Launch your career with confidence

The Interior Decorating Associate Diploma (IDAD) Online program at Yorkville University allows you to launch or advance your career in residential design while studying at home or at work. 

The fully online program, which can be taken in 24 months or less, teaches the theory and practice of interior decorating principles, including visual communications, materials, textiles and finishes, and architectural design.

Graduates have launched successful careers in residential design fields, such as home staging and home decor, with HGTV, Aspen Ridge Homes and Aya Kitchens.

Delivery

100 percent Online

Start Dates

January, April, July and October

Duration

2 years or less*

*With full course load, year-round study and/or approved transfer credits. Each applicant is encouraged to contact an Admissions Advisor to determine the potential duration of their degree program according to their unique circumstances. For comprehensive, up-to-date information, please view the Academic Calendar.

Program Features

Flexible schedule

Balance work, home and study demands with a flexible, online course schedule and study at your own pace.

Choose to take courses as your busy life permits and study during the day, evenings or on the weekends.

Accelerated program

Earn an Interior Decorating Associate Diploma in two years or less with full course load and continuous enrollment or approved transfer credits.

Graduate faster and start earning employment income sooner.

Experienced Faculty

Professional, industry-connected faculty who know the design industry and are dedicated to helping students achieve their career goals.

Get valuable advice about career advancement and networking opportunities.

 

Practical Focus

The rigorous, industry-based program develops professional skills and experience and helps students launch their own business.

Develop an understanding of the business side of interior decorating and how to market yourself.

YORKVILLE UNIVERSITY ADVANTAGE

Yorkville University programs are aimed at helping you achieve your personal and professional goals. Online or in class, across Canada, Yorkville University’s programs are flexible, fast paced and above all, lead to transformation through education.

Flexibility

Flexible Learning

Course scheduling and online course options allow you to make time for part-time work and other life priorities while completing your program. 

Accelerated Programs 

Graduate faster with our year-round study option. We also provide optimum credit transfers based on your previous learning.

Year-Round Start Dates 

 Start your program as soon as you are ready with various start dates throughout the year. 

Resources & Support

Student Assistance

Our program advisors assist you every step of the way in your academic journey, from finding the right program to graduation, and beyond.  

Student Success Centre  

Get 24/7 online supportaccess to writing and math labs, and links to tutoring and one-on-one support.  

Career Services  

We assist you in creating impactful resumes, cover letters and portfolios, prepare you for interviews, and help find work opportunities that match your ambition.   

Enhanced Learning

Small Class Sizes

Get personalized attention in an average class size of 20 students and learn through active participation.

Networking

Build lifelong relationships with students and professors as part of teamwork, discussions and assignments.

Experienced Faculty

Benefit from the knowledge of experienced faculty who use their expertise to help you achieve your own career goals. 

Professional Designations

Launch your career with an interior decorating diploma that is well respected by the industry.

This rigorous program is recognized by the Decorators & Designers Association of Canada (DDA).

Career Outcomes

Yorkville University’s Interior Decorating Associate Diploma program prepares students with the practical skills required for successful careers in:

Residential Interior Decorating

Graduates customize rooms using furnishings, textures, lighting and color to enhance the beauty and function of residential interiors.

Residential Staging

Graduates use interior design and organization concepts to stage homes, condos and office spaces to show to prospective buyers.

Lighting Design

Graduates work closely with architects, interior designers, engineers and clients to design and specify lighting and lighting systems.

Exhibit Design


Graduates use a combination of graphics, props, multimedia, lighting and sound to make the most of exhibition spaces.

Furniture Manufacturing and Design

Graduates work with furniture manufacturers and suppliers, as design advisors on home and office improvements and makeovers.




Retail Sales

Graduates work in sales environments with retail and wholesale showrooms.

Meet The Program Coordinator

“The Interior Decorating Associate Diploma at Yorkville University offers students the industry-based skills to become a successful interior designer and the business expertise to market themselves as design professionals.”

Sabrina Di Maio, MFA, BID, NCIDQ, CDECA Educator Member,
Faculty of Bachelor of Interior Design, Ontario

Faculty

Meet Some of Your Interior Decorating Faculty

  • Andrea Davis

  • Debi Collinson

  • Sabrina Di Maio, MFA, BID, NCIDQ, CDECA Educator Member

  • Milorad Eftoski

  • Martyn Lee

  • Harold Leung

  • Jeff Cairns

Course Description

The Interior Decorating Associate Diploma program covers a range of subjects, including visual communications, materials, textiles and finishes, and architectural design. 

A full listing of Interior Decorating Associate Diploma program courses includes:

  • Introduction to Interior Decorating

    Designing for interiors is a combination of artistic talent, product knowledge, subject knowledge and design theory that give the individual a solid foundation to create exceptional spaces. In Introduction to Interior Decorating, students discover and explore the principles and elements of design and how they are applied to the world of interiors.

    • Colour Theory

      How the eye perceives colour is a key component in designing for interiors. The student’s colour perceptions are fine-tuned by studying the psychology and physics of colour, and how colour interacts with the principles and elements of design. The theoretical and applicable study of colour are discussed. Exploration and experimentation with colour mixing exercises reinforce the understanding of Colour Theory.

      • Visual Communications 1

        Students explore basic rendering techniques using a variety of dry and wet media to communicate interior spaces. Emphasis is placed on the construction of perspective drawings from drafted plans and sketches. Fundamental presentation-board layout and composition is also reviewed.

        • Digital Design

          Digital Design 1 introduces students to Photoshop and Illustrator, Adobe’s vector imaging software. Through demonstrations, in-class exercises and assignments, students will become familiar with the unique capabilities of the software as it relates to the creation and manipulation of renderings of interior spaces.

          • Drafting 1


            Students are introduced to the terminology used by the design profession as well as the symbols, line types, shading and dimensions which are used to communicate the design intent.  Various projects guide the students to combine, connect and practice design theory and drafting, including drafting basic objects, shapes and conventions, culminating to simple interior spaces.

            • Human Factors and Space Planning

              Human factors and space planning are essential to the design of any interior space. Students will research and discuss human factors which contribute to the functional design of the human domain. Space planning and Universal design principles will be applied to a small scale design project. Knowledge from this course empowers students to think critically and analytically when designing spaces functionally and aesthetically.

              • Visual Communications 2

                Students further develop rendering techniques used to communicate interior spaces, adding furnishings and architectural details to communicate spatial intent. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of perspective drawing and rendering techniques, using a variety of media, at an elevated level of realism.

                • Drafting 2

                  Students will further develop skills in preparing manually drafted working drawings and design details. Emphasis is on the progression of skills learned in Drafting 1 as well as the understanding of the graphic standards required to complete a set of construction drawings. Kitchen and bathroom design will be introduced. The Ontario Building Code and the applicable restrictions to designing interior spaces will be discussed.

                  • Staging & Styling Interiors

                    Creating a decorated residence that appeals to a larger demographic is the focus of this course. Students will select furnishings and accessories for various rooms and develop a basic cost estimate for home staging rental.

                    • Materials and Textiles

                      This course will review the selection of natural and synthetic materials and textiles for interiors. Material characteristics will be discussed in relation to production and fabrication methods. Evaluation and selection of project appropriate materials and textiles will be explored, taking into consideration code compliance and sustainability guidelines.

                      • History of Design

                        Students will explore architecture and interior design focusing on the major historic architectural movements in Western culture. Emphasis is on critical analysis and historic influence to better understand the origins of design and building techniques. Students will develop the ability to relate historic architecture and interior design to current design trends.

                        • Building Systems: An Introduction

                          Students will develop a basic understanding of the various building assembly systems and how they impact the design of interior spaces. Environmental and safety considerations are discussed as they pertain to each building system.

                          • History of Furniture and Decoration

                            Significant historical design movements and decorative furniture styles, from antiquity to contemporary, are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge of historic precedents to better understand current decorative trends and furniture design.

                            • CADD 1

                              Students will continue to explore CADD – computer aided drafting and design, at a more advanced level. They will expand their knowledge of AutoCAD and further develop their drafting skills by creating complex plans, elevations and formal notations.

                              • Lighting

                                Students gain knowledge of the principles and applications of lighting design and apply them to specific, specialized interior situations. Emphasis is placed on creative lighting concepts, light level calculations, and the incorporation of custom lighting solutions. Students also refine their skills in the development of architectural drawings related to lighting design. Covered areas include: residential, retail, and commercial spaces.

                                • Design Studio 1 – Residential

                                  Students are introduced to the design process as it pertains to residential interior applications. Methodology to obtain both functional and aesthetic solutions will be discussed – client interview and needs and wants analysis are reviewed. The focus is on the design and decoration of a single occupancy residence, taking into consideration aging in place. Students will source textiles, materials, furniture and fixtures for their project. The progressive assignments will culminate with a final presentation showcasing the student’s concept and design.

                                  • CADD 2

                                    Students will continue to explore CADD – computer aided drafting and design, at a more advanced level. They will expand their knowledge of AutoCAD and further develop their drafting skills by creating complex plans, elevations and formal notations.

                                    • Sustainable Materials and Finishes

                                      This course creates an awareness of the implications of material use in a global context by exposing students to the characteristics, application and maintenance of interior materials and textiles through life‐cycle analysis. Emphasis is on determining the criteria for evaluating material and textile usage based upon their inherent qualities, construction and manufacturing from a variety of perspectives.

                                      • Professional Practice 1

                                        Students develop business planning strategies, and marketing approaches within the context of legal and ethical obligations to the public. Resume writing and interviewing skills will be covered. Unifying the portfolio and their written work produces a professional, cohesive presented image for future employers and clients to view.

                                        • Construction Drawings

                                          Students will develop knowledge and skills in the areas of architectural construction drawings and details. Analytical skills and processes provide a foundation for the application of knowledge from previous courses to technical architectural drawings using industry standards and tools. Emphasis is placed on the selection, specification and illustration of appropriate materials, finishes and components for a set of construction drawings and details.

                                          • Portfolio Presentation

                                            This course assembles all the projects that encompass the student’s individual body of work for their portfolio. Focus is on the layout and organization of the final portfolio product.

                                            • Professional Practice 2

                                              Students are introduced to the scope and complexity of the professional interior decoration business in the marketplace. Emphasis is on the development of project administration and business documents. Case study exercises and examples are used to familiarize students with the various aspects of an interior decorating business.

                                              • Design Thesis – Large-Scale Residential

                                                The Design Thesis combines all the facets and skill sets required to design interior spaces. Students will design a two-storey residential interior. They will conduct a client interview, analyze the requirements, wants and needs, and produce a written analysis of the project. Students will then create a residential design based on the written analysis and following the design process previously learned.

Admission Requirements

This program will not be offered going forward

Yorkville University’s Interior Decorating Associate Diploma program is 100 percent online. 

The online program is administratively offered by our Fredericton Campus.

High school 

Students entering the Interior Decorating Associate Diploma program are required to have a New Brunswick Secondary School Diploma (NBSSD) or equivalent. 

Students entering from high school are also required to provide:

  • Official high school transcript*
  • Statement of Interest
  • Completed online application
  • Application fee of $100

College and University

Students entering from another university or college will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Graduates of a college or university program will be considered for transfer credits upon request.

Students are required to provide:

  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended*
  • Resume and Statement of Interest
  • Detailed course descriptions for transfer credit consideration
  • Completed online application
  • Application fee of $100

Have any questions? Please contact an Admissions Advisor.

Mature student

A mature student is an applicant who has not achieved a NBSSD or its equivalent, and who is at least 19 years old on or before the commencement of the program.

Yorkville University’s admissions policy for mature students creates a pathway to enrolment for those who can demonstrate academic competence equivalent to those of New Brunswick high school graduates.

Mature students will be evaluated on the successful completion of courses at the post-secondary level or through proficiency assessments, and are required to provide:

  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended*
  • Detailed course descriptions for transfer credit consideration
  • Resume
  • Completed online application
  • Application fee of $100

*All official transcripts need to be translated, notarized, sealed and stamped, and sent directly from the issuing institution to our Admissions Services Department for evaluation. 

English Language Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction at Yorkville University.

Applicants whose native language is not English must prove proficiency in the following ways: 

  • Completion of secondary education where English was the primary language of instruction.
  • Completion of at least 12 credit hours of previous post-secondary education where English was the language of instruction.
  • Completion with the equivalent of “B” standing of a post-secondary level English for Academic Purposes program accredited by Languages Canada.
  • Confirmation of an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 500 (written version) or 65 (Internet-based version).
  • Confirmation of an International English Language Test System (IELTS) band score of at least 5.5.
  • Confirmation of a Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL) score of 50 or higher.
  • Confirmation of a Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) score of Level C1 or higher.
  • Confirmation of a score equivalent to these scores on another test of English language proficiency recognized by and acceptable to the University.
  • Confirmation of a Duolingo minimum score of 85.

Note: Yorkville University reserves the right to require proof of language proficiency before permission is granted to register in academic courses.

The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course is available at select campuses concurrently as part of Yorkville University’s programs and counts towards the completion of the degree. There is no additional cost to the program when students take the EAP course.

Conditional Admission

Please contact an Admissions Advisor if the circumstances of your application are unique. 

Tuition & Fees

This program will not be offered going forward

The total cost for the Interior Decorating Online Associate Diploma is $22,080.*

The Interior Decorating Associate Diploma program runs throughout the academic year, which is divided into four academic terms: Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Students must complete 23 courses to graduate from the Interior Decorating Associate Diploma program. A typical course costs $960.

Total program tuition may vary based on actual credit transfers and course equivalencies. Below are sample calculations depending on the number of courses taken per term.

Courses Per Term Cost Per Course Fees
3 $960 $2,880
4 $960 $3,840

Tuition Payment

Arrangements for payment of tuition must be made at least two weeks prior to the start of each term (please see the Academic Schedule for deadlines). Monthly payment arrangements can also be made. Please contact our Bursar’s Office for more details at 1-888-886-1882. 

Other Fees

Please note that costs do not include other fees such as textbooks, expendable supplies, equipment and resource fees. All fees and charges are quoted in Canadian dollars (CAD). Yorkville University also accepts equivalent payment in other currencies.

For further information about tuition, fees and payment methods, please contact Yorkville University’s Bursar’s Office. Tuition rates are confirmed three months prior to the start of each term. Changes to tuition rates will be announced at least three months prior to the start of the term to which they apply. Current tuition rates are available on the Yorkville University website or from the Bursar’s Office at 1-888-886-1882.

Financial Aid Types

Scholarships & Bursaries

Yorkville University provides a limited number of scholarships and bursaries to qualified students.

Learn More

Financial Aid

Yorkville University is committed to helping students find affordable solutions to finance their education investment.

Learn More

Partnerships

For the Interior Decorating Associate Diploma program, special tuition bursaries and military training credit transfer options are offered to current and former Canadian Forces members and their families

FAQ

  • 1. Why should I choose the Interior Decorating Associate Diploma program at Yorkville University?

    The Interior Decorating Associate Diploma program is an exciting way to launch or advance your career while meeting life’s demands. Graduates have launched successful careers in residential design areas, such as home staging and home decor with HGTV, Aspen Ridge Homes and Aya Kitchens.

    • 2. How is it possible to complete the program in less than two years?

      Students can use an approved term break to study year-round instead of having an academic term off. Yorkville University operates year-round and has four academic terms and intake periods starting in January, April, July and October.

      If you have previous post-secondary education or have served in the military, you can also apply to transfer credits from past courses towards completion of the program, which can further shorten your study time.

      Please contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

      • 3. Is the Interior Decorating Associate Diploma equivalent to a two- or three-year degree?

        No. Graduates are conferred a diploma and not a degree at convocation.

        • 4. How much does the IDAD program cost?

          The Interior Decorating Associate Diploma program fees for on-campus students depend on whether you are a domestic or international student. Please see here for current tuition rates.

          Yorkville University is committed to helping you evaluate different financial aid options and payment schedules. Please contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

           

          • 5. What is the application process for the IDAD program?

            Please see here for more information or contact an Admissions Advisor if you have further questions.

            • 6. What are the student demographics of the classes?

              Most students in the Interior Decorating Associate Diploma program are domestic students aged 26 to 34 years old with an additional significant cohort of students aged 18 to 25 years old. A small average class size of 20 students fosters participation and teamwork. Yorkville University encourages applications from all countries.

              • 7. What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need to be accepted?

                For more information on the minimum English language requirements, please contact an Admissions Advisor.

                • 8. Does Yorkville University offer any scholarships?

                  Yorkville University is committed to helping you evaluate different financial aid options and payment schedules. Please contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

                  • 9. Can I apply for provincial student loans?

                    Only domestic students can apply to provincial student loan programs such as the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) or StudentAid BC. 

                    Yorkville University is committed to helping you evaluate different financial aid options and payment schedules. Please contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

                    • 10. What if I have more questions?

                      If you can’t find your questions addressed on this web page, please contact an Admissions Advisor.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

For more information, contact an Admissions Advisor.

 

Contact Admissions