How to become an interior decorator
Coordinate with interior designers to plan and design the decor of offices, residences, hotels and other interior environments.
Pathways to this career
Complete a recognised certification, an undergraduate course in interior design or an interior decoration short course. Industry-based courses may give you an employment edge.
Advance your skills as an interior decorator through postgraduate qualifications in interior design or architecture.
Seek out assistant roles or internships to gain hands-on experience. You'll be able to grow your expertise under the guidance of well-established, professional interior decorators.
Build a striking portfolio of your best work, your passion projects and small jobs. Appeal to design agencies or private clients by creating a professional website to showcase your work.
What does an interior decorator do?
Duties and tasks
Collaborate with clients to understand their requests and offer decoration ideas that meet all aspects of clients desires including overall effect and budget.
Create drawings, sketches or visual images of decorations for clients to review.
Evaluate the relation between technical and visual applications of furniture, lighting, decor and layout of spaces to create the ideal balance between functionality and appearance.
Manage the decoration process, using a variety of art, colour schemes, patterns, furniture and accessories to create visual effect and atmosphere of rooms and spaces.
Plan budget for furniture and decorations according to clients budget and create working schedules for delivery and decoration of spaces.
Recommend or meet with clients to pick out best materials and decoration to create and enhance interior environment according to desired atmosphere of living or work space.
Understand how to use colour schemes, patterns, fabrics and material options to create ideal interior environment based on client satisfaction; stay up-to-date on latest decor and popular themes, colour patterns and decorations.
Industry bodies
Related jobs
Discover related degrees
Advanced Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration
UndergraduateTUA-IDE-DIP
Graduate with a qualification to become a professional interior designer
Learn to design commercial and residential building interiors to today’s standards. Push your creativity with furnishings and finishes. Get hands-on with software. Gain real experience. Work on technical and digital skills for professional designing.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
Undergraduate Certificate in Interior Design
UndergraduateCUR-HID-CTF
Your first foray in interior design
Study 4 core subjects in interior design, history and methods—and get entry and credit in Curtin’s Bachelor Degree. Dabble in designing interior spaces. Strive for quality interior environments. Explore the role of the interior architect.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration
UndergraduateTUA-IDD-DIP
A hands-on intro to the interior design industry
Learn popular software like SketchUp Pro and AutoCAD in this DIA-recognised course. You’ll learn about materials and finishes. Explore design processes. Build skills for both residential and commercial design and start thinking about your designer career.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateCUR-IND-DEG
Create clever solutions for interior spaces
Build expertise and professional skills in interior design. You'll explore design concepts and use technology to bring your ideas to life. An accredited design degree that prepares you for careers in home design, hotels, offices and more.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Discover related subjects
History of Interior Design and Decoration
UndergraduateTUA-DHI100
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
UndergraduateTUA-DDW100
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 16 Feb 2026, 1 Jun 2026, 14 Sep 2026
UndergraduateTUA-DBD100
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 16 Feb 2026, 1 Jun 2026, 14 Sep 2026
UndergraduateCUR-BIA425
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 30 Nov 2026
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