Interior styling is a creative, visually-driven career that transforms spaces into aesthetic masterpieces. It’s a career that requires a combination of artistic flair, technical knowledge, and an understanding of how to balance beauty with functionality. Whether you’re a professional looking to sharpen your design skills or a hobbyist with a passion for home decor, online interior styling courses provide a flexible, affordable way to dive into the world of design.
In this article, we’ll explore the best online interior styling courses, their key features, and how they can help you succeed in the exciting field of interior design.
Why Choose Online Interior Styling Courses?
The growing popularity of online learning means that anyone can access top-tier education from the comfort of their own home. When it comes to interior styling, online courses have become a go-to option for several reasons:
Flexible Learning: Most online courses offer flexible schedules, allowing you to learn at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for people who are working, studying, or managing personal commitments.
Affordable Options: Many online courses are more affordable than traditional, in-person programs. Students can save on commuting and accommodation costs, making education more accessible.
Industry-Relevant Skills: The best online courses are designed by industry professionals, offering insights into the latest design trends, software tools, and practical styling tips.
Global Learning Community: Online courses give students access to a diverse community of learners and instructors from around the world, creating opportunities for collaboration and networking.
Portfolio Building: A significant advantage of taking an online interior styling course is the ability to develop a professional portfolio, which is essential for showcasing your skills to potential clients or employers.
Top Online Interior Styling Courses
To help you choose the best course, we’ve compiled a list of top-rated online interior styling courses that cater to different learning needs, budgets, and career goals.
1. The Interior Designers Institute – Online Interior Design Course
The Interior Designers Institute (IDI) offers a professional online course for aspiring interior designers and stylists. This program provides a comprehensive curriculum covering the fundamentals of interior design, space planning, color theory, and more advanced topics like lighting and textiles.
- Course Highlights:
- Accredited by professional interior design organizations.
- Teaches practical skills such as drafting, creating design presentations, and working with clients.
- Focuses on both residential and commercial design projects.
- Includes assignments to develop a portfolio for potential clients or employers.
- Duration: 12-24 months (self-paced).
- Ideal For: Aspiring interior stylists who want a formal education and industry-recognized certification.
2. Domestika – Interior Styling: Transforming Spaces for Everyday Living
Domestika is known for its high-quality creative courses, and their interior styling course is designed to help students transform everyday spaces into functional, stylish environments. The course, led by interior stylist and designer Mónica Garrido, focuses on practical tips and tricks for home styling.
- Course Highlights:
- Taught by an experienced interior stylist with a focus on everyday living.
- Covers essential interior styling concepts, including space organization, lighting, and the use of color and textures.
- Includes hands-on projects to apply your learning in real-life scenarios.
- Offers lifetime access to course materials and a community forum for feedback.
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours of video content (self-paced).
- Ideal For: Beginners and hobbyists looking for quick, actionable tips to improve their home styling skills.
3. Udemy – How to Work with Interior Design Styles Like a Pro
Udemy offers a wide range of interior design and styling courses, and this particular course is focused on teaching students how to work with various interior design styles. It’s perfect for those who want to learn how to match decor and furniture to different styles, such as minimalist, modern, and industrial.
- Course Highlights:
- Covers a wide range of interior design styles, giving you a thorough understanding of each.
- Teaches how to combine colors, materials, and textures to achieve specific stylistic effects.
- Includes practical tips on accessorizing, lighting, and layout.
- Affordable and provides lifetime access to course materials.
- Duration: 3 hours of video content (self-paced).
- Ideal For: Beginners who want to explore a variety of design styles or professionals looking to expand their skill set.
4. The Interior Design Institute – Professional Interior Design Course
The Interior Design Institute (IDI) is a recognized leader in online design education, offering a comprehensive interior design course that covers everything from basic design principles to more advanced styling techniques. This course is perfect for individuals looking to start a professional career in interior design or styling.
- Course Highlights:
- Accredited diploma program with a focus on professional interior design.
- Covers color theory, lighting, space planning, and furniture selection.
- Offers access to professional design software, including CAD and SketchUp.
- Includes detailed feedback from tutors, who are industry professionals.
- Duration: 12-24 months (self-paced).
- Ideal For: Aspiring professional interior designers and stylists seeking formal education and industry-recognized qualifications.
5. Skillshare – Interior Design Basics: Simple Steps to Perfect Your Space
Skillshare is a popular online learning platform, and their interior design basics course is perfect for those who want to learn practical, everyday design tips without the commitment of a full-length course. This course focuses on the basics of interior styling, including space planning and using color effectively.
- Course Highlights:
- Teaches fundamental interior design principles in a simple, accessible way.
- Short, easy-to-follow lessons with practical assignments.
- Covers topics such as furniture arrangement, accessorizing, and working with color schemes.
- Suitable for beginners and hobbyists looking to improve their home styling.
- Duration: 1 hour of video content (self-paced).
- Ideal For: Beginners looking for a quick introduction to interior design and styling.
6. MasterClass: Kelly Wearstler Teaches Interior Design
Kelly Wearstler, a world-renowned interior designer, offers an interior design course through MasterClass, one of the most prestigious online learning platforms. This course is ideal for those looking to learn directly from a successful designer and gain insights into the creative process.
- Course Highlights:
- Taught by Kelly Wearstler, a top industry professional.
- Covers how to use color, texture, and lighting to create unique interiors.
- Offers insights into the creative process behind successful design projects.
- Focuses on finding your own style and approach to interior design.
- Duration: 2 hours of video content (self-paced).
- Ideal For: Intermediate designers or design enthusiasts seeking inspiration from an expert in the field.
How to Choose the Right Online Interior Styling Course
Selecting the best online course for interior styling depends on several factors, including your goals, experience level, and budget. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:
Determine Your Skill Level: If you’re a beginner, look for courses that cover basic design principles and styling techniques. For more experienced designers, consider courses that dive deeper into advanced topics like software tools, commercial styling, or working with clients.
Set Your Goals: Are you looking to turn your passion into a career, or are you simply interested in improving your home’s aesthetic? For professional aspirations, consider accredited courses that offer certification. For hobbyists, shorter, more affordable courses may be enough.
Check the Course Content: Make sure the course covers the topics you’re most interested in. For instance, if you want to focus on residential design, find a course that offers in-depth guidance on home styling.
Consider the Course Duration and Pace: Some courses are short and can be completed in a matter of hours, while others may take months. Choose a course that fits your schedule and allows you to learn at a comfortable pace.
Look for Hands-On Projects: Practical assignments and projects are crucial for building a portfolio and applying what you’ve learned. Ensure the course includes opportunities for hands-on experience.
Read Reviews and Testimonials: Always check the reviews and testimonials of previous students to gauge the quality of the course and the effectiveness of the teaching methods.
Conclusion
Online interior styling courses offer a flexible, accessible, and affordable way to develop your design skills and break into the world of interior design. Whether you’re looking to start a professional career or simply improve the aesthetics of your own home, there’s an online course that fits your needs. From short, beginner-friendly classes to in-depth, accredited programs, these courses can help you unlock your creative potential and turn your passion for interior design into a fulfilling and successful career.
