Interior Design Courses

Becoming an interior designer requires a lot more than knowing how to place furniture in a room. Coursework to receive an associate or bachelor's degree in interior design includes classes that teach technical skills, presentation techniques, technical understanding, history of style, materials and finishes, the design process, business procedures and administration, and contextual studies.

Courses and their descriptions may include the following:

• Introduction to Interior Design--This class will provide an overview of the interior design profession. It will include instruction about principles and elements of design, furniture selection, accessories, lighting, fabrics and architectural finishes.
• Theory and Psychology of Color--In this class, you'll learn about different theories of color and how choosing color schemes in decorating can have a psychological impact on people.
• Architectural Computer Aided Design--This is an introductory course that teaches the use of computer-aided design in architecture. You will learn how to measure existing buildings, draw floor plans, section elevations, and plot plans and schedules
• Historical Furnishings--This will include a study of historical furnishings from different eras.
• Construction Documents--This course will teach about blueprint reading, construction terminology, codes and the construction process.
• Textiles--This course will teach about fabrics, including fiber, yarns, methods of construction and finishes and how to apply the information in interior design.
• Perspective and Interpretive Drawing--Will teach about two-dimensional drawing and how it relates to the interior design process.
• Three-Dimensional Design--An introductory course that teaches about the elements and principles of three-dimensional design.
• Space Planning--Includes instruction about residential space planning. Fundamental concepts include programming, concept development, problem solving, space planning and design communication.
• Business Principles--In this course, you will learn about the business aspects of interior design. Instruction will include information about procedural forms and professional practices for the interior designer, such as ethics, contracts, fee bases, purchase orders, letters of agreement, business formations, and terminology relating to the interior design business practice. Resume writing, interviewing and job seeking skills for the job market will also be covered.
• Portfolio and Presentation--Here you will learn about the planning, preparation and presentation of both a portfolio and design projects. This will give you a medium for presenting the things you have learned throughout the coursework.
• Internship--During this course, you will be able to interact with a professional design studio or retail business in a working environment. It will give you real hands-on experience in the field of interior design.

These courses can be found in many interior design schools across the country, including online programs. Check out our featured interior design schools below and start taking interior design courses today!