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Become an Interior Decorator

Certificate IV
in Interior Decoration

Global self-paced online learning powered by
Australia’s award-winning interiors school

Make space for the career you’ve always wanted, creative and full of possibility. Specialise in residential interiors with this practical, industry-focused course. Learn how to make confident, creative decisions around the essentials: colour, fabrics, lighting, soft furnishings and space planning. Designed to challenge and inspire, this course will sharpen your eye, build technical skills, and prepare you for the final project, designing a complete residential interior from the ground up.

Accredited Qualification MSF40122
Study 10 hrs per week / 1-2 year duration

Flexible but never solo

Personal support from Interior Designers
via phone, live video call and email.

Success starts here

One-on-one careers coaching.
Feel job ready and confident.

Made for the real world

Developed, delivered and recognised by
industry. Get an accredited qualification.

Designed for busy creatives

Set your own pace for success. Start
anytime, study and pay unit by unit.

Personal learning. More than just an online course.

We’re the flexible online learning partner of Sydney Design School, and industry specialists in interior design. Our world-class online content is brought to life through live critiques, inspiring webinars, and vibrant social meet-ups, all designed to spark your creativity and build real industry skills. You’ll be supported by passionate mentors and join a global alumni community that’s as ambitious as you are.

What will I learn?

This immersive course begins with the foundational building blocks: exploring the elements and principles of design, then diving into colour theory, drawing, and model making. From there, we guide you through the inspiring process of shaping the look and feel of a home, from taking a client brief to presenting a fully resolved interior scheme. It’s a hands-on, creative experience where you’ll learn how to design kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living spaces with confidence and skill, while developing your own style.

The course covers;

  • Design principles and concept development
  • Colour theory, interior colour schemes, paint technology and specifications
  • Interior decoration styles and trends
  • Client liaison and communication
  • Sketch drawing, rendering techniques and one and two point perspective
  • Interior planning for residential including kitchens, bathrooms, living and outdoor spaces
  • Technical drawing and model making
  • Furnishing, fabrics, window treatments, furniture, lighting and upholstery
  • Interior scheme development
  • Sample boards and specifications
  • The business of interior design and decoration

Units of Study

IDO01 FOUNDATIONS OF DESIGN AND COLOUR

Develop an understanding of the Interior Design and Decoration Industry and what influences design styles. Be introduced to the foundations of design including concept development, elements and principles of design and composition.

Explore the inspiring world of colour and learn how to create dynamic colour schemes. Explore the technicalities of paint and learn how to develop industry standard professional specifications.

IDO02 INTERIOR PLANNING AND DESIGN

Be introduced to the fundamentals of residential interior design, planning and lighting. Explore all aspects of residential design including designing bathrooms, kitchens, living, bedrooms and outdoor spaces. Visualise space in two and three dimensions through model making and perspective drawing techniques.

IDO03 INTERIOR SCHEMES AND 3D VISUALISATION

Explore all aspects of interior decoration including furniture, furnishings, upholstery, window treatments and flooring. Learn how to construct an interior scheme and present professional sample boards and specifications.

IDO04 RESIDENTIAL DECORATION

Prepare for the real world by working on a simulated residential project. Take a client brief and work through the design stages to the final presentation. Learn essential business skills, prepare a professional resume and portfolio ready to launch your dream career.

Competencies can be found here

Course fees

This course is divided into 4 units and you can apply and pay unit by unit or upfront.

  • Unit 1 Foundations of Design and Colour + Design Kit  |  $2,390
  • Unit 2 Interior Planning and Design  |  $1,795
  • Unit 3 Interior Schemes and 3D Visualisation  |  $1,795
  • Unit 4 Residential Decoration  |  $1,795
  • Total course cost  |  AUD $7,775 (GST Free)
  • Pay in full upfront to receive 10% off  |  AUD $6,997.50 (GST Free)

Your Design Kit will be shipped free internationally. You will need to cover the cost of any GST, customs or duty that may be charged by your local authority. Please allow AUD $50 incidental printing costs.

Payment options

We know the investment you’re making in your future is an important one, which is why we offer a range of payment options.

Option 1 – Pay upfront and save

Pay for the total course cost at enrolment and receive a 10% discount on this course only. Note: If RPL or Credit Transfer is received on an enrolment the 10% discount does not apply. 

  • Course cost  |  $7,775 (GST Free)
  • Less 10% discount
  • Total Course cost  |  $6,997.50 (GST Free)

Option 2 – Pay unit by unit

Pay for Unit 1 when you apply and then pay for each subsequent unit when you finish your current unit.

Option 3 – Pay by instalment

Pay an initial unit deposit by credit card at the time of enrolment, followed by 2 monthly instalments via Ezidebit. Please note, that payment by instalment is available to Australian students only. For full instalment details, click here.

If you require a longer instalment plan to pay for your first unit please contact our team at [email protected] for more options.

Note: A credit card transaction fee will be applied at checkout for all payments.

What will I need?

You’ll receive a carefully curated Design Kit with all the tools you need to get started. It’s included in the cost of your first unit and shipped free, anywhere in the world. To complete the course, you’ll also need a computer or laptop with internet access and Microsoft Office, plus a smartphone for documenting your work. At a few key points, you’ll need to print your work, many of our Australian students use Officeworks for this.

Learning with IDO

This course is delivered entirely online through our easy to use eCampus, accessible anywhere with an internet connection. It’s filled with inspiring content, step-by-step video tutorials, and practical resources designed to support your creative learning.

You’ll work through a series of structured activities that guide you through the interior design process, building your knowledge, confidence, and design thinking along the way.

Our Educators, all practising professionals, are just a phone call or email away to answer questions and offer personalised guidance. Once you’ve completed your activities and assessments, simply upload your work to the eCampus for marking and feedback.

To stay on track, we recommend setting aside around 10 hours a week to complete this course over 1–2 years. You’ll have 6 months to complete each unit. This nationally recognised qualification can also be credited toward the Diploma of Interior Design at IDO or Sydney Design School, if you choose to continue your studies online or on campus.

What are the career opportunities?

Our Careers Coach will help you step into the industry. You’ll get one on one support to craft a professional resume and identify job opportunities in your local area. You’ll also gain access to our exclusive online job board featuring interior design roles with Sydney-based studios. 

Graduate career opportunities

  • Interior Decorator
  • Interior Stylist
  • Colour Consultant
  • Adviser for a product, furniture or lighting supplier
  • Entrepreneur in your own interiors business

Entry requirements

You don’t need any previous experience just enthusiasm and a passion for interiors! We start from the basics and gradually build your skills, knowledge and confidence. You will need basic computer knowledge and the ability to navigate the internet.

To study with Interior Design Online you will need a strong command of the English language (verbal, written and comprehension) and, if required, be able to score at least 6 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test here or an equivalent.

If required, our team will be in contact with you by phone to assess your English language proficiency, prior to an enrolment confirmation being sent. If your application is not successful due to your language ability your payment will be refunded in full.

How do I apply?

It’s easy! Apply online today. Follow the link below to enter your details into our online application form. You can choose to pay for the course in full, by unit or by instalments.

Please allow one business day for our team to process your application and payment. You’ll then receive a confirmation of your enrolment via email including your login to our eCampus and payment receipt.

This will be followed by a welcome email from an Educator. You’ll receive a link to join a live online welcome session via Zoom when you’ll be given guided tour of our eCampus. Your Design Kit will be posted to you and should arrive within one week of your enrolment, but you won’t need the resources until much further into your course.

Accreditation

You’ll receive an accredited and internationally recognised dual branded qualification from Sydney Design School and Interior Design Online. This course is accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority, the Government’s national regulator for vocational education. RTO91446.

This qualification can be credited towards the Diploma of Interior Design.

“I absolutely loved it and it has given me the courage to explore, especially with colour and textures. The Educators are very approachable and supportive.”

Graduate Cecilia Mazadiego

Want to try a different delivery mode?

Live online classes

Looking for a more social way to study online? Thrive in the Sydney Design School live online classroom two days a week, with no student visa required for international students. 

On campus classes

Want to study this course in our studios? Get the Sydney Design School experience at our world class campus. Learn face to face, one or two days per week. International students will need a student visa.

Explore work by our creative students

GRACE WHITELOCK
ASHIMA SOOD
DANIELLE SAMS
MEAH ROFE