Interior Decorating
Using modern and traditional techniques, develop your creative talent for a career in residential and small scale commercial interiors.
- Opportunity to become a student member of the Decorator and Designers Association (DDA) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)
- Work alongside design professionals and foster connections within the industry through a variety of program provided networking opportunities
- Graduate with a portfolio of work that can be shown to potential clients and employers.
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2025
No
Schedule
Data is currently unavailable for this program. Please take a moment to report this via our Website Feedback Form. Thank you!
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The two-year Interior Decorating Ontario College Diploma program develops your creativity and artistic flair in residential and small scale commercial interiors. Recognized by the Decorators and Designers Association of Canada (DDA) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), this program prepares you with the essential design and client relations skills needed to succeed as an Interior Decorator.
Develop your creativity through hands-on projects using modern digital techniques as well as traditional skills. Create appealing atmospheres, discover current trends, choose effective colour palettes, understand complex kitchen and bath design, and manipulate elements such as furnishings, finishes and lighting. Work with individuals and/or businesses to improve residential and commercial spaces to enhance the users` experience....(read more)
Overview
Using modern and traditional techniques, develop your creative talent for a career in residential and small scale commercial interiors.
The two-year Interior Decorating Ontario College Diploma program develops your creativity and artistic flair in residential and small scale commercial interiors. Recognized by the Decorators and Designers Association of Canada (DDA) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), this program prepares you with the essential design and client relations skills needed to succeed as an Interior Decorator.
Develop your creativity through hands-on projects using modern digital techniques as well as traditional skills. Create appealing atmospheres, discover current trends, choose effective colour palettes, understand complex kitchen and bath design, and manipulate elements such as furnishings, finishes and lighting. Work with individuals and/or businesses to improve residential and commercial spaces to enhance the users` experience.
The program provides an opportunity for you expand your real-world experience through competition and real community projects. Moreover, you are able to gain valuable industry experience and contacts as well as apply your skills during your field placement during your final semester.
There are many career opportunities in the industry after graduation. Graduates may find employment as a:
- residential or commercial decorator
- kitchen and bath designer
- new home/design center decorator
- staging and colour consultant
- window treatment specialist
- sales/product representative
- window display and merchandising consultant for retail spaces or photo shoots
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Are imaginative and enjoy solving problems.
- Think visually and creatively.
- Are planners and enjoy putting plans into action.
- Possess good communication skills.
- Are comfortable with technological expression.
- Are committed to work 40 to 60 hours per week (including class time).
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
DSN2100M
Course Name:
Design Thinking
Course Description:
Human-centered approaches are among the best methods of generating innovative solutions for people at work, at home or within your community... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5315
Course Name:
Basic Drafting Skills
Course Description:
Manual drafting is the industry standard that Interior Designers use to create designs for clients. Students use basic skills and traditiona... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5317
Course Name:
Hard Materials and Finishes
Course Description:
Interior Decorators must be experts in hard materials and finishes that they specify to meet their client's preferences and budget. Students... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5318
Course Name:
Drawing Techniques
Course Description:
Drawing skills with an emphasis on structured freehand sketches and rendering techniques are used by Interior Decorators to communicate desi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5319
Course Name:
Period Styles and Decoration I
Course Description:
Interior Decorators must be well-versed in specific period styles, in order to successfully make recommendations of furniture, finishes and ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5354
Course Name:
Design Elements and Principles
Course Description:
Interior Decorators apply the elements and principles used in design to create visually appealing and functional interiors with an emphasis ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1813M
Course Name:
Communications 1
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5320
Course Name:
Soft Materials and Finishes
Course Description:
Interior Decorators must be experts in soft materials and finishes that they specify to meet their clients' preferences and budget. Students... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5322
Course Name:
Period Styles and Decoration II
Course Description:
Interior Decorators must be well-versed in specific period styles, in order to successfully make recommendations of furniture, finishes and ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5324
Course Name:
Furniture and Layout
Course Description:
Interior Decorators are required to be specialists in selecting furniture and arranging it to meet the needs of their clients. Students asse... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5325
Course Name:
Window Treatments and Accessories
Course Description:
Interior Decorators source and specify window treatments and accessories that complete interiors. Students consult with clients to determin... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5327
Course Name:
Digital Communication
Course Description:
Digital software for designing interior spaces enhances decorating concepts that assist the Interior Decorator to communicate and sell their... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1814M
Course Name:
Communications II
Course Description:
Interior decorators require strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills when working with clients, colleagues and other indu... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED6142
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5331
Course Name:
Studio Techniques I
Course Description:
Decorating and design skills are integrated and applied each time Interior Decorators work with a client on a design concept. Students apply... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5333
Course Name:
Lighting
Course Description:
Interior Decorators use lighting for functional and aesthetic purposes in creating inviting interiors. Students analyze practical uses of l... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5334
Course Name:
AutoCAD for Decorators I
Course Description:
Interior Decorators use industry software to communicate their design concepts to clients and trades people. Using computer aided drafting, ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5335
Course Name:
Kitchen Design
Course Description:
Interior Decorators have knowledge of home kitchens, including basic industry methods and standards, to create interesting and functional sp... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5337
Course Name:
Project Management for Decorators
Course Description:
Possessing outstanding project management skills in the interior decorating field is essential for successfully managing a decorating projec... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5342
Course Name:
Commercial Decorating
Course Description:
Interior Decorators can specialize in small scale commercial projects. Students apply decorating knowledge and design skills to commercial s... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED6142
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5330
Course Name:
Residential Decorating
Course Description:
To be a successful Interior Decorator, advanced problem solving skills and attention to detail must be applied when designing for residentia... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5341
Course Name:
AutoCAD for Decorators 2
Course Description:
Interior Decorators use industry 3D software to communicate their design concepts to clients and trades people. Using computer aided draftin... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5343
Course Name:
Studio Techniques II
Course Description:
Decorating and design skills are integrated and applied each time Interior Decorators work with a client on a design concept. Students apply... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5345
Course Name:
Bath Design
Course Description:
Interior Decorators have knowledge of home bathrooms, including basic industry methods and standards, to create interesting and functional s... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5347
Course Name:
Professional Practice
Course Description:
To be a successful Interior Decorator, maintaining client relationships and creating a personal selling style is essential. Students develop... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DSN5348
Course Name:
Field Placement
Course Description:
Through a supervised field placement in the interior decorating industry, students put into practice their knowledge and skills. To help the... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may initially be employed as residential decorators and kitchen and bath designers, as well as hold many other industry-related positions.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Analyze client`s needs and goals to create a decorating solution.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the completed decorating project based on the specific requirements of the client.
- Communicate using a variety of formats (such as verbal, written, visual, and digital) to describe the decorating concept to the client and contractors.
- Assess and select materials and finishes to be used in the decorating project, to meet the needs of the client.
- Prepare technical documents as necessary for the implementation of the final decorating solution.
- Collaborate with a variety of design and decorating professionals and other industry specialists for the implementation of the decorating solution.
- Employ customer relationship management practices to maintain a positive reputation as an interior decorator that will encourage repeat business or referrals.
- Employ project management to manage the time, resources and costs required to implement the decorating solution to meet the needs of the client.
- Adhere to industry standard codes, regulations and by-laws when creating a decorating solution.
- Employ environmentally responsible and sustainable practices in the selection of materials and products used in the decorating solution.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program-related expenses include:
- Books and supplies cost approximately $2,000 in the first year and $1,500 in the second year. Included in the cost are three equipment kits, required for the first week of classes, worth approximately $200 each. The college`s campus store prepares these kits for Interior Decorating students.
- A Portable Drafting table, at a cost of approximately $150, is also recommended and available at the campus store.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Submit a portfolio showing evidence of creative ability as well as some basic drawing skills.(Basic drawing skills, although an asset, are not required).
- Interested applicants are welcome to address any portfolio-related inquiries to design@algonquincollege.com.
- Portfolio submission details can be found on the Algonquin College Additional Admission Requirements website: www.algonquincollege.com/admissionspackages.
- Applicants who have a colour blindness condition will not be able to work effectively in this profession.
- Computer/software skills in MS Word and Excel are an asset but not required.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Application Information
INTERIOR DECORATING
Program Code 6142X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
In the final term, there is a requirement to successfully complete a work placement to acquire industry experience.
Contact
Sandra Gibbons
Program Coordinator
Sandra Gibbons is the Coordinator of the Interior Decorating program and is a graduate of Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, with a Diploma in Interior Design. She was worked a kitchen and bath designer and formed her own company working with Property Managers, Board of Directors of condominium corporations, commercial and residential projects.
Sandra belongs to the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) with Educator status and has been an active in the Eastern Ontario Chapter. She also is a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) with Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD) status. She is a founding member of the Ottawa Chapter of the NKBA and is the chapters current President. Sandra loves to share her passion for the design industry with others.