Interior Decorating
Seneca College Certificate
More Information
Overview
This program teaches the art and craft of interior decorating and prepares students for a rewarding career in this multifaceted industry. With emphasis on professional standards, students develop their creativity while learning how to use colour, texture, fabrics, furnishings, lighting, floor and wall coverings to achieve a variety of decorating concepts. Graduates can expect to acquire skills and techniques that have proven valuable in this highly competitive field.
This Certificate is recognized by the Decorators & Designers Association of Canada.
Information Session
New students are invited to attend an information session.
Career Opportunities
A variety of challenging careers are available in the interior decorating field. Graduates from the program find themselves in high demand for employment in retail sales, fabric distribution and customer service or may become self-employed interior decorators.
Entry Requirements
A good command of the English language and a facility for mathematics are essential for success in the Interior Decorating Program. New students must begin the program by taking either ITD901 or ITD904. Individuals interested in taking this program are invited to attend an information session that is held before the start of each term.
Prerequisites
It is your responsibility to ensure that program requirements and course prerequisites as outlined are met. Prerequisites are included for your academic protection. Knowledge of the prerequisite material is assumed by your instructor and instruction will proceed accordingly. Students lacking prerequisites not only jeopardize their own ability to succeed but present unnecessary interruption. If you lack appropriate prerequisites (or Transfer Credit for the prerequisite course) you may be asked to withdraw or transfer to a more appropriate course with the risk of academic/financial penalty.
Curriculum
Certificate Requirements
This course introduces students to basic drafting techniques and the correct use of drafting equipment. Students learn how to create plan and elevation views, para-line drawings, and shade and shadow techniques.
Students are required to purchase some supplies (estimated cost: $150-$200).
This course introduces students to the elements and principles of design and basic presentation skills. Students learn how to apply the principles of structural and decorative design to organize creative and functional interior space. Presentation skills and rendering techniques are emphasized.
Students are introduced to the historical furniture styles of France, England, and Early America which are related to the contemporary reproductions and adaptations of furniture styles today. This knowledge of furniture and accessories enables students to recommend suitable furnishings for a given decorating concept.
A strong command of English is recommended
Designed to meet the needs of business people who want to improve their written and verbal communication abilities, this course provides practical skills in writing core business documents and presenting information in a variety of settings.
This course introduces students to the various types of floor and wall coverings available for interior decorating. Appropriate applications and design effects, measuring, estimating, manufacturing, product durability and maintenance are included.
This course introduces students to the study of colour psychology, colour associations, colour physics and the theories of how the eye perceives colour. The emphasis is on the application of colour schemes and colour contrasts in relation to interiors. Students' colour perceptions are enhanced upon completion of simple paint exercises that expand on the various colour schemes.
Additional supplies must be purchased (estimated cost $100).
Students acquire a sound understanding of how to read and interpret architectural floor plans using the tools and techniques of drafting. Orthographic projection drawing and pictorial drawing are included.
Students are introduced to the types of fabrics available, their manufacturing techniques, durability and suitability for various interior decorating applications.
This course is an introduction to basic and intricate window styles and treatments as applied to today's many decorating schemes, with emphasis on calculation of yardage and hardware. The application of textiles used for drapery, upholstery and bed coverings is covered.
Students develop an understanding of light sources, calculations, illumination, electrical control, layout, and specifications as they apply to the theory of interior decorating.
Students focus on the skills required to successfully operate an interior decorating business. Emphasis is placed upon client consultation, sourcing, selling, operational management, and financial management. Students develop their own business plan that provides exposure to market research, marketing strategies and financial planning. Communication and interpersonal skills, as well as professionalism, are emphasized.
All courses
Students apply the skills and knowledge acquired in the other courses to a decorating project, starting with promoting themselves to a client using a portfolio. Students are required to determine client needs, conduct a site analysis, measure and record site space and contents, evaluate project feasibility and suitability, formulate and present a decorating plan, create a project schedule and calculate project costs. The decorating plan includes recommendations related to furniture, floor and wall coverings, colours, fabrics and lighting to achieve a specific design concept.
This course will cover the details required to plan and design kitchens and bathrooms for today's homes. The history of these two rooms will be reviewed and how they have changed in importance in our homes. The student will learn the basics of cabinet styles, lighting requirements, appliances and current trends in kitchen and bathroom design. Through learning minimum space requirements, counter and backsplashes options and work triangles they will be able to achieve a practical and functional application to planning these important rooms.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Interior Decorating Certificate Program, the graduates will be able to:
- Use basic drafting techniques to create design drawings.
- Apply principles of design to the formulation of an interior decorating plan which satisfies client requirements.
- Formulate and present design concepts to a client using appropriate presentation methods.
- Distinguish between the various styles of French, English, American and Canadian furniture in order to recommend furnishings for a given decorating concept.
- Apply knowledge of colour theory to develop an interior decorating plan and to achieve a given decorating concept.
- Create perspective drawings to provide a three dimensional rendering of a design.
- Select appropriate floor and wall coverings, window treatments and lighting for a given interior space.
- Recommend suitable and appropriate fabrics for various applications in an interior.
- Demonstrate an understanding of sales techniques and business practices in the interior decorating field.
- Prepare and present a decorating plan based on an analysis of the requirements of a given client, site and space.
- Communicate professionally with clients using appropriate interior decorating terminology.
Credit for Prior Learning
Prior Learning Assessment
Earn college credits for what you already know!
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to
college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work
experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained
meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.
How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning
through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews,
demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a
Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program
Coordinator.
The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.
Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.
Transfer Credit (Advanced Standing)
Many students who enter Seneca College will have earned academic credits in post-secondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca College program.
Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.
Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.
More Information
Please visit the Degree and Credit Transfer Office.
Graduation/Convocation
When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October) and Spring (June).
For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at 416-491-5050 ext. 77461.
Minimum Performance for Graduation
Students will only be eligible to graduate with a Seneca College certificate or diploma if they have maintained an overall good standing in their current program of study. Students in degree programs will be eligible to graduate when they have obtained an average of C (2.5 GPA) in courses in the main field of study, and an average of C (2.0 GPA) in all other courses.
Program Contacts
Francine Marcelli
Program Assistant
Francine.Marcelli@senecacollege.ca
416-491-5050 ext.22512
Barbara Pimenoff
Program Coordinator
Barbara.Pimenoff@senecacollege.ca
416-491-5050 ext.24019
Information Session
New students are invited to attend an information session.