Online Class: Interior Design 101

By exploring interior design as both an art and a science, this course highlights the essential integration of form and function in creating functional spaces across various settings. It delineates the distinct yet overlapping roles of designers and decorators while underscoring the importance of business acumen and professional partnership for success in the field.
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  • 15
    Lessons
  • 25
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 4,144
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 10
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.0
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Interior design is an exciting profession that not only requires designers to be able to think creatively, but also to problem-solve. Interior designers are responsible for creating an environment for a structure, which may include a single-family home, government office, corporate headquarters, and everything in between

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.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,681 votes)

  • Lesson 1. The Essentials of Interior Design

    Interior designers blend creativity with technical skills to optimize both functionality and aesthetic appeal in spaces, working closely with various professionals to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. They differ from decorators in their ability to manipulate foundational elements and manage complex projects, often requiring certification or licenses to practice.

  • Lesson 2. The Origins and Evolution of Interior Spaces

    Throughout history, interior designers have balanced the dual goals of functionality and aesthetics, learning foundational principles from early human habitats. With the Industrial Revolution and mass production, interior design flourished, leading to the establishment of professional organizations and educational institutions that continue to shape the field today.

  • Lesson 3. Design Principles: Building Spaces that Resonate

    Interior designers must grasp key principles such as color, texture, and lighting to create stylish and functional spaces in collaboration with clients. Successfully integrating elements like furniture and accessories hinges on understanding a space's style and the client's vision from the outset.

  • Lesson 4. Designing with Color: A Comprehensive Guide

    Color is integral to design, informing mood and balance through its scientific properties and extensive palette possibilities, enabling harmony and contrast within spaces. Designers employ techniques from feng shui to color psychology to enhance interiors, ensuring each color selection contributes to the intended atmosphere and style.

  • Lesson 5. Exploring Timeless Trends: A Deep Dive into Historical Design Styles

    Throughout history, major design styles have been shaped by cultural and environmental influences, with designers needing a broad grasp of these styles to apply them adeptly in projects. Examples span from Adam's neoclassical elegance to Baroque's opulence and the functional simplicity of Craftsman style.

  • Lesson 6. Understanding State and National Design Codes

    Interior designers must navigate a comprehensive landscape of state, national, and international codes to ensure the safety and regulatory compliance of their projects. Understanding and implementing these codes, like those from the ICC or the ADA, is crucial for safeguarding public welfare and for professional certification requirements.

  • Lesson 7. Understanding the Role of Standards in Interior Design

    Interior designers adhere to standards based on best practices, offering reliable guidance for effective design. Aligning with standards can also aid in meeting varying code requirements across regions, enhancing overall project quality and compliance.

  • Lesson 8. Mastering Certifications in Interior Design Specialties

    Interior design professionals often amass credentials like CID or ASID, which are dictated by licensing requirements and specialty interests; these may span from kitchen design to advanced environmental planning. Achieving such certifications signifies a dedication to comprehensive and lawful design practices within the public domain.

  • Lesson 9. Mastering Design Niches

    With a focus on industry-specific nuances, interior designers enhance public health, safety, and happiness in spaces from corporate offices to hospitality venues. Their expertise in materials and design codes ensures spaces are both functional and inviting.

  • Lesson 10. Building the Future: Understanding LEED Standards

    LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, provides a framework for environmentally friendly building practices, affecting everything from design to operations. Interior designers can become LEED-accredited to demonstrate their understanding of green design strategies and contribute to eco-friendly projects.

  • Lesson 11. Unlocking Market Potential: The Strategic Advantage of LEED Certification for Interior Designers

    With LEED credentials, designers gain a competitive edge in the job market by showcasing their commitment to green building practices, which are increasingly valued by employers. The certification not only reflects one's knowledge but also their dedication to advancing in the sustainable design field.

  • Lesson 12. Interior Design Essentials: Knowledge and Skills

    Interior designers require multifaceted expertise in design elements, safety regulations, and advanced communication to tackle diverse project challenges. Understanding how human environment needs intersect with regulatory and construction knowledge is crucial for success.

  • Lesson 13. Mastering the Art of Interior Design Business Success

    The journey of an interior designer doesn't stop at acquiring certification; it extends into active business development through strategic branding and financial management. Networking with other experts and consistently upgrading one's skills as per industry trends ensure that designers remain at the top of their game.

  • Lesson 14. Interior Design's Connection Map

    Interior design associations provide crucial networking, continuing education, and professional development resources for designers at various stages of their careers. Membership can offer certifications and accreditations that enhance one's professional stature and protect public safety through established standards.

  • Lesson 15. Essential Resources for Interior Design Professionals

    Thousands of websites focus on various aspects of interior design, allowing professionals to specialize and stay informed about industry dynamics. Consumer and trade magazines serve as comprehensive resources, offering insights and news tailored to either industry professionals or design enthusiasts.
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define the roles and responsibilities of interior designers compared to interior decorators, highlighting their specific skills and regulatory requirements.
  • Identify the collaboration process between interior designers and other professionals, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of the field.
  • Describe the evolution of interior design and how historical architectural practices have shaped modern principles of form and function.
  • Identify key historical influences, such as the Industrial Revolution and development of interior design schools, on the current state and perception of interior design as a profession.
  • Demonstrate the ability to develop a preliminary decorating plan for a client project, incorporating style considerations and client preferences into space design elements.
  • Identify and describe the fundamental interior design principles of color, texture, lighting, and furniture application in creating cohesive space designs.
  • Define and explain the impact of primary and secondary colors on creating customized color palettes in interior design.
  • Identify and analyze how color psychology can influence mood and functionality within interior spaces.
  • Demonstrate the ability to compare and contrast various interior design styles by identifying common features and unique elements of each style in given design examples.
  • Recognize the key characteristics and elements of major historical design styles, such as Adam, Art Deco, and Bauhaus, through visual identification and description.
  • Define the primary types of building codes relevant to interior design, including accessibility, safety, and energy regulations, by referencing national and international standards.
  • Identify state-specific certification and licensing requirements for interior designers, explaining the importance of adhering to local building codes and regulations.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the role of standards in ensuring compliance with regional codes and regulations by identifying relevant interior design standards.
  • 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: Interior Design 101
Course Number: 7550453
Lessons Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars (1,681 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Accessible from any state in the U.S., this course covers key areas such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also offered in English-speaking nations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and South Africa.
Last Updated: February 2024
CEU Value: 1.0 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Cathleen Chouinard
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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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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