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Interior Decorating - Residential

IDEC
Self-Paced Online Ontario College Certificate

Overview

Do you have an eye for design and enjoy creating beautiful interior spaces? Discover the Interior Decorating program and begin planning for a career in design with out flexible, online program.

The Interior Decorating - Residential online certificate program is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and professionalism required for a successful career in the field of residential interior decorating. Students learn the basic skills of drawing and creating floor plans, space plans, effective use of materials and the ability to co-ordinate residential interior decorating projects through hands-on practical application. Areas covered include colour theory, lighting and accessories, fabrics and window treatments, antiques and furniture styles, as well as floor plans, space planning and presentations.

Upon successful completion of this program students will have a complete and professional portfolio for employment purposes.

This program is recognized by the Decorators & Designers Association of Canada.

Admission Requirements

  • O.S.S.D. or equivalent

Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.

Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.

Prior Learning Assessment

If you believe you have an equivalent level of knowledge and would like credit through Prior Learning Assessment, please contact online@lambtoncollege.ca or call 519-479-1023 at least two weeks before classes begin.

Interior decorators looking through different samples at desk.
Get credit for your work experience
Two graduates posing for photos on college grounds.
Be sure you meet admission requirements to earn your credential.

Credential Eligibility

If you are taking courses with the intention of completing this program and earning a credential, you must meet the Admission Requirements. It is your responsibility to supply proof of admission requirements to the Office of the Registrar before completing three courses in this program.

If you complete the program but fail to provide proof of admission requirements, you will be ineligible to receive your credential.

Costs

Course Fees

  • Exact costs can be obtained during the registration process. Visit the Course List and select an individual course for associated course fees.
See Financial Aid Options

Need help paying your course fees?

This program is eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

Graduation Fees

  • Students who successfully complete all the academic requirements for this program should submit their intent to graduate in order to receive their credential. The graduate module can be completed on myLambton via Self Service.

    A graduation fee of about $75 is added to your account upon verification that admission requirements have been met. For exact fees contact your Enrolment Services Professional.

Textbooks

  • Textbook costs may be applicable to each course. Most textbooks can be purchased through textnet.ca, but some exceptions do apply. Some courses may have software or equipment requirements that are not included in the cost of the course and are the responsibility of the student. Please see individual course pages for course-specific textbook information.

Technology Requirements

In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.

Courses

14 Weeks $410.02 Online Credit

This course will cover the basic principles and elements of design, the importance of room decor and the major categories of style types. We will review the types of career options in the field of design. Basic knowledge of floor plans, window treatments, lighting, colour schemes and styles will be examined and implemented in a colour board presentation at the culmination of the course. This will become the first addition to your portfolio.

Textbooks

The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scrolling to Introduction to Interior Decorating.

Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.

Host Course Code: CG-IDEC1075
Host Course Name: Introduction to Interior Decorating

Start Date

14 Weeks $410.02 Online Credit

In this course you will use methods, concepts and theories to understand and develop floor plans and read blue prints. You will be drawing room dimensions and wall elevations to scale, as well as learning to identify blue print symbols. Through hands on assignments and practice you will be experimenting with furniture layouts, room settings and creating presentation boards that will enhance your knowledge of standard industry measurements and space planning techniques.

Prerequisite(s):

Textbooks

The required text for this course is:

Rosemary Kilmer and W. Otie Kilmer. Designing Interiors (2nd). Wiley.
ISBN: 9781118024645
ISBN: 9781118415801

Host Course Code: CG-IDEC1055
Host Course Name: Floor Plans, Space Planning and Presentations

Start Date

14 Weeks $410.02 Online Credit

Students develop an understanding of light sources, calculations, illumination, electrical control, layout, and specifications as they apply to the theory of interior decorating.

Textbooks

There is no required textbook for this course.

Please refer to course outline for any further information once course starts. 

Please Note: Students do not need access to AutoCAD software to complete course assignments. It is a recommended resource but not required. Assignments may be completed using Illustrator (Adobe) or any other program that can draw up floor plans and produce a digital copy of it. 

Host Course Code: SE-ITD915
Host Course Name: Fundamentals of Lighting

Start Date

14 Weeks $410.02 Online Credit

Flooring, paint, wallpaper, mouldings and other materials are products used to create style and enhance the home. In this course, students will discuss various products available on the market, including their merits in different environments: what works well in one setting may be a disaster in another. Student will learn how to calculate the amount of product needed for a space and how to properly install it. Other topics included are ceiling styles, trim, and mouldings, and the correct tools needed to complete each job.

Textbooks

The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scroll to Interior Materials and Surfaces.

Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.

Host Course Code: LA-IDEC1033
Host Course Name: Interior Materials and Surfaces

Start Date

14 Weeks $410.02 Online Credit

This course focuses on skills required in any organization or position: writing business documents, responding to realistic scenarios, and speaking in an organized and vibrant manner. Students will practice professional and inclusive communications skills by producing, revising, and editing short business documents and engaging in verbal interactions and presentations.

Textbooks

The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scroll to Organizational Business Communications.

Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.

Host Course Code: FA-COMM6002
Host Course Name: Organizational Business Communications

Start Date

14 Weeks $410.02 Online Credit

Every window is different and may require a certain treatment. We will compare natural and synthetic fabrics along with their pros and cons of use, We will examine how fabrics are made, the durability of the cloth and terms and definitions used. Current trends, how certain treatments will match or clash with particular furniture/decorating styles are also of importance. Other topics covered are: blinds, shutters, valances, draperies and understanding proper measuring techniques, and how to calculate the amount of fabric needed to complete a particular window treatment.

Prerequisite(s):

Textbooks

The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scroll to Fabrics and Window Treatments.

Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.

Host Course Code: CG-IDEC1045
Host Course Name: Fabrics and Window Treatments

Start Date

14 Weeks $410.02 Online Credit

Students are introduced to the historical furniture styles of France, England, and Early America which are related to the contemporary reproductions and adaptations of furniture styles today. This knowledge of furniture and accessories enables students to recommend suitable furnishings for a given decorating concept.

Textbooks

There is no required textbook for this course.

Please note: There may be required software or other resources for this course. Please be sure to check the course outline when you first log in to the course.

Host Course Code: SE-ITD904
Host Course Name: History of Furniture and Accessories

Start Date

14 Weeks $410.02 Online Credit

Students are introduced to the use of colour and its application as one of the most influential elements of design. Students study the principles of colour in relation to psychology and design communications and learn how this theory relates to physical space and the world around them. From a historical period of colour trends, to interior space, pop culture and political influences, colour is studied from a practical world perspective. Students participate in a variety of online activities, such as preparing and submitting module-related assignments, online assessments and practical theory-related online activities.

Textbooks

There is no required textbook for this course.

Please note: There may be required software or other resources for this course. Please be sure to check the course outline when you first log in to the course.

Host Course Code: SH-DESN70026
Host Course Name: Colour & Application

Start Date

14 Weeks $410.02 Online Credit

Students explore the fundamentals of AutoCAD for Windows. They examine the industry standards of interior design to produce a partial set of drawings of floor plans and elevations. Students examine the differences between drawings for client presentations and contractor installations. Through online content, interactive follow-along videos, and practical exercises, students draw, manage, modify, annotate, and export drawings of floor plans and elevations.

Prerequisite(s):

Textbooks

The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scrolling to Fundamentals of CAD.

Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.

Host Course Code: CG-DRWG1255
Host Course Name: Fundamentals of CAD for Interior Decorating

Start Date

14 Weeks $410.02 Online Credit

This course will cover the details required to plan and design kitchens and bathrooms for today's homes. The history of these two rooms will be reviewed and how they have changed in importance in our homes. The student will learn the basics of cabinet styles, lighting requirements, appliances and current trends in kitchen and bathroom design. Through learning minimum space requirements, counter and backsplashes options and work triangles they will be able to achieve a practical and functional application to planning these important rooms.

Prerequisite(s):

Textbooks

The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scroll to Designing Kitchens & Bathrooms.

Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.

Host Course Code: CG-IDEC1095
Host Course Name: Designing Kitchens & Bathrooms

Start Date

14 Weeks $410.02 Online Credit

This course is a culmination of all the knowledge gained in the pre-requisite courses. Code of Ethics, career opportunities, supplier resources, and a professional approach to the decorating industry will be discussed. There will be a review of basic knowledge from previous courses, while adding accessibility considerations to the home. A final project due at the end of the semester will complete a professional portfolio.

Prerequisite(s):

Textbooks

The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scrolling to Advanced Interior Decorating.

Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.

Host Course Code: CG-IDEC1015
Host Course Name: Advanced Interior Decorating

Start Date

14 Weeks $410.02 Online Credit

In this digital marketplace, image capturing and a strong web presence are key to communicating effectively with current or prospective clients and to other successful professional practices. With professional image creation in mind, students have the opportunity to explore the practical groundwork of photo capture focus, composition and exposure. Students will explore cost-effective website building platform options and learn about the questions to ask when retaining a professional website designer.

Textbooks

The required text for this course can be found by going to textnet.ca, clicking on the "Browse by course" drop-down list and scrolling to Digital Presence for Today''s Business.

Please Note: Students are not required to purchase textbooks from textnet.ca. However, if students are purchasing textbooks from another source, they must ensure purchased textbooks are the correct edition and include any applicable software or add-ons.

Host Course Code: LA-SOCM1223
Host Course Name: Digital Presence for Today's Business

Start Date

14 Weeks $410.02 Online Credit

Students focus on the skills required to successfully operate an interior decorating business. Emphasis is placed upon client consultation, sourcing, selling, operational management and financial management. Students develop their own business plan, which provides exposure to market research, marketing strategies and financial planning.

Textbooks

There is no required textbook for this course.

Please note: There may be required software or other resources for this course. Please be sure to check the course outline when you first log in to the course.

Host Course Code: SE-ITD920
Host Course Name: Sales & Business Practices

Start Date

Credit

Students can select a General Education Elective from the Course List to fullfill this requirement.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about our online programs, the courses offered, the registration process, or any other Online Education related questions, reach out to us.

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Online Education

After Graduation

Employment Opportunities

Interior Decorating - Residential

Graduates of the Interior Decorating – Residential program may find employment in large retail organizations such as Home Depot or Rona that have home improvement departments. Graduates will also be prepared to establish their own businesses in the field of home decorating.

More Information

Prepare for Success

Variations due to Section

Remember to review the important dates associated with this program - some deadlines may be different depending on how your program is delivered and what section you're enrolled in.

Technology Requirements

It is required that students purchase a laptop with a Windows operating system.

Internet Speed Requirements

For best performance for students learning remotely, an internet connection with a minimum of 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended in order to effectively use video conferencing and remote lecture delivery software as well as, other online resources remotely. Due to the large area over which students may be dispersed, we are unable to recommend a specific provider, so you will need to inquire around your area to find one that best suits your needs.

Minimum Laptop Requirements

In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:

  • Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
  • 16 GB of RAM (with a minimum of 8 GB)
  • 100 GB HDD or more
  • HD Graphics
  • Webcam with a microphone
  • Wireless 802.11n/ac 5ghz capable
  • Windows Operating System (Windows 11)

Software

To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.

Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.