Interior Decorating
Career Diploma

The design studio; understanding clients' needs; the lifestyle questionnaire; fees; the design process; creating the furniture plan; contract documentation; working with suppliers; supervising the completion of a project.

Measuring tools; wall terminology; the measuring and scale-drawing process; widths; depths; heights; considering electricity and heating; drawing the floor plan.

Scale and size; creating balance; harmony; emphasis; texture; pattern; line; form; space; how to observe; designing for structural and decorative needs.

A historical basis for color; the psychology of color; associations we make with color; cool, warm, and neutral colors; color systems and the color wheel; the three dimensions of color; creating livable color schemes.

color schemes; how colors interact; hue; value; chromatic distribution; how light, texture, and distance affect color; color and mood; using color with building materials.

Natural and artificial lighting; types of light; lighting fixtures; solutions for lighting different areas of a residence; lighting conservation; direct and indirect lighting; interior uses of color; color schemes for today's interiors.

Types of fibers; natural fibers; man-made fibers; weaves; knits; twists; felting; dyeing; finishing; curtains; casements; drapery; upholstery; slipcovers; walls; lamp shades.

How to use fabric patterns; formal and informal fabrics; solving design problems with fabrics; period rooms; contemporary rooms; glossary of terms; fabric care.

Types of floor coverings; masonry; wood; vinyl; functional and decorative values of rugs and carpets; carpet construction; rug sizes; Oriental and other decorative rugs; stairway types; tread and riser dimensions.

Rigid and flexible wall coverings; paints; finishes; wallpaper; fabric wall coverings; decorative value of wall coverings; ceiling types and materials; creating illusions with ceilings; raising and lowering ceilings.

What windows do; types and terminology; stationary and movable windows; window treatments and their function; curtains; drapes; door types and functions; door placement; fireplace types and construction.

Identifying furniture by type; seating; bedding; casepieces; furniture construction; wood and its functions; wood finishes; wood as a design element; upholstered furniture.

Planning for furniture use; sofas; beds; tables; chests; storage furniture; built-ins; Spanish; Early American; Georgian; Queen Anne; Chippendale; Neoclassic; Hepplewhite; Sheraton; Greek Revival; French; Victorian; Rococo.

Contemporary; Modern; European; American; pre- and post-war design; evolution of styles; selecting and mixing styles; wood; metal; synthetics; upholstery; intelligent shopping; care of fine furniture.

Unifying an interior; room shapes; needs of occupants; beauty and individuality; how room activities and space affect decorating; conversation groups; dining rooms; bedrooms; family rooms; kitchens; wall treatments; storage units; economic considerations.

Interior zoning areas; service, social, and private zones; entertainment and recreation centers; traffic lanes; the front door; entrance halls; living rooms; dining rooms; family rooms; kitchens; bedrooms; bathrooms; children's rooms; utility areas.

Basic decorating goals; floor plan design for function and economy; what makes a well-designed floor plan; planning appliances and utilities; using architectural symbols.

Understanding architectural styles; Spanish; Southwestern; English; European; Victorian; Modern; current trends; home building options; condominiums; apartments; accessories; screens; art; sculpture; mirrors; lamps; plants.

Residential and non-residential careers; professional responsibilities; the decorator-client relationship; preparing for your career search; where the careers are; computer applications; challenges for the future.