Choices Interior Decorator Courses Offered

CORE COURSES
#2010 - Basics of Design - 8 weeks (20 hours) - max. 20 students
There are no decorating rules, but there are guidelines which, when followed, give a home a professionally decorated appearance. We will study the application of the elements (line, space, texture, color, and light), and the principles (proportion and scale, balance, focal point, rhythm, and unity) of design. Prerequisite to all decorating courses. Manual included in fee

#2020 - Color - 8 weeks (20 hours) - max. 20 students
Color is the most stimulating and influential element. Variables of color theory will be presented in regards to the psychology, temperature, value and intensity of color, including the application of color schemes to create the desired atmosphere and enhance furnishings throughout a dwelling. Can be taken in conjunction with Basics. Manual included in fee

#2040 - Decorating Styles 1 (Traditional & Country) - 8 weeks (20 hours) - max. 20 students
Each decorating style is unique unto itself. Recognition and selection of the appropriate background coverings, furnishings and the specific characteristics of the themes that comprise traditional and country style will be covered. Prerequisites: Light, Fibers to Fabrics, Furniture Selection and Background Coverings. Manual included in fee

#2050 - Decorating Styles 2 (Modern & Eclectic) – 8 weeks (20 hours) - max 20 students

Modern style has its own philosophy that dictates its characteristics. It has developed with the advancement of the arts, sciences and technology. Selected with knowledge, styles can be integrated to create an Eclectic Style. Prerequisites: Decorating Styles 1. Manual included in fee

# 2030 - Light - 8 weeks (20 hours) - max. 20 students
Light is required to create the desired mood and to appreciate the decorating products chosen to beautify dwellings. We will discuss the function and aesthetics of artificial light and the room by room selection and placement of general, task, and accent lighting. Prerequisites: Basics. Manual included in fee

#2060 - Final Decorating Project - 8 weeks (20 hours) - max. 15 students

During this diploma requirement, students will apply their decorating knowledge to a practical decorating project. The instructor will provide support and the project will be assessed each week. Prerequisites: All Core and Elective courses including Window Coverings and Accessories

*Prerequisites to receiving a diploma.

ELECTIVE COURSES

# 3030 - Apartments and Condominiums - 8 weeks (20 hours) - max. 20 students

The physical design in small dwellings can present decorating challenges. Learn how to apply background coverings and select furnishings to effectively create actual and visual space that will embellish features to complement the decorating style. Prerequisites: Color and Space Planning. Manual included in fee

#2070 - Background Coverings - 8 weeks (20 hours) - max. 20 students

The purpose of ceiling, wall, and floor coverings is to enhance the architectural features, furniture, window coverings, and accessories throughout a dwelling. Learn the variety of coverings that are available, the placement, and which coverings are most appropriate for each decorating style. Prerequisites: Color. Manual included in fee

#2080 - Fibers to Fabrics - 8 weeks (20 hours) - max. 20 students

Learn the characteristics and variables that affect natural and synthetic decorating fabrics, including weaves, the application of color(s), durability, and maintenance. We will discuss fabric content, pattern mixes, and the textures that are most appropriate for each purpose and decorating style. A plain edge and pinking sheer scissors are required. Prerequisites: Basics and Color. Manual included in fee

#2090 - Furniture Selection - 8 weeks (20 hours) - max. 20 students

Learn how to select the most appropriate furniture for the function and decorating style. Instruction will include a brief history of furniture, joins, solid and veneer woods, other construction materials, upholstery, finishes and maintenance. Prerequisites: Fibers to Fabrics. Manual included in fee

#3020 - Project Management – 8 weeks (20 hours) – max. 20 students

It is the responsibility of the decorator to seek information and maintain records of products and labor specific to each client. Learn how to administer a decorating job from the beginning to the end. Prerequisites: Light, Background Coverings, Fibers to Fabrics, Furniture Selection and Window Coverings. Manual included in fee

#3010 - Space Planning - 8 weeks (20 hours) - max. 15 students

Learn how to develop traffic patterns within the confines of spaces, redesign spaces, prepare elevations, and establish furniture arrangements in regards to focal points. Required: a mechanical pencil, imperial architectural scale ruler, 45° drafting triangle and T-Square. Drafting board optional. Prerequisites: Basics, Manual included in fee

#3040 - Window Coverings - 8 weeks (20 hours) - max. 20 students

To select the best coverings, soft and hard, for function and aesthetics, learn which coverings are appropriate for the decorating styles, window openings, available hardware, and how to measure. Prerequisites: Fibers to Fabrics. Required: calculator, Manual included in fee

#3050 - Accessories – 8 weeks (20 hours) - max. 20 students
Accessories are the personal finishing touches in color, shape and texture that affect a decorating scheme. Learn how to select, place and highlight them to achieve the maximum impact. Prerequisites: Color and Light. Manual included in fee

6– 8 WEEK – SKILLS ENHANCEMENT

#3060 - Business Readiness – 8 weeks (20 hours) – max. 20 students

Learn what is involved in setting up and maintaining a decorating business, how to market effectively and create an efficient working environment. Manual included in fee

#3070 - Perspective drawing – 8 weeks (20 hours) – max. 15 Students

Learn techniques to showcase your interior decorating and design ideas in 3-D sketches and drawings. 1 point perspective and 30 degree isometric drawings, including shading and shadowing of backgrounds and furnishings will be taught in perspective and orthographic views. Required: A mechanical pencil and architectural imperial scale ruler. Drafting board optional. Prerequisites: Space Planning

#4090 - Portfolio Development –5 weeks (12.5 hours) – max.15 students
Having completed the program, students will learn how to organize and prepare a portfolio to showcase their selected assignments to perspective employers and clients by learning the art of visual communication. Class projects required.

#3080 - Residential Architecture (Revised) – 8 weeks (20 hours) - max. 20 students

Housing is defined according to the architectural design. The emphasis is learning to differentiate the exterior styles from each other. Manual included in fee

ONE DAY SKILLS ENHANCEMENT COURSES
All Saturday courses held @ Choices 8449 Main Street

#3090 - Beautiful Homes on a Limited Budget – 1 day (6 hours) maximum 16 students
Indulge your needs and wants by learning how to create a functional and beautiful home within your financial means. What will work, where to shop? Manual included in fee.

#3095 - Collectors, Clutters or Hoarders – 1 day (6 hours) maximum 16 students
Recognize the category that your client falls into and the plan of action required to assist them in achieving their decorating goal.

#4000 - Color Boards - Workshop - 1 day (6 hours) - max. 16 students

Developing a color scheme isn’t as easy as it appears. Using product samples, practice creating color boards. Great for presenting to clients. Prerequisite: Color. Bring a scissors.

#4010 - Creating Outdoor Living Spaces – 1 day (6 hours) – max.16 students
Whether it is a balcony or a yard, we can create more functional and aesthetic living spaces by developing a livable extension from our interior to the outdoors.

#4030 - Decorating with a Green Attitude – 1 day (6 hours) – max 16 students
It’s the trend to stay. We must protect our environment applying green products to our decorating plans. Manual included in fee.

#4020 - Decorating Trends – 1 day (6 hours) – maximum 16 students
Why are some ideas short-lived while others have lasted for centuries? Learn how to differentiate a fad from a trend or a timeless decorating style. This info will prevent buyers from making costly purchasing mistakes chosen on the basis of the “In Thing” and obliterating the uniqueness of a home. Manual included in fee

# 4040 - Entrepreneur Strategies – 1 day (6) hours) – maximum 16 students
You have a diploma; learn techniques that will improve your business. Success is the name of the game. Prerequisite Diploma Manual included in fee.

#4050 - Fabric Workshop – 1 day (6 hours) – maximum 16 students
Are you buying bed in a bag or creating beautiful bedrooms with color & texture? Practice selecting fabrics appropriate for a variety of rooms in color and style. Prerequisite: Fibers to Fabrics. Bring a scissors.

#4070 - Furniture Arranging– 1 day (6 hours) – maximum 16 students

Students will analyze the physical layout and considering the traffic flow, arrange furniture in a variety of rooms of different dimensions. Required: scissors and restickable glue stick Prerequisites: Space Planning.

#4080 - Kitchen Planning - 1 day (6 hours) - maximum 16 students

Every kitchen should be functional and aesthetic. Topics of discussion include space planning, lighting, color schemes, current flooring, the styles and finishes of the cabinets including counter tops and hardware, as well as budgeting.

#4095 - Lighting Review – 1 day (6 hours) – maximum 16 students
In this quickly changing environment, keep up with newest lighting applications that will give you confidence in selecting lighting for your clients.

#5000 - Presentation Techniques – 1 day (6) hours – maximum 16 students
Presentation is important whether it is for class assignments or clients. Students will learn the graphic impact of sample boards, collages, floor plans and elevations, including mixed media as they pertain to case studies. Required: pencil crayons, scissors, ruler and restickable glue stick.
This course should be taken by all students at their earliest convenience in the program.

# 5050 - Social Media - 1 day (6) hours – maximum 16 students
It’s all the rage, but do you know how to use social media to promote your business? Join us to learn how to use these venues to discover which media to use for what and how to attract clients.

#5010 - Storage Solutions – 1 day (6 hours) – maximum 16 students
Every lifestyle requires space for storage. Effective storage is a learned art. Apply it to your dwelling.
Manual included in fee.

#5020 - Window Covering Workshop – 1 day (6 hours) – maximum 16 students
It is of the utmost importance for all decorators to learn how to measure precisely, price, fill out the order forms for hard coverings and put the required information on custom specification sheets for ordering soft window covering. You will practice a variety of applications. Bring a calculator, ruler, pencil, eraser, and lunch.

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Courses offered in the Interior Decorator Career Training Program