Interior Decorator, Designer or Stylist

Each sector requires different skills and has very different careers paths. Our courses are built around that difference. Let us tell you more.

Explore all Career Courses

Choose your pathway

Not sure which path is right for you? Start with a Certificate IV in Interior Decoration and become a qualified Interior Decorator, working with colour, furnishings and finished spaces. Prefer a broader creative focus? Our Certificate IV in Design (Styling) trains you as a professional Stylist across interiors, events, food and product. Or aim higher with our Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Interior Design and become a professional Interior Designer, trained in space planning, technical drawings and full-scale project delivery.

Become an Interior Decorator

Interior decoration focuses on the finishing touches for an existing space. Think furniture, colour, soft furnishings and styling, to make a space look and feel beautiful.

Certificate IV in Interior Decoration

Become an Interior Designer

Interior design goes deeper, working within the internal structure and function of a space, from layout and materials to how people move through and use it.

Diploma of Interior Design
Advanced Diploma of Interior Design

Become a Stylist

An accomplished Stylist puts together visual elements, has a natural eye for what looks balanced and is able to showcase and enhance the best qualities of a product, space, event or object.

They’re often finders and collectors of beautiful objects, curating and editing scenes, from small vignettes to larger spaces. Their role is to bring out the beauty in their subjects.

Our styling course is offered through our partner school Interior Design Online.

What are the career pathways?

For Stylists, Decorators and Interior Designers, the career pathways are diverse, from working within an established studio or firm to freelancing or running your own business.

Stylist

The industry is broad, with a Stylist working across interiors, media, fashion, events and brands, often as a freelancer. Much of their work involves working with a Photographer who captures the image.

Interior Decorator

Interior Decorators find work with property styling and design firms, furniture showrooms and homewares retailers. Many work directly with clients on residential projects, while others go on to start their own business.

Interior Designer

Interior Designers work across a wide range of settings, from architecture and interior design firms to commercial fit-out companies, property developers and construction firms.

Need help to decide the best career path for you?

Book a Campus Tour
Talk to an Advisor

Choose a career course

Two Certificate IV in Interior Decoration students chatting on a bench at Sydney Design School
Certificate IV in Interior Decoration

Certificate IV in Interior Decoration

Create inspirational residential interiors, whether you're starting a new career, planning to renovate your own home, or simply wanting to explore your creative side this course is for you.
FIND OUT MORE
Certificate IV in Design (Styling) student styling a potted plant and artwork against a grey wall
Certificate IV in Design (Styling)

Certificate IV in Design (Styling)

Master the art of visual storytelling, evoke emotion, capture attention, and communicate a brand, lifestyle or concept for a photoshoot, a client space or an event.
FIND OUT MORE
Diploma of Interior Design student working on a laptop in a mustard armchair
Diploma of Interior Design

Diploma of Interior Design

Design spaces that shape how people live and work, meeting real-world project demands while bringing your vision to life with the skill and confidence of an industry-ready Designer.
FIND OUT MORE
Advanced Diploma of Interior Design student reading a design book in a modern interior
Advanced Diploma of Interior Design

Advanced Diploma of Interior Design

Push your conceptual thinking and design complex interior environments, building the confidence to work across multiple residential and commercial sectors.
FIND OUT MORE

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a qualification to be a Designer?

Interior design isn’t a licensed profession in Australia, but most employers and clients expect an industry recognised qualification. Our Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Interior Design are nationally accredited and recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, giving you the technical skill, portfolio and confidence employers look for in a professional Interior Designer.

I am already working in industry. Can I get credit for this?

Possibly. Depending on your experience and any previous qualifications, you may be eligible for credit under our Recognition of Prior Learning or Credit Transfer process. Get in touch with our team and we can assess your situation and let you know what credit could apply to your course.

X

Could I start with the Certificate IV and move onto the Diploma?

Yes. The Certificate IV in Interior Decoration is a great place to start, and it can be credited towards the Diploma of Interior Design if you decide to continue your studies and become a qualified Interior Designer.

Will I need to do further study to run my own business?

No further formal study is required. Whether you complete the Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma, each qualification gives you the skills and confidence to start freelancing or run your own business, and many of our graduates do exactly that straight after finishing.