Course Outline

Module 1

The Visual Language of Design

The first module is an introduction to the creative and exciting world of Interior Design.

You will be introduced to the elements and principles of design that are used to create harmonious
and balanced interiors.

• Learn how to observe, evaluate and form opinions of different design styles by analysing interior
spaces.

• Develop your ‘designer’s eye’ and understand how to apply the knowledge and create inspirational
designs for home and work environments.

Module Content
How to Use Our Course
What is Interior Design?
Philosophy of Interior Design
The Visual Language of Design
Understanding Design Theory
The Elements and Principles of Interior Design
Elements of Design:
Space
Line
Shape
Colour
Texture
Light
Pattern
Principles of Design:
Balance
Rhythm and Repetition
Emphasis
Proportion and Scale
Harmony
Module 2

The History of Style, Decoration and Architecture

This comprehensive module takes you on a fascinating journey, beginning with the origins of
decorative finishes seen in cave paintings and ancient dwellings and leads you through the history of
design and architecture to the present day.

Full of visual images and information, Module 2 will convey the meanings and messages behind the
styles and decorative images you encounter.

• Learn to recognise architectural and decorative details influenced by ancient Greek, Roman and
Egyptian architecture, Neo-Classicism and more recent design styles.

• Incorporate these ideas into your designs, adding originality and creativity to your work.

• Gain an appreciation of art and design history and how it will continue to be an influence both in the
present and the future.

Module Content
The History of Style, Decoration and Architecture
Interior Design and Architecture Time Line
Introduction
Neolithic 10000-2000BCE
Mesopotamian 4500-2000BCE
Ancient Egyptian 3000-900BCE
Ancient Greek 900BCE-100CE
Roman 1050BCE–500CE
Byzantine 500–1500
Moorish 700-1500
Gothic 1150–1400
Renaissance 1400–1600
Baroque 1590–1725
Rococo 1700–1790
Industrial Revolution 1760–1820
Neoclassical Styles (Georgian) 1720–1830
Victorian 1837– 1901
Edwardian 1901–1914
Arts and Crafts 1850-1914
Art Nouveau 1880-1910
Modernism 1900-1940
Art Deco 1910-1950
De Stijl Movement 1917-1931
Bauhaus or International Style 1919-1933
Post-Modernism 1964
Minimalism 1980s
Contemporary
Module 3

Design Styles
In this Module you will learn how to make strategic and conceptual decisions for your design projects
based on the desired function, style and mood of the space.

• Develop your knowledge of different structures, common problems and their solutions so that you
can communicate clearly with clients, suppliers and tradespeople.

• Evaluate a site and assess existing structures in order to create a master plan and implement your
ideas.

• Build your confidence by establishing a framework for completing a project in a professional

manner that will ensure a consistent and high quality result.

Module Content
Speaking the Language Fluently
Function
Style
Types of Interior Design Styles:
African
American
Arts and Crafts
Art Nouveau
Art Deco
Arabian
Asian
Bohemian
British
Contemporary
Coastal
Eclectic
French
Gothic
Indian
Industrial
Italian
Japanese
Medieval
Mexican
Minimalism
Moroccan
Nautical
Retro
Rustic
Scandinavian
Spanish
Tropical
Tuscan
Victorian
Vintage
Zen
Considering the Site
Building an Aesthetic Plan
Warm Spaces
Cool Spaces

Module 4

Space Planning
Now you will discover how to apply the design elements to your spatial planning and design
concepts, considering different furniture layouts to suit the intended function of the space.

• Learn how to draw a floor plan and elevations, then rearrange an existing space and plan a new
layout for a renovation project started in this assignment.

• Extend this project in subsequent assignments and develop a lighting plan, colour scheme and
finishes.

• Build your first professional portfolio as you complete these exercises.

Module Content
Space Planning and Proportion
Furniture Layouts
The Next Step in Space Planning
Styling an Existing Room
Living Room
Dining Room
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Storage
Hallway
Home Office
Laundry Room
Outside Space
Developing a Basic Floor Plan
Reading the Plan
Steps on Developing the Floor Plan
Scale
Developing a Basic Elevation
Section Plans
Module 5

Lighting
This module will enable you to discover the sources and properties of light, types of lighting and how
the orientation of a space affects natural lighting.

• Learn how light affects the selection of colours on different surfaces, finishes and fabrics.

• Understand how to communicate your ideas clearly to electricians, builders and suppliers by
specifying the correct products suitable for the intended purpose.

• Turn your creative vision into reality by using natural and artificial lighting to create a stunning effect
in your interior projects.

• Incorporate these ideas into your plan as you continue with the renovation project that started in
Module 4.

Module Content
Lighting
Light and How We See
Colour Properties of Light
Natural Light
Evaluating Natural Light Levels
Artificial Light
Sources of Artificial Light
Selecting the Right Light Fitting
Types of Light Fittings
Types of Artificial Light
Light Levels
Light in Relation to Other Materials
Lighting the Home
Exterior Light Fittings
Electrical, Lighting and Home Technology
The Smart House
Improving Energy Efficiency
Light Installation
Communicating With Your Contractor
Lighting Plans
Lighting Symbols
Lighting Terms and Definitions
Module 6

Colour
This module will introduce you to the power and psychology of colour and how it can be used as a
pivotal design tool in your projects.

• Learn about the properties of colour and understand how it can change the mood of a space, alter
perceptions and create the intended style. Discover the effect of natural and artificial light on colour
and surface textures.

• Use the colour wheel as inspiration and guidance to develop harmonious schemes and gain
confidence to use it effectively. Discover that there are no bad colours, only bad combinations.

• Experience the power of using colour in all aspects of your design projects to trigger different
responses; vibrant and uplifting or muted or restful.

• Familiarise yourself with paint systems, products and specification.

• Put together multiple colour schemes to accompany the renovation project from Module 4.

Module Content
Colour
How Design Elements Interrelate
Guidelines for Using Colour
Colour and Light
Colour Psychology
Colour and Pigment
Properties of Colour
Understanding the Colour Wheel
Colour Harmonies
Simultaneous Contrast
The Space Factor
Related Colours
Contrasting Colours
Colour and Perception
Planning a Colour Scheme
Communicating About Colour
Sampling the Colours
Module 7

Interior Finishes
You will learn how to apply the concepts of three-dimensional design to the reality of a finished
space.

• Discover the importance of ensuring quality finishes on the floor, walls and ceiling to create a
striking and functional backdrop for furnishings and window treatments.

• Gain the product knowledge required to select and specify cost-effective finishes suitable for the
intended end use to create a professional and enduring interior space.

• Find out how to plan and project-manage the sequence of floor, wall and ceiling finishes required at
different stages of a project.

• Create finish schedules for each room from the renovation project that began at Module 4.

Module Content
Finishes
Walls
Paint
Paint Finishes
Render
Wainscoting and Boiserie
Tongue and Groove
Shoji
Plaster Details
Wallpaper
Mirrors
Upholstered Panels
Special Finishes, Murals and Wall Art
Architraves, Doors, Window Frames, Cornices, and Baseboards
Door Hardware
Flooring Materials
Ceilings
Windows
Kitchen and Bathroom Finishes
A Final Word on Acoustics
Specifications for a Design Project
Module 8

Decorative Textiles and Fabrics

This informative module introduces you to the history, beauty and luxury of decorative textiles and
fabrics.

You will be shown how to appreciate the importance of including items with luxurious and aesthetic
appeal as essential components in your design, regardless of the available budget.

• Discover the endless possibilities for using fabrics with style and flair to create eye-catching interior
spaces. Gain confidence to apply the elements of design and transform spaces by using textiles,
fabrics and other decorative accessories.

• Learn about the technical properties of fabrics and their suitability for different end uses.
Understand the functional and aesthetic properties required for bed linen, rugs and decorative
textiles.

Module Content
Decorative Textiles
Patterns and Prints
A Guide To Mixing Patterns
Fabric Compositions
Wool
Cotton
Linen
Silk
Synthetic Fibres
Dyeing
Printing
Solids and Textures
Upholstery-Weight Fabrics
Curtain-Weight Fabrics
Wallpaper and Coverings
Floor Coverings
Bed Linen
Utility Cloths
A Brief History of Textiles
Rugs and Blankets
Textile Science
Specifying Fabrics
Fabric Abbreviations
Module 9

Furniture, Art and Accessories

The pinnacle of great design is working with beautiful objects, furniture and art. With reference to
Module 2 and the history of Interior Design, you will learn how furniture styles have been developed
over the years for specific uses and applications.

• Apply your knowledge of design elements to the reality of placing beautiful objects into perfectly
planned and well thought out spaces.

• Experience the sense of achievement when your space planning and elevations come to life.

• Showcase your creative potential with co-ordinated, harmonious interiors.

• Learn how to visually present ideas to your client by creating mood boards.

Module Content
Furniture, Art and Accessories
The Technical Side of Upholstered Furniture
Quality
Comfort
Scale
Colour
Texture
Utilitarian Upholstery
Cabinetry and Case Goods
Specifying a New Piece
Materials
Art
Photographs
Murals
Objects
How to Visually Present Ideas to Your Client
Module 10

Working With Clients

This module teaches you the work practices of professional designers. You will be shown the vital
procedures and thought processes that bring a design to completion in the real world.

• Learn how to support your creative knowledge with the practical application that ensures success
from the start of a project through to completion.

• Ensure that your proposals and management skills will bring work in on schedule and budget for
any design project, whether for yourself or for a client.

• Gain confidence to work professionally in the design industry.

Module Content
Introduction
Reasons for Using an Interior Designer
Building Relationships with Clients
Working as an Interior Designer
Your First Meeting
Questions to Ask and Observations to Make
The Second Meeting
Show and Tell
Sample Boards
Floor Plans
Perspective Drawings
Final Design
Letter of Acceptance
Scope of Work
Scheduling the Trades
Design Brief
Project Cost
Talking About Money
Your Fee Structure
Paperwork
Module 11

Visual Communication
In this module you will be taught how to document your ideas and designs for clients, contractors
and your own reference.

• Learn how to easily create a three-dimensional drawing from floor plans to help visualise the space
and make more informed design choices.

• Find out how these drawings can help you win business and then manage the design process.

• Support your documentation with a clear set of drawings to ensure your ideas are interpreted
correctly.

• Experience the pleasure of seeing your design concepts spring to life as projects are completed.

Module Content
Communicating Accurately
Taking the Brief
Drawing: It’s Relationship to Your Work
Imagining Colour
Descriptive Adjectives
Strategic Planning and the Scope of Works
Developing a Concept
Drawing Equipment
Orthographic Projections
The Floor Plan
Interior Elevations
Sections
Reflected Ceiling Plan
Additional Drawings
Drawing Materials
Final Design Development
Axonometric Drawings
Rendering
Sketching
Module 12

Setting Up an Interior Design Business

If you are considering making design your career, this may be the decisive chapter that is the
stepping stone to your future success.

• See yourself in the context of the design industry.

• Take professional advice from outstanding business consultants who work with creative, respected
and successful Interior Designers.

• Benefit from this valuable information regarding business development, business practice and
market positioning.

• Learn how to put together a professional portfolio and receive an insight on setting up your own
website and social media networks.

Module Content
Introduction
Setting Up an Office
Setting Up Your Business
Tax and Money Matters
Finding Clients
Resume Writing
Cover Letter
Portfolio
Website
Social Media