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Ministry-approved title: Interior Decorating
The Interior Decorating program is a culturally informed exploration of interior decorating for the modern world. Students delve into the interplay of art, harmony, rhythm and creativity to create spaces that engage and inspire by combining purpose and emotion. Students 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.
The Interior Decorating program provides students with the technical knowledge, creative skills and industry tools needed to transform ordinary spaces into inspiring, functional and extraordinary experiences.
Students 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. Students develop the ability to curate functional, accessible and beautiful environments while exploring the deeper intent behind spatial curation and ceremony, including how spaces can be designed to foster meaningful connections to each other and the world around them.
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The Interior Decorating program at Durham College combines creativity, life-centred and cross-cultural design to help students build their portfolios, understand the importance of inclusive design, and launch their careers. Through a carefully structured curriculum, students develop a comprehensive understanding of design principles, space planning techniques, and material selection while mastering professional software used throughout the industry. The program balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing students to build professional portfolios that showcase their unique design perspectives.
Students learn how to contribute to the interior design process, working with professional teams of designers, architects, contractors and consultants, or independently to meet client needs in a diverse range of residential and commercial settings. Through the Interior Decorating program, students develop the technical and creative skills needed to create beautiful spaces while adhering to building codes, accessibility requirements, and sustainability practices. Coursework combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing students to master both the artistic and functional aspects of interior spaces.
The training received through interior decorating programs prepares graduates for a wide variety of career paths. Interior decorators are employed in diverse fields such as design firms, film and television studios, commercial offices, residential home staging, procurement roles for major retail chains, retail showrooms, home décor marketing and independent consulting.
The Interior Decorating program emphasizes both individual creativity and collaborative work environments, preparing students for the team-based approach common in the industry. Students gain a broad understanding of the profession and the design process as a whole, engaging in detailed inquiries to deepen their understanding of the profession’s future growth, techniques, processes and practices. Students learn to communicate design concepts through various media, including hand sketches, digital renderings and professional presentations.
Students explore design fundamentals through a global lens and examine diverse historical and contemporary perspectives on furnishing, finishes and décor. The program includes intensive study of colour theory, lighting design, material selection and spatial relationships that form the foundation of successful interior spaces. Students develop expertise in various design styles, from traditional to contemporary, allowing them to adapt to client preferences while maintaining design integrity. Graduates of the Interior Decorating program are prepared to create space layouts that are aesthetically pleasing, inspiring, engaging and functional for clients.
Students grow creatively and develop problem-solving skills while gaining foundational knowledge of accessibility guidelines and exploring inclusive design that incorporates an understanding of human needs shaping the interaction between the physical world, technology and well-being. The program emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that respond thoughtfully to social and environmental issues while meeting technical requirements and code compliance. Students learn to balance aesthetic considerations with practical concerns such as sustainability, acoustics, ergonomics and the psychological impact of design elements.
The program experience delivers an immersive and rigorous education that equips students with the skills and insights needed to excel in this dynamic industry. Students have opportunities to visit design firms, attend industry trade shows, and connect with established professionals who provide mentorship and career guidance. Graduates emerge with both the creative vision and practical knowledge necessary to create beautiful, functional spaces that enhance human experience.
Durham College is a recognized institution by the Decorators & Designers Association of Canada.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who 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:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Hybrid
The rest of the coursework will be delivered using hybrid, flexible or online formats. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
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 work the equivalent of seven hours per day, two days per week, in order to fulfill graduation requirements, and supervisors will assess student performance. This structured approach to schooling for interior design ensures graduates enter the workforce with practical experience and professional connections, making them competitive candidates in the interior decorating field.
Durham College offers degree completion opportunities with several Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
A Mac notebook or PC computer is recommended. Please see the hardware requirements document for details.
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