How to Become an Interior Decorator: Australian Careers in Interior Design

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MSF40122

Certificate IV in Interior Decoration

If you have an eye for inspired interiors and want to turn your flair for creating beautiful living spaces into a career, then the MSF40122 Certificate IV in Interior Decoration qualification from Open Colleges could be just the thing you’re looking for. This flexible, online course offers you the opportunity to learn all the practical skills required to join this exciting industry immediately or start your own interior decoration consultancy.

You will learn essential skills such as how to select and use colour and furnishings to create exhilarating interiors, how to produce drawings to effectively communicate your ideas, and how to research and recommend accessories, furniture, soft furnishings, hard materials and and finishes. The course will also give you all the practical knowledge in legal, administrative and promotional requirements yo need to set up your own small interior decor consultancy.

During the course you will receive a free professional design kit to ensure you have all the tools required to bring your ideas to life, as well as a membership to the Design Institute of Australia, the peak body for design professionals in Australia that will allow you to access various events, communication and networking opportunities available to members.

PLEASE NOTE – Open Colleges is a privately-run RTO, not government-run like a TAFE, so they cannot offer government funding. Please check eligibility requirements before beginning an enrollment with Open Colleges.

Online

Interior Decorating Consultant, Interior Decorator, Interior Design Consultant, Interior Designer, Interior Stylist, Retail Decorator

Price may vary

Maximum 24 months

MSF50222

Diploma of Interior Design

Turn your flair for creating inspiring living and work spaces into a lucrative career with this nationally recognised MSF50222 Diploma of Interior Design qualification from Open Colleges. This course will equip you with all the crucial interior design skills required to succeed in the industry, from design principles and dealing with clients, to understanding and interpreting briefs, working with suppliers and drawing up documents, and identifying and recommending materials and furniture.

You will learn how to employ your creativity and turn it into design concepts, and how to excel in using technical, creative and conceptual skills required to plan and decorate interiors for commercial, residential or heritage buildings. By the end of the course you will be able to research, conceptualise, draw and present your ideas, as well as gaining knowledge in small business operation and client communication.

Importantly, by the end of the course you will have built an extensive portfolio of work that you can proudly present to prospective employers or clients.

Online

Colour Consultant, Interior Decorator, Interior Design Consultant, Interior Designer, Interior Stylist, Kitchen Designer

Price may vary

Maximum 30 months

DIDD20

Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration

Start your career in interior design ready to step into industry or set up your own design studio with this Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration, delivered by Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia.

Throughout the course, you will explore various design processes and learn about materials and finishes while also developing skills in residential and commercial design. Together with other students in the Design Studio subject, you’ll learn about the principles and trends of interior design and how they fit into the design process, you’ll explore issues of sustainability, and discover ways to design appropriately for a range of clients. You will test-run various design processes and collaborate on exciting projects based in the real world. The design work you produce throughout the interior design diploma will contribute to your professional portfolio – to help you land serious work in this ever-exciting, always evolving creative industry.

DIA-recognised course

This course is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, giving you confidence that your education is of the highest industry standard.

Exclusive Sibella Court ambassadorship

Our interior design courses are built in collaboration with international design icon Sibella Court, founder of Society Inc.

Blended, On Campus, Online

NSW, Online, QLD, VIC

Assistant Designer, Design Consultant, Interior Decorator, Interior Design Consultant, Interior Designer

Price may vary

18 months full time, 2 years part time, 12 months accelerated

Bachelor of Interior Design (Residential)

Start your career in interior design specialising in Residential Interiors with this Bachelor of Interior Design (Residential), delivered by Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia.

This course teaches you environmentally sustainable practices while you investigate the finer details of home interior design. You’ll discover the impact the selection of materials, lighting, joinery and furniture can have on your design, and explore professional technologies used in the industry. From a practical point of view, you will learn to design residential environments, develop technical documentation, understand contract and client management and visualisation solutions. You will graduate with a strong foundation of design best practice, prepared to embark on a creative career as an interior designer.

DIA-recognised course

This course is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, giving you confidence that your education is of the highest industry standard.

Exclusive Sibella Court ambassadorship

Our interior design courses are built in collaboration with international design icon Sibella Court, founder of Society Inc.

Free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence

You’ll receive a free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence for the entire time you’re studying Design with us.

Master industry-standard software

Learn how to use Sketch Up Pro, AutoCAD, 3DsMax and Revit.

#1 for Student Support

Our Interior and Environmental Design courses received the highest ranking for student support in the 2021 QILT Survey.

Blended, On Campus, Online

NSW, QLD, VIC

Interior Decorating Consultant, Interior Decorator, Interior Design Consultant, Interior Designer, Interior Stylist, Kitchen Designer, Set Designer, Textile Designer

Price may vary

3 years full time, 6 years part time, 2 years accelerated

Bachelor of Interior Design (Commercial)

Start your career in interior design specialising in Commercial Interiors with this Bachelor of Interior Design (Commercial) qualification, delivered by Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia.

Learn to design for the ever-changing features of our commercial environments, such as retail, hotels, restaurants, outdoor spaces, and work places. Using industry standard software, you’ll develop the skills to communicate information that’s relevant to designing, costing and constructing interiors, and find out how to represent spatial environments. You will explore the theoretical and practical elements of designing and making commercial interiors – branding, lighting, sustainability and materiality – to create environments that meet your client’s needs.

DIA-recognised course

This course is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, giving you confidence that your education is of the highest industry standard.

Exclusive Sibella Court ambassadorship

Our interior design courses are built in collaboration with international design icon Sibella Court, founder of Society Inc.

Master industry-standard software

Learn how to use Sketch Up Pro, AutoCAD, 3DsMax, Revit, Unreal Engine.

Free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence

You’ll receive a free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence for the entire time you’re studying Design with us.

#1 for Student Support

Our Interior and Environmental Design courses received the highest ranking for student support in the 2021 QILT Survey.

Blended, On Campus, Online

NSW, QLD, VIC

3D Designer, Assistant Designer, Interior Decorating Consultant, Interior Decorator, Interior Designer, Kitchen Designer, Real Estate Sales, Retail Decorator, Textile Designer

Price may vary

3 years full time, 6 years part time, 2 years accelerated

On this page

What is a Interior Decorator?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Interior Decorator?

The career of an Interior Decorator is a vibrant and fulfilling path that allows individuals to blend creativity with functionality. Interior Decorators play a crucial role in transforming spaces, whether residential or commercial, into aesthetically pleasing and practical environments. They work closely with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and lifestyle, ensuring that each design reflects the unique personality of the space and its inhabitants.

In this dynamic role, Interior Decorators are responsible for a variety of tasks that include discussing design ideas, preparing detailed plans, and selecting appropriate materials and furnishings. They analyse clients’ requirements and create comprehensive designs that encompass everything from colour schemes to furniture layouts. Additionally, they often collaborate with architects and contractors to ensure that the vision is executed flawlessly, making adjustments as necessary to meet both aesthetic and functional goals.

Staying current with design trends and legal requirements is essential for Interior Decorators, as it allows them to offer informed advice and innovative solutions to their clients. They may also be involved in project management, overseeing the implementation of their designs and coordinating with various tradespeople. This multifaceted role not only nurtures artistic expression but also fosters strong relationships with clients, making it a rewarding career choice for those passionate about design and creativity.

Ultimately, a career as an Interior Decorator offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on people’s lives by enhancing their living and working environments. With a blend of artistic vision and practical skills, Interior Decorators can create spaces that inspire and uplift, making this profession both meaningful and exciting.

Career snapshots For Interior Decorators

Interior decorators play a vital role in shaping the aesthetics and functionality of spaces, whether residential or commercial. They are responsible for planning and designing interiors, ensuring that the spaces meet the needs and preferences of their clients. This career is particularly appealing to those with a passion for design and a keen eye for detail.

Average Age: 43 years
Gender Distribution: 90% female
Hours Worked: Average full-time hours per week is 42, with 41% working full-time
Employment: Approximately 1,900 people are employed as interior decorators
Projected Growth: Employment growth data is currently not available
Unemployment Rate: Specific unemployment rates for this role are not provided

Interior decorators often work in various industries, including professional, scientific and technical services, construction, and rental, hiring and real estate services. This diversity allows for a range of opportunities and specialisations within the field. As trends in interior design continue to evolve, the demand for skilled decorators is expected to remain steady, making it a promising career choice for those interested in the arts and design.

What will I do?

Interior decorators play a vital role in transforming spaces, whether residential or commercial, into aesthetically pleasing and functional environments. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences, creating designs that reflect their style while adhering to practical considerations. This career combines creativity with technical skills, making it an exciting field for those passionate about design and architecture.

Discuss design ideas – Engages with clients to understand their vision and preferences for their space.
Analyse client requirements – Evaluates the specific needs and constraints of the client to inform design decisions.
Plan and design interiors – Develops comprehensive designs for various spaces, including homes, offices, and retail environments.
Design interior infrastructure – Plans essential elements such as lighting, air-conditioning, and communication systems to enhance functionality.
Prepare drawings and samples – Creates detailed drawings and selects materials to communicate design concepts effectively.
Make design adjustments – Modifies designs based on client feedback or practical considerations during the project.
Advise on hiring tradespeople – Recommends skilled professionals for tasks such as painting, carpentry, and electrical work.
Design furniture and fittings – Creates custom furniture or selects fittings that align with the overall design theme.
Collaborate with architects and contractors – Works alongside other professionals during the early design stages to ensure cohesive planning.
Stay updated on trends – Keeps abreast of the latest trends and legal requirements in interior design to provide informed advice.
Manage projects – May oversee the entire project from conception to completion, ensuring timelines and budgets are met.
Run a business – Some interior decorators operate their own businesses, managing client relationships and business operations.

What skills do I need?

A career as an Interior Decorator requires a diverse set of skills that blend creativity with practical knowledge. Strong communication skills are essential, as decorators must effectively discuss design ideas and understand client requirements. A keen eye for aesthetics, including colour theory, spatial awareness, and an understanding of current design trends, is crucial for creating appealing and functional spaces. Additionally, proficiency in design software and the ability to prepare detailed drawings and samples are important technical skills that enhance a decorator’s ability to convey their vision.

Moreover, project management skills play a significant role in ensuring that decorating projects are completed on time and within budget. Interior Decorators often collaborate with architects, contractors, and tradespeople, making teamwork and negotiation skills vital. Staying updated with legal requirements and industry standards is also necessary to ensure compliance and safety in design practices. Overall, a successful Interior Decorator combines artistic talent with practical skills to transform spaces into beautiful and functional environments.

Skills/attributes

Strong communication skills
Creativity and artistic flair
Attention to detail
Knowledge of design principles and trends
Ability to work with clients to understand their needs
Project management skills
Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp)
Understanding of colour theory and materials
Problem-solving skills
Ability to collaborate with architects and contractors
Time management skills
Knowledge of building codes and regulations
Business acumen for those running their own practice
Adaptability to changing trends and client preferences

Resources

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How to Become an Interior Decorator: Australian Careers in Interior Design

What is a Interior Decorator?

Career snapshots For Interior Decorators

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Skills/attributes

Resources

Career Outcomes