Interior Design Basics

This introductory interior design course covers essential concepts and skills, from space planning and material selection to color theory and lighting design. You will learn to create functional and aesthetically pleasing residential design plans while considering sustainability and accessibility. By the end of the course, you will understand the role of a professional interior designer and be ready to enhance any space.

6 Weeks / 24 Course Hrs

Starting May 14, 2025

Offered in partnership with your preferred school

Santa Fe Community College

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Learning method

Self-Guided

$144

No instructor. Study on your own schedule

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Instructor-Moderated

$144

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Starting May 14 | June 11

Details + Objectives

Course code: idb

This introductory interior design course covers various topics and skills needed for success as a residential interior designer. You will start by defining key terms and concepts in interior design and then learn how to effectively apply design elements and principles to create residential design plans. You will also explore the historical design features that influence contemporary projects.

Best practices in space planning, material selection, color theory, and lighting design will be covered, along with considerations for health, safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Your training even dives into how to select furniture, textiles, accessories, window treatments, and artwork to enhance a space.

By the end of this online interior design course, you will have a solid understanding of the role of a professional interior designer and be equipped with the knowledge to create aesthetically pleasing and functional interior designs.

What you will learn

Describe best practices in interior design space planning
Select appropriate materials and finishes for an interior design project
Explain and apply interior design principles effectively to create a residential design plan

How you will benefit

The hands-on interior design project allows you to develop a personal interior design plan by the end of the course
Apply interior design knowledge to real-world design scenarios through assignments and design challenges
Learn to evaluate how a space uses furniture arrangement, accessories, window treatments, and artwork to create a cohesive design

How the course is taught

Instructor-Moderated or Self-Guided online course
6 Weeks or 3 Months access
24 course hours

Outline

This lesson provides an overview of the elements and principles of interior design, covering design terminology and sources of inspiration. We emphasize the significance of user needs and their impact on design decisions, focusing on health, safety, and welfare considerations in design solutions.

This lesson delves into the essential elements of interior design, which are the tools interior designers utilize. These elements encompass lines, space, shapes, forms, textures, patterns, and light and color. By studying renowned works, you will develop a discerning eye for effectively applying these elements, inspiring their design thinking. Additionally, this lesson introduces the course project and the visual tools necessary for effectively communicating the design project.

This lesson offers an overview of interior design history from ancient times to today. Understanding this history informs decision-making, sparks creativity, enhances design solutions, and expands the ability to envision possibilities. Famous historical sites and their enduring designs are a continued source of inspiration, accessible through travel, media, and magazines. Recognizing their influence, even in areas like social media, can broaden design perspectives.

This lesson explores the art of decorating with materials, encompassing the architectural shell, room outlines, and boundaries. We examine material selection's economics, maintenance considerations, and sustainable guidelines for making informed material decisions. We compare using natural and artificial materials and how to select textures and patterns to create sensory design effects and establish cultural connections.

In Lesson Five, we will explore the evolution of historical furniture styles and their significance in contemporary design. We will examine the different types of furniture commonly used in interior design and how the choice of materials and construction techniques can influence our design plans. Additionally, we will compare various methods and tools for arranging furniture and discuss different sources for acquiring furniture. This lesson will also delve into the selection of construction materials and upholstery, considering factors such as cost and quality. By the end of the lesson, you will gain valuable insights into effective furniture arrangement strategies.

Lesson 6 introduces the basics of color fundamentals and theory and considers color schemes and their effect on users. It also examines color psychology, trends, and how professional designers forecast future color schemes.

Lesson 7 examines lighting and its impact on spaces, lighting terminology, bulbs, and lighting design. Examining the four layers of light, lighting color temperature, and the evolution of lighting technology will provide a guide for good lighting design for every room in residential design.

In this lesson, you will learn the fundamental principles of interior design, including size, scale, proportion, balance, symmetry, harmony, unity, proximity, alignment, and repetition. We will explore the concepts of emphasis and focal point. The lesson will then focus on applying these principles effectively, using the best practices employed by professional interior designers to craft visually stunning spaces. We will review notable projects and examine quotes from renowned designers, reflecting on what we can learn from their successes. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of the principles that underpin interior design and will develop a design-thinking mindset.

In Lesson 9, we will apply the principles of interior design to assist in space planning for residential areas and enhance your ability to interpret floor plans. You will learn how to evaluate space planning techniques while considering crucial factors related to health and safety. We will explore concepts such as Accessible and Universal Design, Ergonomics, Sensory Design, and Sustainable Design methods. At the end of this lesson, you will know how to evaluate and implement space planning strategies that prioritize functionality, accessibility, comfort, and sustainability.

Lesson 10 will discuss the finishing touches to residential spaces, such as art, accessories, and window treatments. A look at the trends and the classics will offer guidelines, such as where to find and how to order art, accessories, and window treatments. Learn how these final touches will make a space and its overall style, a thoughtful, integrated design approach.

Lesson 11 will introduce the broad steps of an interior design process: Programming, Conceptual and Schematic, Development and Documentation, Construction, Installation, Administration, and Follow-up phases. Learn what it's like to manage an interior design project. A review of design terminology highlights the vocabulary of design thinking.

Our last lesson will cover educational opportunities and career paths in interior design and examine the responsibilities of a typical residential interior designer. You will appreciate the project management and business skills needed for a successful interior design business. We will explore the wide variety of options that creative, dedicated individuals can experience in Interior Design!

Instructors & Support

Sarah Smallwood

Sarah Smallwood is a licensed interior designer and design strategist. She has a bachelor's degree in interior design and a minor in architecture and an MFA in Design Management. Sarah's passion lies in the area of hospitality design, and her work encompasses a wide range of projects ranging from small independent hotels to large international hospitality chains (such as Marriott International) to the Cosmopolitan casino on the Las Vegas strip. She has worked for leading design and architecture firms in Dallas, Seattle, and New York City, as well as retail clients including Nordstrom. In addition, she has designed interiors for corporations, senior housing projects, and urban condominium projects. She independently works with individuals and families to help them create uniquely personalized homes.

Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to complete this course.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

PC: Windows 10 or later.
Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Microsoft Word Online
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

FAQ

Instructor-Moderated: A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.

Self-Guided: Your course begins immediately after you enroll.

Instructor-Moderated: Once a course session starts, two lessons will be released each week for the 6 week duration of your course. You will have access to all previously released lessons until the course ends. You will interact with the instructor through the online discussion area. There are no live sessions or online meetings with the instructor.

Self-Guided: You have 3 months of access to the course. After enrolling, you can learn and complete the course at your own pace, within the allotted access period. You will have the opportunity to interact with other students in the online discussion area.

Instructor-Moderated: The interactive discussion area for each lesson automatically closes two weeks after each lesson is released, so you're encouraged to complete each lesson within two weeks of its release. However, you will have access to all lessons from the time they are released until the course ends.

Self-Guided: There is no time limit to complete each lesson, other than completing all lessons within the allotted access period. Discussion areas for each lesson are open for the entire duration of the course.

Instructor-Moderated: Students enrolled in a six-week online class benefit from a one-time, 10-day extension for each course. No further extensions can be provided beyond these 10 days.

Self-Guided: Because this course is self-guided, no extensions will be granted after the start of your enrollment.

Interior Design Basics

Santa Fe Community College