The Interior Decorating program is a culturally-informed exploration of interior decorating for our modern world. You will delve into the interplay of art, harmony, rhythm and creativity to create spaces that engage and inspire by combining purpose and emotion. You will explore the design process, space planning and decoration of both residential and commercial environments and acquire hands-on experience through a 14-week field placement in the decorating and design industry.
Learn how to work with clients and tackle creative challenges to enhance quality of life through furnishing, finishes and décor, fixtures, accessories, lighting and more. Curate functional, accessible and beautiful environments and learn the deeper intent behind spatial curation and ceremony, examining how spaces can be designed to foster meaningful connections to each other and the world around us.
Program Details
Students will learn how to contribute to the interior design process, working with a professional team of designers, architects, contractors and consultants, or independently to meet client needs in a diverse range of residential and commercial settings.
Interior decorators are employed in diverse fields such as design firms, film and television studios, commercial offices, residential home staging and in procurement jobs for major retail chains, retail showrooms and home décor marketing, and self-employment in independent consulting.
You will gain a broad understanding of the profession and the design process as a whole and engage in detailed inquiries to deepen your understanding of the profession’s future growth, techniques, processes, and practices.
Explore design fundamentals through a global lens and delve into diverse historical and contemporary perspectives on furnishing, finishes and décor. As an Interior Decorating graduate, you will be able to create space layouts that are aesthetically pleasing, inspiring, engaging and functional for clients.
Grow creatively and develop your problem-solving skills while attaining a basic knowledge of accessibility guidelines and exploring inclusive design that incorporates an understanding of human needs that shape the interaction between the physical world, technology and well-being.
The program experience delivers an immersive and rigorous educational journey that equips students with the skills and insights needed to excel in this dynamic industry.
Durham College is a recognized institution by the Decorators & Designers Association of Canada.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, mature student status
AND - Grade 12 English (C or U)
Recommended
- Grade 11 or 12 Visual Arts (C, U, or O)
Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Career Options
What you could be
- interior decorator/designer
- interior design technician
- project manager (interior design),
- office/retail/commercial/residential space planner
- interior design consultant
- set decorator
- visual merchandiser
- event designer/decorator
- interior stylist
- colour consultant
- furniture and décor buyer
- showroom designer
Where you could work
- construction companies
- kitchen and cabinetry firms
- design firms (residential and commercial)
- architectural firms
- realtors and/or realtor firms
- theatre, TV and film
- self-employment
Experiential Learning
Interior Decorating students will participate in a 14-week field placement within the decorating and design industry where they’ll apply the knowledge, skills and decoration strategies acquired throughout their program of study. Although students are encouraged to proactively seek opportunities, the program team offers support, such as lead sharing and interview coordination with partners who provide opportunities for students to showcase their creative talents. During the 14-week placement students will work the equivalent seven hours per day, two days per week in order to fulfill graduation requirements and supervisors will assess student performance.
More Info:https:https://durhamcollege.ca/programs/interior-decorating