Program Overview

Program Overview

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.

Intakes and Availability

Program Highlights

• Success Stories
• Resources

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, mature student status
• 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.

Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.

DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:

• Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
• Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
• Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
• Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.

Tuition

• Year one domestic: $2,722.05 (CAD)

Semester 1 Courses

• Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
• Interior Design Digital Applications (COMP 1124)
• Introduction to Principles Of Interior Decorating (DESG 1110)
• Elements Of Design (DESG 1111)
• Principles Of Inclusive Design (DESG 1112)
• Interior Curation: Drawing and Rendering (FINE 1104)

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.

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Durham College offers degree completion opportunities with several Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:

• Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) bridge – Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech)
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Educational Studies and Digital Technology - Ontario Tech
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Ontario Tech

Tech Requirements

Laptop requirements

A Mac notebook computer is recommended. Please see the hardware requirements document for details.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Analyze client needs and goals to create a decorating solution.
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the completed decorating project based on the specific requirements of the client.
3. Communicate using a variety of formats (such as verbal, written, visual, and digital) to describe the decorating concept to the client and contractors.
4. Assess and select materials and finishes to be used in the decorating project, to meet the needs of the client.
5. Prepare technical documents as necessary for the implementation of the final decorating solution.
6. Collaborate with a variety of design and decorating professionals and other industry specialists for the implementation of the decorating solution.
7. Employ customer relationship management practices maintain to work a positive reputation as an interior decorator that will encourage repeat business or referrals.
8. Employ project management to manage the time, resources and costs required to implement the decorating solution to meet the needs of the client.
9. Adhere to industry standard codes, regulations and by-laws when creating and implementing a decorating solution.
10. Employ environmentally responsible and sustainable practices in the selection of materials and products used to create the decorating solution.