Interior Decorating Professional Certificate

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The Interior Decorating Professional Certificate program equips students with industry skills and knowledge to begin a career in the interior decorating field. The program consists of five modules and a capstone presentation.

Classes include foundational instruction in architecture, furniture and color theory. Students will also learn about materials, sourcing and industry specific business practices while also establishing fundamental business skills needed to be a successful interior decorator.

The program will culminate with a capstone decorating project of the students’ own design.

Program Cost

This 7-month, 90-hour professional certificate costs $2,795.

No application or application fee is required
All texts, materials and supplies are included
Limited seats are available

Limited tuition remission opportunities may be available for University of Richmond employees.

Course Schedule

Classes are held on the University of Richmond campus from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday evenings.

Fall 2025 Cohort

Course dates: Tuesdays, September 9, 2025–April 7, 2026
Course holidays (no class)
- Thanksgiving Break: November 25, 2025
- Winter Break: December 23 & 30, 2025

Graduation Date

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Enrolled students will receive a detailed class schedule with dates and locations.

Modules

Foundations

Covers background knowledge in architecture and furniture styles and history as well as color theory. Includes the following topics:

Introduction
Finance/Accounting
Principles & Elements of Design
Architecture & Furniture Styles
Color Theory & Paint

Materials

Offers practical knowledge of materials used in the industry including flooring, textiles, wall and window treatments and lighting. Includes the following topics:

Soft Furnishings & Wall Treatments
Textiles
Window Treatments
Flooring
Room Layout & Space Planning

Industry Aspects

Presents the day-to-day knowledge needed to be successful in identifying market trends and sourcing materials. Includes the following topics:

Kitchens & Bathrooms
Home Design 3D
Sourcing Materials

Styles
Trends

Business Tools

Addresses knowledge and skills needed to establish a business, including marketing, business planning, finance, and legal issues. Includes the following topics:

Marketing & Social Media
Business Plan, Systems & Practices
Business/Legal Process
Closing the Deal

Additional Requirements

Field Experience

Students will receive a full tour and application instructions from the owners of the Designers Market of Richmond. 12,000 square foot showroom includes a vast array of fabrics, furniture, accessories, wallcoverings, lighting, carpet and rugs. Covers traditional, transitional, contemporary or modern styles. Designers Market is open only to the Interior Decorating trade, so the field visit is a unique opportunity for participants.

Capstone Project

The program culminates with an independent decorating project using Home Design 3D to demonstrate knowledge and skills learned in the program. Each student will present their project to the teachers and students enrolled in the program, receiving constructive feedback for improvement. The project provides certificate earners a portfolio that demonstrates their newly acquired interior decorating skills.

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