Certificate Home Study

Gain a foundation in basic interior design skills and actively participate in the design of your own home.

home study

Start Date

Can be started at any time

Price

€687 (Easy-pay plan available)

Duration

Approximately 3-6 months

Study Option
Home Study
Course Level
Comparable to level 4 on the NFQ
Entry Requirements
18 years old or over
Assessment
5 practical assignments
Recognition
The Interior Design Academy of Ireland is recognised by the International Approval and Registrations Centre (IARC).

Our comprehensive Certificate course will guide you on a journey into the world of interior design. This foundational programme covers the history and basic principles of interior design, including balance, rhythm, and harmony. You'll delve into colour theory, space planning, and the latest trends, while also acquiring practical skills in design tools and techniques.

Learn how to bring beauty and functionality into living spaces by mastering room design essentials and exploring a variety of design styles. With a focus on project management basics, you'll be well-equipped to embark on your first design projects with confidence.

Designed around 5 practical assignments, you will incrementally develop your techniques and an understanding of the industry through each assignment.

As a Home Study student, you will have full access to our student area, the Online Learning Centre, which contains course material created by industry experts including instructional videos, written content, and assignments.

Our tutors are always contactable through the Online Learning Centre and are there to provide all the support, knowledge, and in-depth feedback you need to progress through your course.

This course can be completed in approximately 3 months*.

*Completion time is based on the approximate time it has taken past students to complete the course. Students have up to 36 months to complete the course.

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Topics

The list below provides an overview of the topics covered in this course.

    • Introduction to Interior Design

    Dive into the captivating world of interior design, exploring its rich history and the foundational principles of balance, rhythm, and harmony. You'll gain an introductory understanding of colour theory, grasp the nuances of spatial layouts, and discover the latest trends shaping the world of interior design. This module sets the stage for a journey that blends creativity with practicality, guiding you towards mastering the art of transforming spaces.

    • History of Interior Design
    • Basic Design Principles: Balance, Rhythm, Harmony
    • Introduction to Colour Theory
    • Understanding Spaces and Layouts
    • Trends in Interior Design
    • Design Tools and Techniques

    Equip yourself with the essential tools and techniques that are the cornerstone of every interior designer's toolkit. From mastering the basics of sketching and drawing to navigating design software, you'll learn how to select materials and finishes that elevate your projects. This module also introduces the concept of mood boards, a vital step in bringing your design visions to life.

    • Sketching and Drawing Basics
    • Introduction to Design Software
    • Material and Finish Selections
    • Basics of Lighting Design
    • Creating Mood Boards
    • Room Design Essentials

    Learn how to cleverly design the most hard-working rooms in the home. This module covers practical and aesthetic considerations for living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms, along with smart solutions for making the most of small spaces. You'll discover how functionality and style can coexist harmoniously, transforming everyday spaces into welcoming retreats.

    • Designing a Living Room: Functionality and Aesthetics
    • Kitchen Design Principles
    • Bathroom Design Considerations
    • Bedroom Design for Comfort and Style
    • Space-Saving Solutions for Small Spaces
    • Design Styles

    Embark on a voyage of discovery through traditional, contemporary, minimalist, and eclectic design styles, not forgetting the importance of sustainability in modern interiors. This module enables you to identify and apply different design principles, arming you with the tools to inform your own tastes and preferences.

    • Exploring Traditional Design Styles
    • Contemporary Design: Characteristics and Principles
    • Minimalist Design: Maximising Simplicity
    • Eclectic Design: Creatively Combining Elements
    • Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design
    • Project Management Basics

    Master the basics of project management tailored specifically for the interior design industry. Learn to plan and organise projects, budget effectively, collaborate with suppliers and vendors, and manage contracts. This module also covers the crucial aspects of project documentation and client communication, ensuring the smooth execution of your design concepts from start to finish.

    • Planning and Organising a Design Project
    • Budgeting for Interior Design Projects
    • Working with Suppliers and Vendors
    • Basics of Contract Management
    • Project Documentation and Client Communication

Tutors

All our tutors are interior design professionals working in the industry.

The Interior Design Academy of Ireland

Our philosophy at the Interior Design Academy of Ireland is to make high-quality education accessible to all by empowering people to do what they love. Through the power of online and blended learning, our students are able to harness their creativity and practically apply it to succeed in their chosen careers.

Pursue your ambition - because the future is today!

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Choosing the right course

We offer a range of interior design courses to suit your goals.

Why not contact our experienced staff for advice, or browse to our other courses.

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