QUALIFICATION Certificate in Interior Decoration OBJECTIVE Full-time professional training in interior decoration DURATION Ten Weeks Also available as a part-time study course LOCATION Chelsea Harbour

This intensive course is designed to prepare students for a professional career in interior decoration.

THE ROLE OF AN INTERIOR DECORATOR
There is often some confusion between the role of an interior designer and an interior decorator. In its simplest form, an interior designer would carry out the planning and design of a space whereas an interior decorator would advise on the style, arrangement and decoration of surfaces within that space (usually domestic), and this could include the furniture layout, colour scheme, soft furnishings, window treatments, accents and accessories.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
No previous art or design experience is necessary but students must be at least eighteen years old and mature students are particularly encouraged. Entry is by an informal interview and numbers are strictly limited. The purpose of the interview is to discuss applicants' motivation, performance under pressure and the reasons for undertaking the training. English language ability must also be competent and we look for a minimum score of 6 on the International English Language Testing System (www.ielts.org) or its equivalent. 

NOTE: The interview is the first step in the formal application process for KLC’s full-time courses.  Before coming in you should check that you can study full-time, have the funding available, be of sufficient age and have the required language ability. To arrange an interview for this course, please contact us on 020 7376 3377 or e-mail info@klc.co.uk.

FUNDING
For information about financial assistance to support your learning please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact 0800 100 900.

EMPLOYMENT
The emphasis of this course is on domestic interior decoration rather than commercial work. This provides a wealth of different career opportunities. Students may go on to work with an interior decoration practice or in a showroom and, after obtaining appropriate experience, graduates may ultimately work as freelance interior decorators, operating on a project basis for residential buildings, or they may specialise in decorating show houses, flats for property developers, become interior stylists, property refurbishers or perhaps even use their skills to enter into journalism. Whatever career path students choose to follow, on-going career advice is available from KLC and through our active job register they can be kept informed via our exciting employment opportunities as they arise.

Varied and stimulating, a typical day may include a morning lecture on current trends from a noted interior decorator followed by a session on kitchen and bathroom design. Or a morning might be spent learning about colour psychology and the afternoon putting together a colour scheme and mounting it on a sample board.

On another day there may be a fascinating lecture on styles in 17th Century France, followed by a visit to the V&A.

Each of the ten weeks has been carefully programmed to ensure that every aspect of interior decoration - including walls, floors and furniture - is comprehensively covered and that there is plenty of opportunity for "hands on" practice which KLC students find invaluable.

From colour planning and lighting to drawing plans and presentation techniques, students gain first-hand practical experience of the skills that are essential for the successful completion of any interior decoration project. Illustrated talks by leading experts, workshops under the guidance of practising professionals and visits to specialist showrooms - including those at Chelsea Harbour - are all part of the syllabus. Freehand sketching and axonometric drawing are also included in this enormously enjoyable, practical and rewarding course during which students will complete two major projects as well as two research projects which will form the basis of a valuable portfolio.

CERTIFICATE COURSE SYLLABUS

TECHNICAL/COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Survey
• Plans, elevations, sections, furniture layouts
• Lettering, titling
• Axonometric drawing
• One point perspective
• Perspective sketching
• Sample and concept boards
• Rendering techniques
• Presentation techniques
• Sketching details and window treatments

DESIGN PROCESS

• Taking the brief, design analysis and process
• Concept work

TECHNICAL UNDERSTANDING

• Introduction to scale, ergonomics and planning (to include kitchens and bathrooms)
• Introduction to lighting
• Lighting and electrical plans
• Building construction
• Planning kitchens and bathrooms

INTERIOR DECORATION

• Colour theory, psychology of colour
• Bed and window treatments
• Upholstery
• Accessories
• Styling
• Materials and finishes
• Textiles and trimmings
• Wall and floor coverings
• Paint
  

HISTORY OF STYLE

• French and English interior styles from 17th to 20th century

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

• Planning Permissions
• Introduction to specifying, ordering, estimating and invoicing
• Estimating quantities
• Proposals
• Sourcing
• Record keeping and filing
• Dealing with the trade and use of showrooms
• Opening Accounts

CONTEXTUAL STUDIES

• Environmental issues
• Modern furniture
• Visits to showrooms and museums
• Inspirational talks
• Design trends
• Portfolio surgery
• Advice on finding work in the industry

PROJECT WORK

• 2 residential projects
• History of Style notebook
• Window treatment and textile project