Getting the training to become an interior decorator may seem a simple task, but there are many specialties in interior decorating. Finding the program that fits your objectives involves understanding your direction and the training you need to get there. If you are motivated by a love of decorating, you may benefit from the following information on interior decorating training.
Finding Your Direction
Interior decorating training is the source of many opportunities. Not sure which direction to take? Consider a redesign workshop or real estate staging course. If creating ambiance with light appeals to you, specialize in lighting design may be the direction to take. Love the construction aspect of interior decorating? Study construction management. Just love the fabrics and accessories? Start working in the field before you train by working for a furniture showroom.
What to Look For
Comprehensive interior design training is highly desirable, whether your program is in person or online. Make sure your trainers, teachers and school have or provide accreditation, real world experience, practical knowledge and well-rounded programs, real world resources and information, and job placement assistance.
What Training Should Provide
Interior decorating training programs should guide you through the decorating process from start to finish. An opportunity to decorate a room or series of rooms on paper should always be part of a training program, but being able to do so in an actual space is best. Before this can happen the student needs training in the following:
-Design principles---form and function
-Color theory
-Creating the floor plan
-Lighting
-find and order fabrics, finishes and furniture
-Mixing and matching patterns and texture
-Drafting and sketching skills and what software and tools to use
-Developing problem solving skills
-Working with trades---electricians, plumbers, HVAC, floor finishers, painters, upholsterers, artisans
-General contracting basics
-Working with the client
-Marketing your skills
Who Certifies Interior Decorating Training?
It is important to look for accreditation in the trainer and the training school. Accreditation comes from one or more of the following institutions:
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
Interior Design Society (IDS)
Certified Decorating Professionals (CDP)
Association of Design Education (ADE)
Approved Instructor of Interior Redesign (IRIS)
Dewey Color Instructor (DCI)
After Certification
Once your program is over, the real training begins. Interior decorators are always learning. Your first experience outside of a training program will probably be finding your first job. This may involve being hired by a company or being hired by a client. Here are some ideas about who might be hiring:
-Furniture stores and showrooms
-Fabric stores for the trade
-Home accessory stores
-Manufacturers of decorating items, furniture or finishes
-Contractors and developers of residential and commercial properties
-Production companies for film, television, events, staging
-Interior decorating companies
-Real estate companies
-Architectural firms that create interiors as well as structures
Tags: decorating training, being hired, Decorating Training, direction take, interior decorating