Education Database Online

Learning Strategies The advantages of learning at home, types of study materials, types of examinations, accessing and using the features of our website, determining what kind of learner you are, establishing a study schedule, using study tips, preparing for and taking examinations. Decorating Today The history of interior decorating; meeting and interviewing clients; characteristics of a successful interior decorator; employment opportunities.

Meeting Your Client's Needs Determining your client's needs, preferences, goals, and budget priorities; developing a decorating plan, including measurements and room graphs to scale. The Elements and Principles of Design Identifying the elements of design: line, form, color and value, texture, pattern, light, and space. The principles of design: balance, proportion, and scale; emphasis and unity.

The Principles of Color The properties of color; how to use color in interior decorating; planning a color scheme; using the color wheel. Identifying Furniture Styles and Periods Exploring different furniture styles - Traditional, Provincial, Contemporary, Modern - from the 17th to the 20th century; identifying styles and integrating each into your rooms. Decorating with Furniture Arranging rooms according to function and use; creating the best traffic patterns; positioning furniture on a floor plan; recognizing quality workmanship and construction in furniture. Learning Aids: • Furniture Template • Triangle • T-Square • Color Wheel

Floors Importance of floors in room decor; carpeting; rugs; wood floors; durable floors; how to select the appropriate floor treatment; measuring, scaling, and using a floor plan. Walls How to treat walls in decorating; wall coverings, including wallpaper, paint, mirrors, paneling, and tile; drawing scaled elevations. Windows Different types of windows; planning and choosing window treatments - curtains, draperies, shades, and blinds; window treatments for special situations; measuring for window treatments; drawing windows on elevations. Decorating from Building Plans Identifying decorating problems when reading blueprints; types of housing plans; evaluating house plan layouts; discussing specific decorating problems and solutions, room by room.

Fabrics Using natural and synthetic fabrics: silk, wool, cotton, linen, special fibers; identifying weaves; selecting the right fabric texture. Lighting and Accessories The three types of lighting; lighting and the color scheme; making use of lamps and lighting fixtures in decorating; using wall and table accessories; tips for arranging accessory groupings. Special Purpose Rooms Planning home offices, home fitness centers, and home theaters; selecting furniture based on anthropometric and ergonomic principles; coordinating floors, walls, upholstery, equipment, and lighting for these three types of special purpose rooms.

The Skills and Methods of Selling Qualifying a client; how to "approach" a customer; how to present merchandise; developing a follow-up system; how to prospect for clients. Starting Your Own Business Residential and contract decorating; developing a design program; working with clients, subcontractors, tradespeople, custom fabricators, and suppliers; advertising, charging clients, and getting paid; keeping financial records

Graded Project: Decorating a Living Room Final Examination Supplements: (Available online) • Work Experience Option • Work Experience Option Forms Upon Graduation You'll Receive: Paid six-month Certified Interior Decorator (C.I.D.) professional membership upon successful completion of certification exam. Note: Your C.I.D. Membership information will be sent when all program requirements and obligations have been met.

The design studio; understanding clients' needs; the lifestyle questionnaire; fees; the design process; creating the furniture plan; contract documentation; working with suppliers; supervising the completion of a project.

Measuring tools; wall terminology; the measuring and scale-drawing process; widths; depths; heights; considering electricity and heating; drawing the floor plan.

Scale and size; creating balance; harmony; emphasis; texture; pattern; line; form; space; how to observe; designing for structural and decorative needs.

A historical basis for color; the psychology of color; associations we make with color; cool, warm, and neutral colors; color systems and the color wheel; the three dimensions of color; creating livable color schemes.

color schemes; how colors interact; hue; value; chromatic distribution; how light, texture, and distance affect color; color and mood; using color with building materials.

Natural and artificial lighting; types of light; lighting fixtures; solutions for lighting different areas of a residence; lighting conservation; direct and indirect lighting; interior uses of color; color schemes for today's interiors.

Types of fibers; natural fibers; man-made fibers; weaves; knits; twists; felting; dyeing; finishing; curtains; casements; drapery; upholstery; slipcovers; walls; lamp shades.

How to use fabric patterns; formal and informal fabrics; solving design problems with fabrics; period rooms; contemporary rooms; glossary of terms; fabric care.

Types of floor coverings; masonry; wood; vinyl; functional and decorative values of rugs and carpets; carpet construction; rug sizes; Oriental and other decorative rugs; stairway types; tread and riser dimensions.

Rigid and flexible wall coverings; paints; finishes; wallpaper; fabric wall coverings; decorative value of wall coverings; ceiling types and materials; creating illusions with ceilings; raising and lowering ceilings.

What windows do; types and terminology; stationary and movable windows; window treatments and their function; curtains; drapes; door types and functions; door placement; fireplace types and construction.

Identifying furniture by type; seating; bedding; casepieces; furniture construction; wood and its functions; wood finishes; wood as a design element; upholstered furniture.

Planning for furniture use; sofas; beds; tables; chests; storage furniture; built-ins; Spanish; Early American; Georgian; Queen Anne; Chippendale; Neoclassic; Hepplewhite; Sheraton; Greek Revival; French; Victorian; Rococo.

Contemporary; Modern; European; American; pre- and post-war design; evolution of styles; selecting and mixing styles; wood; metal; synthetics; upholstery; intelligent shopping; care of fine furniture.

Unifying an interior; room shapes; needs of occupants; beauty and individuality; how room activities and space affect decorating; conversation groups; dining rooms; bedrooms; family rooms; kitchens; wall treatments; storage units; economic considerations.

Interior zoning areas; service, social, and private zones; entertainment and recreation centers; traffic lanes; the front door; entrance halls; living rooms; dining rooms; family rooms; kitchens; bedrooms; bathrooms; children's rooms; utility areas.

Basic decorating goals; floor plan design for function and economy; what makes a well-designed floor plan; planning appliances and utilities; using architectural symbols.

Understanding architectural styles; Spanish; Southwestern; English; European; Victorian; Modern; current trends; home building options; condominiums; apartments; accessories; screens; art; sculpture; mirrors; lamps; plants.

Residential and non-residential careers; professional responsibilities; the decorator-client relationship; preparing for your career search; where the careers are; computer applications; challenges for the future.