Interior Decorating
- Credential:
- Ontario College Diploma
- College Code:
- CONS
- School:
- Creative Industries
- Program Code:
- 1207
- Accelerated Delivery:
- No
- Campus:
- DO
- Academic Year:
- 2020 / 2021
About the Program
Conestoga's Interior Decorating program offers you a dynamic environment to build the creative and technical skills needed to excel in the diverse field of Interior Decorating.Learning from industry experts, you'll develop essential and practical skills through studio, lab and lecture experiences, in addition to field trips and guest speakers. You'll take courses on colour, textiles, finishes and fixtures which are enhanced with access to our large sample library. With the benefit of current, industry-standard software, you'll focus on space planning, drafting and visual 2D and 3D presentations that bring your design concepts to life. Multiple courses on business practices and entrepreneurship will further prepare you for success in the industry.
A field placement opportunity in your last semester will allow you to gain hands-on career experience before graduating. Many students have secured full-time employment as a result of their placement with employers such as decorating/design firms, product showrooms, design magazines and home staging companies.
Not only is our two-year diploma program recognized by the Decorators and Designers Association of Canada (DDA), Conestoga is the only college offering Interior Decorating graduates the opportunity to earn a second 2-year diploma in Visual Merchandising Arts with the completion of one additional year. As a graduate of both programs, you can expand your employment potential in the design industry to include both residential and retail spaces.
Program Information
Length: Two-year Ontario College Diploma programDelivery Sequence: Doon (Kitchener) - September/2020 - Fall | Winter | Fall | Winter
Location: Doon (Kitchener)
Start: September
First-Year Capacity: 70
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status (See Mature Student definition for details.)
- Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1270)
- For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading
Admission Procedures
- An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.
- Ten (10) additional marks are added to each Advanced level, OAC, U, U/C, and post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength.
- A sound English background is important for success in this program and is considered during the admission selection process. Minimum cutoffs apply.
Program Requirements
- Students are required to purchase design materials and a text book. Details about these requirements will be communicated upon confirmation of enrolment.
- A laptop is recommended.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition fee details for the 2019-2020 year are listed below. Fees for the next academic year are unavailable at this time. Books and supplies are additional.
Estimated fees based upon the previous academic year (2019 / 2020) for Interior Decorating - Program # 1207
| Description | Fall 2019 | Winter 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time Program Tuition | $1348.00 | $1348.00 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 | $70.50 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $74.83 | $74.83 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 |
| Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $7.00 | $7.00 |
| CSI Legal Protection | $28.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $12.50 | $12.50 |
| CSI Event Fee | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| CSI Student Clubs | $3.50 | $3.50 |
| Locker Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Alumni Services | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Student Spaces | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Graduation fee | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Academic Support Fee | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| CSI Academic Support Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| CSI Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Session Total | $2122.33 | $1799.33 |
| Year Total | $3921.66 |
| Description | Fall 2019 | Winter 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time Program Tuition | $1348.00 | $1348.00 |
| Student Priority Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 | $70.50 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Administration Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $74.83 | $74.83 |
| CSI Association Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI - Advocacy Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 |
| Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee | $40.00 | $0.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $7.00 | $7.00 |
| CSI Legal Protection | $28.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $12.50 | $12.50 |
| CSI Event Fee | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| CSI Student Clubs | $3.50 | $3.50 |
| Locker Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Alumni Services | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Student Spaces | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Graduation fee | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Academic Support Fee | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| CSI Academic Support Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| CSI Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Session Total | $2162.33 | $1799.33 |
| Year Total | $3961.66 |
International Fees
Estimated International fees based upon the previous academic year (2019 / 2020) for
Interior Decorating - Program # 1207
| Description | Fall 2019 | Winter 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| International Program Tuition | $6250.00 | $6250.00 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 | $70.50 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $74.83 | $74.83 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 |
| Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| ISR | $375.00 | $375.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $7.00 | $7.00 |
| CSI Legal Protection | $28.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI International Health Fee | $500.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $12.50 | $12.50 |
| CSI Event Fee | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| CSI Student Clubs | $3.50 | $3.50 |
| Locker Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Alumni Services | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Student Spaces | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Graduation fee | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Academic Support Fee | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| CSI Academic Support Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| CSI Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Session Total | $7899.33 | $7076.33 |
| Year Total | $14975.66 |
| Description | Fall 2019 | Winter 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| International Program Tuition | $6250.00 | $6250.00 |
| Student Priority Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 | $70.50 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Administration Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $74.83 | $74.83 |
| CSI Association Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI - Advocacy Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 |
| Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee | $40.00 | $0.00 |
| ISR | $375.00 | $375.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $7.00 | $7.00 |
| CSI Legal Protection | $28.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI International Health Fee | $500.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $12.50 | $12.50 |
| CSI Event Fee | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| CSI Student Clubs | $3.50 | $3.50 |
| Locker Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Alumni Services | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Student Spaces | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Graduation fee | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Academic Support Fee | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| CSI Academic Support Fee | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| CSI Career Services Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Session Total | $7939.33 | $7076.33 |
| Year Total | $15015.66 |
Financial Assistance
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.For more information, please visit Financial Services/Awards.
Graduate Opportunities
- An Interior Decorating diploma opens the door to careers such as: decorator/entrepreneur, home builder consultant, model home merchandiser, kitchen and bath designer, industry representatives, home staging, fabric and textile specialist, space planning, theatre and magazine design/staging, decorating blogger, furniture and art sales and so much more.
- Conestoga is the only college offering Interior Decorating graduates the opportunity to earn a second 2-year diploma in Visual Merchandising Arts with the completion of one additional year.
On average, 94% of graduates from the last three years (2015 to 2017) found employment within six months of graduation.
For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home
Pathways & Credit Transfer
Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions. View the transfer agreement opportunities for this program.Often applicants have earned credits from another college or university that may allow a student to be granted advanced standing or exemption. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities at Conestoga.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. Successful completion of the assessment results in an official course credit that will be recorded on the student's Conestoga transcript. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.Learn more about PLAR.
Program Courses
| Course Code | Course Title and Description |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | |
| ARTS1185 | Colour Theory
Description: This course explores the effects of colour; both from a holistic schemata and a human environment perspective. Students will identify the physical, chemical and psychological aspects of colour via a blending of theory and practical applications with specific relationships to their field of studies. |
| ARTS1220 | Fabrics and Textiles
Description: This course delves into the world of fabric and textile fabrication, through production to sourcing and application. Students will explore information sources and make strategic decisions about products, from man made synthetics to fibers and yarns, inclusive of dyeing, printing and various topical finishes through to finished goods. This course will contribute to the student's portfolio and provide them with the skills and knowledge required to specify and cost goods, from both a practical and aesthetic perspective. |
| ARTS1435 | Concept to Completion
Description: This course will provide students with the theories associated with idea development and to establish solid design strategies from concept to completion. Students will have the opportunity to develop and hone their presentation skills, selling their ideas through a variety of practical scenarios including space planning, visual display, staging and re-staging. This course will contribute to the development of portfolio elements in other courses throughout the program design. |
| COMM1085 | College Reading & Writing Skills
Description: This course focuses on the reading, writing and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse, summarize, and discuss a variety of readings and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising in response to written prompts. This course prepares students for post-secondary writing tasks, research, and documentation. |
| COMP1125 | Computer Applications Media and Design
Description: This practical and creative computer lab course will develop the student's computer skills to an intermediate level. This course will introduce students to industry specific software, which will be explored as a tool for creative communication and expression. Upon course completion, students will be able to navigate through the programs with confidence, creating project-based assignments in a variety of different applications and outputs. |
| CON0101 | Conestoga 101
Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities. |
| DSGN1075 | Introduction to Design
Description: This course will provide students with experience in both two dimensional and three dimensional design. Space planning a variety of home or retail venues according to client specifications will be undertaken. Three dimensional design will blend both theoretical and practical applications. |
| HIST1010 | History of Design and Decorating
Description: History of Design and Decorating is a course that chronologically traces the evolution of design and interiors in western civilizations. The journey from the first traces of man in cave dwellings, through the important Egyptian and Greek periods, to our modern 21st century innovations is studied. |
| Level 2 | |
| ARTS1200 | Scale Modeling
Description: Students will explore the technical skills associated with the design and fabrication of scale models and drawings. With a focus on detail and accuracy, the course will teach the basics of drafting; lettering, line weights and symbols in creating interior floor plans, elevations and orthographic drawings. The fundamentals of scale modeling will also be introduced; students will create three-dimensional models, using a variety of mediums to explore technical skills and to understand scale, proportion and volume of spaces. Understanding and interpreting physical measurements into a variety of different scales, both in two-dimensional form (drawing) and three-dimensional form (models) will be essential to the course. |
| ARTS1210 | Illustrative Techniques I
Description: This practical hands-on course will engage students in techniques associated with the field of illustration and will contribute to other courses within the program design. Students will work on projects that will develop skills in drawing, rendering, drafting and perspectives with opportunities to move concepts to illustrations, on to actual commissioning in related courses. |
| ARTS1230 | Interior Materials and Finishes
Description: This lecture based course will address the materials and finishes commonly utilized in interior decorating, inclusive of ceiling to floor applications. Students will work on assignment briefs that focus on practical application of the course material, and prepare work for integration of this information into associated courses. This course will introduce sustainable material issues and the impact materials and finishes have on the environment. |
| HIST1000 | Furniture: History, Style and Design
Description: This course introduces students to the study of furniture, from both historical and design approaches. Students will examine the history of furniture, from ancient civilizations up to the modern era, understanding the historical influences and applying them to contemporary design. This course will also familiarize students with contemporary designers and their approach to furniture design. Building on the history of furniture, concepts of furniture design, including joinery methods, materials and finishes, and upholstery basics will be presented, with emphasis given to understanding the different styles of furniture design and environmental considerations. This course will include field trips to furniture showrooms and manufacturing facilities. |
| PHOT1145 | Digital Imaging
Description: Students will develop the skills and knowledge related to digital imagery, both in still image caption (photography), as well as, image manipulation (computer altered). Students will first explore the practical groundwork of image capture; focus, composition, and exposure, while creating professional images. With an understanding of both the technical and creative requirements of image capture, students will then learn the basic skills of image manipulation, working in various innovative software programs to meet specific design requirements. |
|
Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 84 Hours | |
| Level 3 | |
| COMP2060 | Computer Aided Drafting and Design I
Description: This course introduces computer-aided drafting design software for interior decorating applications. Learning the basic tools and functions in industry leading software, students will be given floor-plan drawings to complete using industry based platforms. This course will introduce students to residential kitchen and bath design using drawing industry standards, including line weights, title blocks, symbols and noting. Focus will be placed on different file saving applications and file extensions, used in creating presentations for clients. |
| DSGN2140 | Interior Decorating I
Description: This course provides students with the opportunity of gaining knowledge related to the theories and concepts associated with Interior Decorating, with acquisition and application of theories and associated terminologies in the field of study. The assignments will reinforce concepts and provide students with the opportunity of generating elements, and principles of design, that meet industry standards. |
| DSGN2350 | Introduction to Sustainable Design
Description: Starting with a general overview of sustainability and sustainable development, this course will explore the need to create environmentally responsible and healthy, yet also beautiful, residential interiors. Students will understand the importance of product life-cycle assessment, and develop a ‘cradle-to-cradle' approach to product selection, recognizing the health impacts for both humans and our environment. Current green construction guidelines and organizations will be discussed, including an overview of LEED® and other green building green building rating systems, as well products and companies offering eco-labeling. Upon course completion students will be able to identify and implement practical environmentally responsible building construction, design and décor solutions and recommendations to projects and future clients. |
| MECH2005 | Lighting-Methods and Fixtures
Description: This is an introductory course that exposes students to the current lighting technologies available, the applicable terminology, performance and sourcing. Students will have the opportunity to apply and integrate this information in other courses, and will integrate elements from this course into projects and assignments that will be incorporated into the student's personal portfolio. Building codes, aesthetics and sustainable materials will contribute to the overall learning and will form the basis for a lecture based instruction, with students gaining practical commissioning skills through field trips and site visits to locations that utilized modern technologies. |
| MECH2045 | Mechanical Systems
Description: This lecture and lab course will provide students with an introduction to the mechanical systems associated with residential applications. Electrical, heating/conditioning ducting and plumbing will be explored in varying stages of development and completion. This course will build student's working knowledge and application of the rules and regulations associated with building codes, and expand the application of methodologies to incorporate sustainable and environmental friendly mechanical systems. |
| OHS1320 | Safety in the Workplace
Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers. |
|
Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours | |
| Level 4 | |
| COMP2090 | Computer Aided Drafting and Design II
Description: As an extension to COMP2060, this course will allow students to build on their current knowledge of industry standard software. Students will create full working drawings to communicate design to both residential clients and trades people involved with the design process. This course will also touch on the management of the business components offered in the software package. Students will also be introduced to current 3D visualization software as a means to further develop a strong interior decorating concept, and client package. Upon completion of this course students will be able to create state-or-the-art design, specifications, and 3D visualization capabilities for products in the residential and commercial design markets. |
| DSGN2150 | Interior Decorating II
Description: This course will combine lecture and lab components that integrate and apply elements from across all aspects of the program deliveries. Students will determine effective placements of elements; relying on ergonomics as well as anthropometrics, the concepts, theories and principles of design with inclusion of identification and commissioning of fabrications that respect the theories associated with colour, light and sound. This course provides the opportunity for application beyond the theoretical and conceptual stages with assignments merging the concept of universal design and sustainable materials to include the regulations and requirements of building code. |
| DSGN2340 | The Built Environment
Description: This course focuses on the concept of Universal Design and expands into an introduction to anthropometrics, ergonomics and proxemics associated with residential applications. The creation of client-centred environments will form the basis of discussions/lectures with students introduced to Aging-in-Place considerations, cultural influences on the use of space, as well as architectural styles and building materials. This client-centred approach to spacial designs, decorative styles and residential material selections will inform their culminating Capstone project in Interior Decorating II. |
| ENTR2060 | Business and Sales Strategies
Description: In this course the student will research and understand the business practices of an Interior Decorating small business from the point of view of the business owner as well as the employee. |
| FPLT2120 | Field Placement (Interior Decorating)
Description: This course prepares students and facilitates a placement experience with a company/agency which has been approved by the program. Students will review employability skills in class and then practise these skills as they take an active role in securing a placement. Students will refine self-marketing techniques to establish cohesive branding of themselves at a professional level. Engaging in the work environment of a professionally relevant company/agency will allow students to apply their education and skills contributing to their mutual benefit. Appropriate workplace behaviour and etiquette is expected as students use this opportunity to expand their network of industry contacts and effectively market their personal brand. Through this experience, students can cultivate confidence, escalate awareness of industry practices, add to their resume & portfolio, and contribute to their own career success. |
| MGMT2210 | Interior Decorating Client/Trade Relations and Project Management
Description: This course provides insight into the role of project management and client/trade relationships in the field of interior decorating. Assignments will reinforce the practical aspects of acquiring sub trades and executing excellent customer service. It will include realistic approaches to time and action calendars, scheduling, holdbacks and logical approaches to project completion. Students will learn how to prospect and qualify clients, make persuasive presentations and close sales. Ethical practices and considerations are emphasized. |
Program Outcomes
- Communicate effectively with a wide variety of people, taking a professional, customer service approach to sales, consulting and presentations.
- Manage the financial aspects of the interior decorating business, such as designing to budget, estimating, and handling basic business accounting procedures.
- Manage interior presentation and projects.
- Present design plans and ideas to clients/customers.
- Create floor plans and conduct space planning effectively.
- Apply a practical working knowledge of effective use of materials to interior decorating projects.
- Apply the principles and elements of design to interior decoration
- Design and execute detailed room plans.
- Identify the major elements of colour and how they relate to psychology, mood, trends and schemes.
- Produce successful floor to ceiling applications through appropriate selection of design elements and materials.
- Select lighting for practical and functional applications.
- Solve decorating challenges with appropriate designs, materials, and space planning.
Program Advisory Committees
The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.
Program Handbook
Apply Now
Domestic students should apply online at www.ontariocolleges.ca or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.ONTARIOCOLLEGES.CA
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
Canada N1G 5J3
Detailed steps on the application process may help you to apply.
International students should apply online using the Ontario Colleges.ca International applicant portal.. Please note that not all programs are open to international students; check the list of open programs on our International Student Programs web page before applying.
Disclaimer
The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.
Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.
| Start Date | Campus | Status** |
|---|---|---|
| SEP, 2019 | Doon | Closed |
| SEP, 2020 | Doon | Open |
Program status for international students
Success Stories
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CHAIRity fundraiser will support Kitchener Public LibraryStudents in Conestoga’s Interior Decorating two-year diploma program will host the annual...
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Interior Decorating students host CHAIRity fundraiser at KPLA collection of 17 repurposed chairs, professionally reupholstered and painted by Conestoga’s...