting Guide; Elements Of Design Part 4: Light 11 Total Points
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Activity
  • Assessment: Exam 9

Lesson 10. Floors as Natural Connectors

Flooring serves as the foundational element of interior design, influencing both the aesthetic and tactile experience of a space. Choosing appropriate materials and tones can create harmony and meet practical needs, balancing style, functionality, and budget considerations. Additional lesson topics: Flooring Buyer's Guide; Innovative Flooring Solutions : Interior Design 101 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Exam 10

Lesson 11. Paint and Paper: Elevate Your Walls and Ceilings

Ceiling color plays a crucial role in influencing room perception, with bold choices complementing decor elements or lighter hues creating openness. Techniques like crown molding provide elegant transitions and timeless appeal, dating back to ancient times. Additional lesson topics: How To; How to Decorate a Room With Low Ceilings : Comfortable Home Decor; Several Ways to Transform Your Walls; A Dozen Creative Ideas for Decorating Blank Walls; Several Example Ideas to Decorate Walls With Pictures; How to prepare walls and ceilings for decorating; Design Tips : Cathedral Ceiling Decorating Ideas; Decorating Large Walls on Pinterest 11 Total Points
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Activity
  • Assessment: Exam 11

Lesson 12. Creating Balance and Harmony with Various Window Configurations

Window frames significantly impact a window's durability, energy efficiency, and insulation, with materials like wood, vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum offering varied benefits in strength, maintenance, and cost. Decorators should consider climate, frame quality, and desired aesthetics, possibly opting for wood-clad frames to balance beauty and protection. Additional lesson topics: Create your floor plan and home design with RoomSketcher; How to Decorate a Recessed Window : Ideas for Home Decorating; DIY Living room bay window decorating ideas; How to Decorate Windows in a New Home : Window Treatments and Décor; Window Treatments; Several Easy DIY Window Treatment Ideas 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Exam 12

Lesson 13. Design Dynamics: Achieving Balance with Floor Plans

Floor plans serve as a blueprint for decorators, providing a framework to measure, draft, and evaluate every aspect of a room. By understanding how to scale and note crucial elements, decorators can ensure functional and aesthetically pleasing designs according to building codes and accessibility standards. Additional lesson topics: Home Decorating Basics : How to Place Living Room Furniture; How to Draw Interior Design Plans : Interior Design; Interior Decorating Ideas : How to Arrange the Family Room; How to arrange your furniture for you home decor. 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Exam 13

Lesson 14. Modern Color Trends

Emphasizing escapism and serenity in home decor, the lesson highlights color trends that mirror the broader cultural movement towards mindfulness, including palettes like At Ease and Native Instincts. Kitchens and living arrangements are evolving to prioritize function and family interaction, marking a substantial shift away from open-plan, screen-filled spaces. Additional lesson topics: Interior Design – Several Design Trends Of ; Interior Design Trends 10 Total Points
  • Assessment: Exam 14

Lesson 15. From Guidelines to Greatness: Mastering Interior Decor

Decorating is an acquired skill that benefits from continuous practice and exploration of textures, patterns, and lighting. Budget constraints can fuel creativity, as unique decor pieces are often found in unexpected places, breaking the myth of needing a large budget for stunning interiors. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments; Course Comments
  • Assessment: Exam 15
157
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define the distinctions between interior decorating and interior design, emphasizing their unique roles and educational requirements.
  • Recognize and describe the influence of color, pattern, and texture on the mood and functionality of an interior space.
  • Demonstrate the ability to create harmonious color schemes using the color wheel to effectively apply complementary and analogous colors in interior spaces.
  • Recognize and differentiate between hue, tint, shade, and tone by describing how each aspect affects color perception within interior design.
  • Demonstrate the ability to select and apply appropriate textiles in interior decoration, considering factors such as texture, mood, light absorption, and reflection.
  • Describe how to identify and differentiate between visual and tactile textures in various surfaces through direct observation and physical interaction.
  • Create a design proposal incorporating elements from multiple decorating styles, showcasing creativity and understanding of how different styles can coexist harmoniously in a single space.
  • Demonstrate the ability to differentiate between the four decor styles: Midcentury Modern, Country French, Bohemian, and Mediterranean, by identifying key characteristics of each.
  • Identify and organize various seating and table arrangements to optimize social interaction and functionality in living rooms.
  • Recognize and describe the key features and historical significance of different sofa styles such as Chesterfield and Lawson.
  • Describe the unique elements and design considerations for informal and formal dining rooms, including table and chair selection and lighting requirements.
  • Recognize different styles of kitchen cabinetry and hardware, and explain how they influence a kitchen's aesthetic and function.
  • Demonstrate the ability to create visually appealing and functional entryway designs suitable for various architectural layouts, including hallways and open plans.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • 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
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: How to Decorate Your Home
Course Number: 9770465
Lessons Rating: 4.94 / 5 Stars (454 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is fully available online in all 50 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in major English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
Last Updated: December 2023
CEU Value: 1.0 CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher for successful completion.
Course Type: Self-Paced
Assessment Method: Lesson review exams
Instructional Team: Cathleen Chouinard