Seneca Polytechnic will be closed from the end of business day on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, to the reopening on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. Part-time classes for the Winter 2025 Term will begin on Friday, Jan. 10. During the holiday closure, you will still be able to access The Service Hub virtually through the online portal and chatbot.
Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Winter 2025. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.
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, as well as 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.
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.
Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
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.
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.
ESL934 (or equivalent) or permission of the coordinator
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.
Other Courses of Interest
SketchUp, a software tool, is effective for creating visual client presentations with various illustrations. Students will be introduced to the creation of 2D and 3D illustrations of space. Topics will include an introduction to navigation, tools and icons, floor plan creation and orientation views. This workshop will be of interest to those working in interior decorating, design and home staging.
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.
Recommended Basic Computer skills
This course is an introduction to 2D AutoCAD, in which students learn basic AutoCAD fundamentals, including basic draw and modify commands, drawing setup procedures, layer setup, dimensioning, and plotting. Students gain hands-on experience using AutoCAD's drafting tools.
This course is designed for new and experienced users of AutoCAD who are aiming to get started in the residential drawing and design field. It provides an introductory level of learning focused on residential design and drafting exercises using basic AutoCAD.
Students will review the AutoCAD user interface, basic draw, modify and annotation commands including the most common menus and tools. They will have the opportunity to work on a basic residential project using step by step practices that progress through each session where new commands are introduced. Students will be equipped with basic knowledge and skills in preparing simple residential objects, furniture, house floor plans, house elevations, and site plans.
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
Many students who enter Seneca Polytechnic will have earned academic credits in postsecondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca Polytechnic 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 Office of the Registrar.
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), Spring (June) and Winter (February).
For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.
Minimum Performance for Graduation
A student will be eligible to graduate from a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.0.
A student will be eligible to graduate from a degree program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.5, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the courses in their main field of study and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in breadth courses.
Program Contacts
Maria Graziosi
Program Assistant
maria.graziosi@senecapolytechnic.ca
Melanie Rubens
Program Coordinator
melanie.rubens@senecapolytechnic.ca
For more information about this program, fill out the following form.