Interior Decorating ITD

Holland Code: A (Artistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Arts & Literacy Writing skills required for critiques and reports
Drawing skills are an asset. High school courses in Visual Arts, Housing and Home Design, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing would be beneficial preparation for this program.

Math & Science Math skills needed for measurements, planning and estimating.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, email, Internet, checking student portal daily).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Good spatial perception and the ability to visualize three dimensional spaces from two-dimensional drawings
• Creativity and drawing ability to communicate design ideas
• Sales ability
• Patience and flexibility
• The ability to deal with the pressure of deadlines and multiple projects
• A keen interest in home décor and design trends
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially the ability to listen carefully and communicate clearly
• The ability to work well with all types of people
• Deadline driven time management required

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become an

Interior decorator, retail sales associate (furniture, drapery, lighting, paint and wallpaper, flooring, or other related products), decorating specifier for new home construction, visual merchandiser, home stager, kitchen and bath designer, event planner, or self-employed/interior decorating consultant.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Working conditions vary considerably in this occupation.
• Frequently meet with clients, other consultants and contractors in clients' workplaces and homes, , in consultants' offices and at work sites.
• Work hours are sometimes long or irregular, and will likely include weekends and evenings.
• Moving and carrying samples may require some moderate lifting.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Residential builders; paint and wall covering retail outlets; furniture stores; carpet outlets; fabric and window covering suppliers; construction industry suppliers (for example, kitchen cabinets, lighting or bathroom fixtures); decorating, design and architecture firms; construction and manufacturing firms; kitchen and bath design firms; home staging companies; or event planning agencies.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Co-ordinate or place: finishes such as lighting, paint, and wall and floor coverings, window treatments, furnishings, pictures and decorative accessories
• Consult with clients to determine colour and style preferences, needs and budgetary requirements
• Submit decorating recommendations, colours and samples for approval
• Select appropriate materials and colours
• Supervise the purchase of materials
• Co-ordinate the delivery and installation of materials
• Retail sales in a store or showroom setting
• In-house retail decorating service
• Designing generic or product specific displays
• Represent a manufacturer's product line.

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Canadian Decorators’ Association (CDECA)
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Credits from this diploma program may transfer to a university degree at many different schools More information is available online.

Interior Decorating and Interior Design – what is the difference?

• Interior designers are concerned with general and detailed planning, spatial arrangements, health and safety issues, detailing, structural and technical considerations (for example, building code, lighting and acoustics) as well as the aesthetics of a space. They are more involved with technical considerations than interior decorators are. Interior Designers focus on commercial projects as well as the construction and design of homes from the ground up.
• Decorators focus on the ornamental and moveable aspects of interiors (colour, furniture, fabrics, rugs, drapery) and fixed details (for example, cabinetry and moldings) that can be added to an existing space. Interior Decorators focus on the function and aesthetics of specific rooms such as the design of kitchens and bathrooms as well as living spaces.  Interior Decorators typically work on residential projects.  Decorators do not make any structural changes and work within the existing structure or the interior or construction in progress.

Last Modified: January 15, 2024