Interior Decorating Extension Certificate
Interior decorating is the profession of designing and decorating interiors with colour schemes, flooring materials, furniture, artwork and accessories.
Create amazing interiors by applying principles from the basics of design to colour theory. As you explore the fundamentals of design, gain the skills and knowledge to decorate any room with style and confidence. Whether you’re looking to indulge your love of home decorating or gain skills to apply to a career, our dedicated instructors with experience in the design industry support you in developing practical, hands-on decorating skills.
Develop your creativity and eye for design while learning best business practices. Learn how to take function, esthetics and budget into consideration when selecting materials such as window treatments, countertops and flooring. In your final project, present a decorating plan that highlights your new skills, including drawings, documentation and developing an overall concept.
Some courses have optional textbooks: visit the Cougars Campus Store and search by Term and Department (XIDA). There is no software required for this program, but you may use a free software such as SketchUp for assignments.
Benefits
- Earn a recognized credential (extension certificate) to enhance your career prospects
- Prepare for a career as an interior decorator
- Develop your personal or professional skills
- Learn from experienced industry professionals
- Complete through online delivery, open to anyone, anywhere
Duration: Complete the 9 required courses (145 hours). Can be completed within 2 years and up to a maximum of 4 years
DDA Recognized Institution
Online learningWe offer a variety of online learning options. Visit our learning formats page for more information. |
Introduction to Interior Decorating, Part 1
Learn how to create the mood you want in a home or office by learning the basics of design and how these relate to decorating. This first of two introductory courses guides you through the process of designing an interior. Work from an existing space and complete several assignments leading to the presentation of a transformed room.
Subject (for registration): Interior Decorating
| Subject code: XIDA 10001 | 15 Hours. Fee: $329 |
| CRN 90054 | Online | Oct. 3 - Nov. 7 |
Introduction to Interior Decorating, Part 2
In the second of two introductory courses learn more in-depth rendering techniques and move farther in visually depicting the redesigned space first envisioned in Introduction to Interior Decorating Part 1.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Interior Decorating, Part 1
Subject (for registration): Interior Decorating
| Subject code: XIDA 10030 | 15 Hours. Fee: $329 | Register for 1 CRN below |
| CRN 90055 | Online | Nov. 14 - Dec. 19 |
| CRN 90555 | 5 classes (classroom) | Nov. 1 - Nov. 29 | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Tues. |
Interiors Past and Present
Discover some of the most influential interior decorating styles throughout Western history. Various time periods are explored with a focus on key furniture pieces, art and architecture.
Note: This instructor-facilitated online course begins and ends on set dates with specific deadlines for assignments. Courses may include optional live video-conferencing sessions.
Subject (for registration): Interior Decorating
| Subject code: XIDA 10009 | 15 Hours. Fee: $329 | |
| CRN 90111 | Online | Sep. 26 - Nov. 7 |
Colour and Light in Interior Decorating
Colour can be one of the most important and expressive elements in creating a successful interior design. Explore colour theory, composition and lighting through practical application.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Interior Decorating, Part 1 & 2
Note: This instructor-facilitated online course begins and ends on set dates with specific deadlines for assignments. Courses may include optional live video-conferencing sessions.
Subject (for registration): Interior Decorating
| Subject code: XIDA 10011 | 15 Hours. Fee: $329 | |
| CRN 90234 | Online | Oct. 17 - Nov. 21 |
Perspective Drawing
Expand your interior decorating skills by improving your ability to visually represent objects and furnishings realistically within an interior space. Draw one-point and two-point perspectives.
Note: This instructor-facilitated online course begins and ends on set dates with specific deadlines for assignments. Courses may include optional live video-conferencing sessions.
Subject (for registration): Interior Decorating
| Subject code: XIDA 10002 | 20 Hours. Fee: $359 | |
| CRN 90233 | Online | Oct. 24 - Dec. 12 |
Materials for Window Treatments and Soft Furnishings
Review popular styles of window treatments and soft furnishings, properties of fabrics and estimating techniques. Take function, aesthetics and budget into consideration when selecting materials. Gain experience while determining selection, installation and cost of various treatments. Learn about window types as well as the advantages and disadvantages of different window treatments.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Interior Decorating, Part 1 & 2
Note: This instructor-facilitated online course begins and ends on set dates with specific deadlines for assignments. Courses may include optional live video-conferencing sessions.
Subject (for registration): Interior Decorating
| Subject code: XIDA 10012 | 15 Hours. Fee: $329 | |
| CRN 90006 | Online | Sep. 19 - Oct. 24 |
Materials for Surface Finishes
Considerations of function, aesthetics and budget affect your selection of materials for surface finishes. Gain practical experience while learning about the choice, installation and cost of surface treatments.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Interior Decorating, Part 1 & 2
Note: This instructor-facilitated online course begins and ends on set dates with specific deadlines for assignments. Courses may include optional live video-conferencing sessions.
Subject (for registration): Interior Decorating
| Subject code: XIDA 10013 | 15 Hours. Fee: $329 | |
| CRN 90007 | Online | Oct. 31 - Dec. 5 |
Role of the Interior Decorator
Find out about the career opportunities within the interior decorating field. Review contract styles and agreements, sales and presentation skills, and practical business tips.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Interior Decorating, Part 1 & 2
Recommended: Previous 7 Interior Decorating courses
Note: This instructor-facilitated online course begins and ends on set dates with specific deadlines for assignments. Courses may include optional live video-conferencing sessions.
Subject (for registration): Interior Decorating
| Subject code: XIDA 10014 | 15 Hours. Fee: $329 | |
| CRN 90112 | Online | Sep. 12 - Oct. 17 |
Interior Decorating: Advanced Topics
Further your understanding of paper drawings, documentation and developing an overall concept. You are required to apply the concepts and practical skills attained in previous courses to accurately develop and present your final project.
Prerequisite: Completed all 8 previous Interior Decorating courses.
Note: This instructor-facilitated online course begins and ends on set dates with specific deadlines for assignments. Courses may include optional live video-conferencing sessions.
Subject (for registration): Interior Decorating
| Subject code: XIDA 10015 | 20 Hours. Fee: $359 |
| CRN 90235 | Online | Oct. 31 - Dec. 19 |
Tentative course schedule |
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| Fall (Sept. - Dec.) |
Winter (Jan.- April) |
Spring/Summer (May - Aug.) |
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| Introduction to Interior Decorating, Part 1 | • | • | • |
| Introduction to Interior Decorating, Part 2 | • | • | • |
| Interiors Past and Present | • | • | • |
| Colour and Light in Interior Decorating | • | • | • |
| Perspective Drawing | • | • | |
| Materials for Window Treatments and Soft Furnishings | • | • | |
| Materials for Surface Finishes | • | • | |
| Role of the Interior Decorator | • | • | • |
| Interior Decorating: Advanced Topics | • | • | • |
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Each course may be offered in a variety of formats. Check the “Courses and fees” tab for more information.
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| The schedule above is subject to change. Courses start on various dates within each semester. Fall schedule and registration available in June. Winter schedule and registration available in November. Spring/Summer schedule and registration available in March. | |||
Not part of the Interior Decorating Extension Certificate (see above)
Everyone welcome. You do not have to be a student or graduate of the Interior Decorating program to take these courses.
*These courses are scheduled on an on-demand basis. If you are interested in a course, please email cehealth@mtroyal.ca.
Professional Design Presentations
Enhance your residential and interior design skills by learning how to present your design ideas with powerful visual impact. Discover how to lay out your drawings and explore professional presentation methods. Gain practical how-to information on creating a presentation board to market yourself professionally.
Subject (for registration): Interior Decorating
| Subject code: XIDA 10023 | 4 Hours. Fee: $89+GST | Not offered this semester. |
Accessorizing the Home
Express individual style through accessories. In this hands-on class, approach home accessorizing with confidence through exploring the basics. Learn to assess needs and select items of appropriate design and scale, as well as successful placement of accessories.
Subject (for registration): Interior Decorating
| Subject code: XIDA 10025 | 12.5 Hours. Fee: $199+GST | Not offered this semester. |
Kitchen and Bathrooms
Explore the fundamentals of kitchen and bathroom designs. Become familiar with cabinets, appliances, plumbing fixtures and layouts. Learn to create effective work areas and choose appropriate surface materials.
Strongly Recommended: Intro to Interior Decorating, Part 1
Subject (for registration): Interior Decorating
| Subject code: XIDA 10034 | 12.5 Hours. Fee: $199+GST | Not offered this semester |
With a background in Interior Decorating, Real Estate, and Project Management, Clarissa channels her passions into teaching. While living in Europe Clarissa set up and ran a retail store, Window Shopping, specializing in soft furnishings and wall coverings. On returning to Canada Clarissa taught Interior Decorating students business skills at George Brown College in Toronto. She moved to Calgary and started teaching at Mount Royal University. Now, back in Ontario, Clarissa continues to teach online. Clarissa is a Certified Interior Decorator, Realtor, Professional Project Manager (PMP), and has a Masters Degree in Marketing.
A graduate of the Mount Royal College Interior Design program Mia Staysko has worked as a freelance designer and decorator for nearly 25 years and she loves sharing her experience and ideas with others. She is also a professional Feng Shui consultant and educator who enjoys bringing her knowledge of this ancient art to her clients and her students. She is happiest when she is creating, whether it working on an interior for a client, putzing in her garden, writing or cooking, creating is definitely her happy place!
Atanas is a professional artist, interior designer, and graphic designer. He’s worked on interior design projects with the owner and the constructor in residential and commercial applications in Canada and Europe, from concept to completion, on new builds and renovations. His experiences have led him to his current role as Art Director at Legend Group Inc. where he designs and prints custom wallpaper and wall murals for residential, commercial, and gallery exhibitions. As a juried member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and Alberta Society of Artists, his drawings and paintings are exhibited in British Columbia and Alberta. He has a Master’s degree in Art and Design from National Academy of Fine Art Sofia, Bulgaria.
Jessica is a certified Interior Designer and an entrepreneur. After graduating in Toronto, she worked in Panama combining design and real estate. In Canada, she founded Interiors by Jessica, helping homeowners strategize their dreams, beating decor fatigue, and avoiding budget regrets. As a firm believer that our well-being is inseparable from our environment, Jessica created “The 9 Limiting Beliefs Sabotaging Our Home-Dreams” and leads the movement Self-Care Begins At Home. She is on a mission to empower others to design spaces that take care of us and set us up for success.
Patricia is a graduate of Mount Royal University's Interior Decorating Program and a Certified True Color Expert™, trained by Maria Killam in Vancouver, BC. She has a career that spans over 25 years with vast experiences such project manager for new-build commercial buildings for window coverings, kitchen design, flooring and tile, fireplaces, furniture, and finishes selections throughout her career. Patricia is passionate about everything colour and can talk about undertones for hours! After realizing a dream, Patricia established a successful colour consulting business, ColorBox Interiors in 2018. After thousands of in-home consultations, she never tires of meeting homeowners, appreciating the privilege to offer solutions to all their design dilemmas. Patricia is excited to meet her new students at MRU and share her knowledge and passion for decorating.
Student Champion: Jocelyn Haroldson
Contact us
For information about the certificate program and professional development courses:
cehealth@mtroyal.ca
403.440.6867 or 1.888.392.3655
Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary AB T3E 6K6
Customize this program for your organization through our Corporate Training department.