Interior design

The increasing popularity of home make over shows and design led property renovation programmes, have encouraged us to take an interest in other peoples property as well as our own. The increase in property prices nationwide has meant that in almost any town in the country, there will be an opportunity to buy a property and improve it, sell it on and make a profit. The fun part of developing is quite often the last stage after the slog of renovation or conversion is over. Most television shows focus on the positive results of property speculation but there are many would be developers who make bad financial decisions overspend and before getting to the interior design, give up.

Taste is in the eye of the beholder but there are some rules to follow if you want to please most people. We’ve all heard of the ‘cream dream’ but this is only a small part of the picture and most of us need help in creating a visual impression that forms a style or idea. Interior design courses range in length and price.

Short courses form an introduction and are informative although not fully comprehensive are useful prior to entry into work or a college. A course could include the following modules;

Fine Art Drawing/Painting/Sketching Perspectives (studio workshop)

Mood Boards, Technical Drawing (Plans/Elevations), CAD, Photoshop (Computer Presentation)

A diploma course could include;
CAD Technology

Technical Drawing

Advanced Visual Communication

Model Making

Working with Space, Colour, Form and Texture

Many courses require little or no previous design experience especially if you are a mature student. The course would include modules on the following;

Textiles, trimmings and upholstery
Bed and window treatments

Wall and floor coverings
Current trends
Taking the brief
Design analysis and process

You will need to have technical and presentational skills to encompass the following;

Surveying and measuring
Drawing floor plans and furniture layouts
Lettering
Axonometric drawing

Introduction to lighting and lighting plans
Introduction to scale, ergonomics and planning (including kitchens and bathrooms)
Building construction
Environmental issues