Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become an Interior Decorator

Interior decorators are the creative minds behind beautiful and functional spaces. Their goal is to transform living and working environments to reflect their clients' needs and tastes. From staging homes for sale to designing stylish hotel lobbies or cozy restaurants, decorators collaborate with clients and industry professionals to bring a vision to life. Their expertise extends to selecting materials, finishes, furnishings, and colours that create cohesive, aesthetically pleasing designs.

What Do You Need to Become an Interior Decorator?

To enter this exciting field, you need a mix of formal education, creativity, and business savvy. Durham College’s Interior Decorating offers everything you need to get started, including training in professional design software, industry-standard presentation techniques, and effective client management practices. With courses available asynchronously online, you can access these courses from anywhere.

What Skills Do You Need to Become an Interior Decorator?

Interior decorators require both creative and practical skills. These include: 

  • Design Expertise: Understanding spatial planning, colour theory, and material selection. 
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in design software and the ability to create professional design boards. 
  • Communication: Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with clients and industry professionals. 
  • Business Acumen: Knowledge of promotion, marketing, and client management for entrepreneurial success. 
  • Problem-Solving: Creative thinking to address client needs while staying within budgets and timelines. 

What Kind of Jobs Can You Do as an Interior Decorator?

As a qualified interior decorator, your career options are diverse. You can work independently as an entrepreneur, specializing in home staging or boutique design projects. Alternatively, you might join a design team at a property management firm, an architect’s office, or a retailer’s décor studio. Other exciting opportunities include working on projects for showrooms, model homes, hotels, restaurants, museums, and even television set design. 

Why Consider a Certificate in Interior Decorating?

Durham College’s part-time certificate in Interior Decorating not only equips you with essential skills but also provides a pathway to industry recognition through the Decorator & Designers Association of Canada (DDA Canada). This certification sets you apart, enhancing your credibility and opening doors to professional memberships. 

Next Steps

If you are ready to turn your passion for design into a fulfilling career? Enrol in Durham College’s Interior Decorating Certificate today. With part-time, online learning options, you can start building the skills and confidence needed to thrive in this dynamic field - all while balancing your busy lifestyle. Visit our website to learn more and take the first step toward your dream career in interior decorating! 

What is DC Professional and Part-Time Learning?

DC Professional and Part-time Learning offers a diverse selection of over 50 programs and more than 900 courses designed to help you achieve your career goals. Investing in your career development can lead to promising future opportunities. You can register for many PPL courses either with Monthly Intake Online options, which start every month, or at the beginning of regular semesters such as Fall, Winter, and Spring.

What is Monthly Intake Online?

Monthly Intake Online courses are conducted on the OntarioLearn LMS platform and have a unique feature—they start every month, even outside of the regular semester dates. If you need flexibility in your course start date, Monthly Intake Online is an excellent choice. For financial assistance, please visit the OSAP Eligibility webpage. When you're ready to take the next step, explore your part-time learning options at www.durhamcollege.ca/PPL.