Learn Practical Skills At Home

Your comprehensive lessons are clear, well-organized,\ and beautifully illustrated. They are easy to follow, yet challenging and engaging at the same time. Each lesson begins with an introductory note from your instructor, plus a preview outlining the subject matter and study objectives.

Next comes the reading assignment from your textbook, lesson book or supplemental references. Practice exercises help you check and review the key concepts you've learned. Then, turn in your open-book exam (available online) for the lesson, whenever YOU are ready.

An assortment of fine decorator tools and accessories is included in your course at no extra cost. Use them to design, sketch, measure, draw and color as you study interior decorating. They're all yours to keep!

Enroll online or call 1-800-535-1613 to speak with an Admission Advisor!

Meet Your Instructor

Lynn Jones, is chief instructor of The Professional Interior Decorating Program. Lynn has extensive experience designing interiors for both residential and commercial clients. In addition, she has taught interior design and decorating at the college level. She's also a member of both the American Society of Interior Designers and International Interior Design Association.

What You’ll Learn Lesson By Lesson in this Course

Lesson 1, The Decorating Process

The design studio; understanding clients’ needs; the lifestyle questionnaire; fees; the design process; creating the furniture plan; contract documentation; working with suppliers; supervising the completion of a project.

Lesson 2, The Measuring Process

Measuring tools; wall terminology; the measuring and scale-drawing process; widths; depths; heights; considering electricity and heating; drawing the floor plan.

Lesson 3, Design Elements & Principles

Scale and size; creating balance; harmony; emphasis; texture; pattern; line; form; space; how to observe; designing for structural and decorative needs.

Lesson 4, Color And Design: Part 1

A historical basis for color; the psychology of color; associations we make with color; cool, warm, and neutral colors; color systems and the color wheel; the three dimensions of color; creating livable color schemes.

Lesson 5, Color And Design: Part 2

color schemes; how colors interact; hue; value; chromatic distribution; how light, texture, and distance affect color; color and mood; using color with building materials.

Lesson 6, Color & Lighting

Natural and artificial lighting; types of light; lighting fixtures; solutions for lighting different areas of a residence; lighting conservation; direct and indirect lighting; interior uses of color; color schemes for today's interiors.

Lesson 7, Textiles: Part 1

Types of fibers; natural fibers; man-made fibers; weaves; knits; twists; felting; dyeing; finishing; curtains; casements; drapery; upholstery; slipcovers; walls; lamp shades.

Lesson 8, Textiles: Part 2

How to use fabric patterns; formal and informal fabrics; solving design problems with fabrics; period rooms; contemporary rooms; glossary of terms; fabric care.

Lesson 9, Floors & Stairways

Types of floor coverings; masonry; wood; vinyl; functional and decorative values of rugs and carpets; carpet construction; rug sizes; Oriental and other decorative rugs; stairway types; tread and riser dimensions.

Lesson 10, Walls & Ceilings

Rigid and flexible wall coverings; paints; finishes; wallpaper; fabric wall coverings; decorative value of wall coverings; ceiling types and materials; creating illusions with ceilings; raising and lowering ceilings.

Lesson 11, Windows, Doors & Fireplaces

What windows do; types and terminology; stationary and movable windows; window treatments and their function; curtains; drapes; door types and functions; door placement; fireplace types and construction.

Lesson 12, Furniture Selection

Identifying furniture by type; seating; bedding; casepieces; furniture construction; wood and its functions; wood finishes; wood as a design element; upholstered furniture.

Lesson 13, Furniture Styles: Part 1

Planning for furniture use; sofas; beds; tables; chests; storage furniture; built-ins; Spanish; Early American; Georgian; Queen Anne; Chippendale; Neoclassic; Hepplewhite; Sheraton; Greek Revival; French; Victorian; Rococo.

Lesson 14, Furniture Styles: Part 2

Contemporary; Modern; European; American; pre- and post-war design; evolution of styles; selecting and mixing styles; wood; metal; synthetics; upholstery; intelligent shopping; care of fine furniture.

Lesson 15, Space Planning & Furniture

Unifying an interior; room shapes; needs of occupants; beauty and individuality; how room activities and space affect decorating; conversation groups; dining rooms; bedrooms; family rooms; kitchens; wall treatments; storage units; economic considerations.

Lesson 16, Special Considerations In Room Planning

Interior zoning areas; service, social, and private zones; entertainment and recreation centers; traffic lanes; the front door; entrance halls; living rooms; dining rooms; family rooms; kitchens; bedrooms; bathrooms; children's rooms; utility areas.

Lesson 17, Residential Planning

Basic decorating goals; floor plan design for function and economy; what makes a well-designed floor plan; planning appliances and utilities; using architectural symbols.

Lesson 18, Accessorizing

Understanding architectural styles; Spanish; Southwestern; English; European; Victorian; Modern; current trends; home building options; condominiums; apartments; accessories; screens; art; sculpture; mirrors; lamps; plants.

Supplement: Decorators & Careers

Residential and non-residential careers; professional responsibilities; the decorator-client relationship; preparing for your career search; where the careers are; computer applications; challenges for the future.