Residential design subjects from the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration plus:

• Use the latest industry software: AutoCAD, SketchUp and Adobe Photoshop
• Develop advanced rendering, perspective drawing and professional presentation skills
• Undertake site analysis, evaluation and client briefings
• Explore advanced colour and finishes including whites, neutrals, exterior and colour for public spaces
• Design custom furniture and cabinetry for client specific interior schemes
• Design lighting layouts, plans and specifications
• Produce unique designs for a range of commercial spaces including offices, training, retail and hospitality
• Develop industry standard documentation packages, schedules and specifications
• Learn the business of interior design and how to position yourself most effectively in industry
• Graduate with a professionally designed portfolio showcasing your work and talent

IDO01 FOUNDATIONS OF DESIGN AND COLOUR

Be introduced to the foundations of design, concept development, elements and principles of design. 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. Visualise space 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

Take on a real 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.

IDO05 AUTOCAD AND INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION

Discover the fundamentals of AutoCAD and interior building construction and prepare a comprehensive portfolio of drawings for a range of residential spaces.

IDO06 RESIDENTIAL PLANNING

You’ll learn how to prepare a client brief, undertake a residential site evaluation and develop a full interior design proposal.

IDO07 ADVANCED COLOUR AND FINISHES

Learn what drives colour trends and future forecasting as you explore a diverse range of schemes for residential homes, exteriors and public spaces.

IDO08 SKETCHUP FOR DESIGNERS

Create detailed 3D interior imagery using SketchUp. You’ll import furniture, finishes and lighting from the 3D Warehouse, the world’s largest online library.

IDO09 SMALL COMMERCIAL DESIGN

Extend your conceptualisation and design skills to complete a range of small commercial design projects. You will expand your technical skills to include Adobe Photoshop enabling you to professionally present your design proposals.

IDO10 WORKPLACE DESIGN

Extend your design and documentation skills through the exploration of a range of large commercial design projects including office, training spaces and retail.

IDO11 HOSPITALITY DESIGN

Develop and apply your conceptual design skills to a range of hospitality spaces including bars and restaurants. Professionally present your projects and portfolio of work using a range of 2D and 3D media.

Competencies available here

If you have your heart set on an interior architecture degree we offer a pathway to university. Sydney Design School and UNSW Sydney have partnered to offer graduates of the Diploma of Interior Design the opportunity to apply for direct entry into the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Hons) saving them 12 months of study. Please note international students will require a student visa.

This course is divided into 11 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
• Unit 5 AutoCAD and Interior Construction  |  $1,095
• Unit 6 Residential Planning |  $1,295
• Unit 7 Advanced Colour and Finishes  |  $795
• Unit 8 SketchUp for Designers  |  $595
• Unit 9 Small Commercial Design  |  $1,295
• Unit 10 Workplace Design  |  $2,495
• Unit 11 Hospitality Design  |  $1,600
• Total course cost  |  AUD $16,945 (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. You will need to purchase a 12 month student subscription to SketchUp (approx AUD $99).

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

The first 4 units are the same as Certificate IV in Interior Decoration and can be credited towards this course.

Option 1 – Pay Upfront

Pay for the total course cost at enrolment.

Option 2 – Pay Unit by Unit

Pay for Unit 1 at time of enrolment and then pay for each subsequent unit when you finish your current unit.

Option 3 – Pay by Instalments

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

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

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

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 2–3 years. You’ll have 6 months to complete each unit. This nationally recognised qualification can also be credited toward the Advanced Diploma of Interior Design at Sydney Design School, if you choose to continue your studies on campus.

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 Designer in a decorating, interior design or architectural firm
• Interior Stylist
• Interiors Consultant for product, furniture and lighting suppliers
• Colour Consultant
• Visual Merchandiser
• Real Estate Staging Consultant
• CAD and SketchUp Draftsperson
• Entrepreneur in your own interior business

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.

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.

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.

Our Diploma of Interior Design is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, Australia’s peak industry body for professional design. This qualification can be credited towards the Advanced Diploma of Interior Design on campus at Sydney Design School.