Designing for interiors is a combination of artistic talent, product knowledge, subject knowledge and design theory that give the individual a solid foundation to create exceptional spaces. In Introduction to Interior Decorating, students discover and explore the principles and elements of design and how they are applied to the world of interiors.

COLOUR THEORY

How the eye perceives colour is a key component in designing for interiors. The student’s colour perceptions are fine-tuned by studying the psychology and physics of colour, and how colour interacts with the principles and elements of design. The theoretical and applicable study of colour are discussed. Exploration and experimentation with colour mixing exercises reinforce the understanding of Colour Theory.

Term 2

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS 1

Students explore basic rendering techniques using a variety of dry and wet media to communicate interior spaces. Emphasis is placed on the construction of perspective drawings from drafted plans and sketches. Fundamental presentation-board layout and composition is also reviewed.

DIGITAL DESIGN 1

Digital Design 1 introduces students to Photoshop and Illustrator, Adobe’s vector imaging software. Through demonstrations, in-class exercises and assignments, students will become familiar with the unique capabilities of the software as it relates to the creation and manipulation of renderings of interior spaces.

DRAFTING 1

Students are introduced to the terminology used by the design profession as well as the symbols, line types, shading and dimensions which are used to communicate the design intent. Various projects guide the students to combine, connect and practice design theory and drafting, including drafting basic objects, shapes and conventions, culminating to simple interior spaces.

Term 3

HUMAN FACTORS AND SPACE PLANNING

Human factors and space planning are essential to the design of any interior space. Students will research and discuss human factors which contribute to the functional design of the human domain. Space planning and Universal design principles will be applied to a small-scale design project. Knowledge from this course empowers students to think critically and analytically when designing spaces functionally and aesthetically.

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS 2

Students further develop rendering techniques used to communicate interior spaces, adding furnishings and architectural details to communicate spatial intent. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of perspective drawing and rendering techniques, using a variety of media, at an elevated level of realism.

DRAFTING 2

Students will further develop skills in preparing manually drafted working drawings and design details. Emphasis is on the progression of skills learned in Drafting 1 as well as the understanding of the graphic standards required to complete a set of construction drawings. Kitchen and bathroom design will be introduced. The Ontario Building Code and the applicable restrictions to designing interior spaces will be discussed.

Term 4

HOME STAGING

Creating a decorated residence that appeals to a larger demographic is the focus of this course. Students will select furnishings and accessories for various rooms and develop a basic cost estimate for home staging rental.

MATERIALS AND TEXTILES

This course will review the selection of natural and synthetic materials and textiles for interiors. Material characteristics will be discussed in relation to production and fabrication methods. Evaluation and selection of project appropriate materials and textiles will be explored, taking into consideration code compliance and sustainability guidelines.

HISTORY OF DESIGN

Students will explore architecture and interior design focusing on the major historic architectural movements in Western culture. Emphasis is on critical analysis and historic influence to better understand the origins of design and building techniques. Students will develop the ability to relate historic architecture and interior design to current design trends.

Term 5

BUILDING SYSTEMS AN INTRODUCTION

Students will develop a basic understanding of the various building assembly systems and how they impact the design of interior spaces. Environmental and safety considerations are discussed as they pertain to each building system.

HISTORY OF FURNITURE AND DECORATION

Significant historical design movements and decorative furniture styles, from antiquity to contemporary, are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge of historic precedents to better understand current decorative trends and furniture design.

CADD 1

Students will continue to explore CADD – computer aided drafting and design, at a more advanced level. They will expand their knowledge of AutoCAD and further develop their drafting skills by creating complex plans, elevations and formal notations.

Term 6

LIGHTING

Students gain knowledge of the principles and applications of lighting design and apply them to specific, specialized interior situations. Emphasis is placed on creative lighting concepts, light level calculations, and the incorporation of custom lighting solutions. Students also refine their skills in the development of architectural drawings related to lighting design. Covered areas include: residential, retail, and commercial spaces.

DESIGN STUDIO 1-RESIDENTIAL

Students are introduced to the design process as it pertains to residential interior applications. Methodology to obtain both functional and aesthetic solutions will be discussed – client interview and needs and wants analysis are reviewed. The focus is on the design and decoration of a single occupancy residence, taking into consideration aging in place. Students will source textiles, materials, furniture and fixtures for their project. The progressive assignments will culminate with a final presentation showcasing the student’s concept and design.

CADD 2

Students will continue to explore CADD – computer aided drafting and design, at a more advanced level. They will expand their knowledge of AutoCAD and further develop their drafting skills by creating complex plans, elevations and formal notations.

Term 7

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND FINISHES

This course creates an awareness of the implications of material use in a global context by exposing students to the characteristics, application and maintenance of interior materials and textiles through life‐cycle analysis. Emphasis is on determining the criteria for evaluating material and textile usage based upon their inherent qualities, construction and manufacturing from a variety of perspectives.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 1

Students develop business planning strategies, and marketing approaches within the context of legal and ethical obligations to the public. Resume writing and interviewing skills will be covered. Unifying the portfolio and their written work produces a professional, cohesive presented image for future employers and clients to view.

CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS

Students will develop knowledge and skills in the areas of architectural construction drawings and details. Analytical skills and processes provide a foundation for the application of knowledge from previous courses to technical architectural drawings using industry standards and tools. Emphasis is placed on the selection, specification and illustration of appropriate materials, finishes and components for a set of construction drawings and details.

Term 8

PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION

This course assembles all the projects that encompass the student’s individual body of work for their portfolio. Focus is on the layout and organization of the final portfolio product.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 2

Students are introduced to the scope and complexity of the professional interior decoration business in the marketplace. Emphasis is on the development of project administration and business documents. Case study exercises and examples are used to familiarize students with the various aspects of an interior decorating business.

DESIGN THESIS – LARGE SCALE RESIDENTIAL

The Design Thesis combines all the facets and skill sets required to design interior spaces. Students will design a two-storey residential interior. They will conduct a client interview, analyze the requirements, wants and needs, and produce a written analysis of the project. Students will then create a residential design based on the written analysis and following the design process previously learned.