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Interior Decorating

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Program Code: 31511
CIP Code: 19.0605
PGWP Eligible: N/A
Credential: Diploma
Start Dates: January, September
Program Length: 4 semesters
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Pathways: Explore Pathways
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Program Overview

Humber’s Interior Decorating diploma program combines essential creative and practical elements with insights into current design trends. You will learn to: 

  • cultivate your creative abilities by exploring and ideating clients’ needs and passions to transform their living/work space 
  • develop, articulate and document your designs to create unique spatial concepts for residential environments  
  • discover unique residential trends by creating and transforming spaces in various design sectors focusing on the residential environments with opportunities in kitchen/bath, DYIs, staging, real clients and specialty design challenges 
  • hone your artistic talent and develop your professional skills to launch your career 
  • implement a versatile combination of presentation skills to generate solutions through hand and computer drafting, craftsmanship, sketching, hand and digital rendering, and graphic skills and layouts 
  • use the principles and elements of design to formulate original concepts and apply them in 2D and 3D residential design solutions 

You will learn from practising professional experts in our design studios. Studio classes provide hands-on experience and training using market-specific materials and trends. Guest speakers, trade shows, field trips and international adventure opportunities await you. Using the latest technology, you will explore the world of design and discover furniture, finishes, lighting, millwork, textiles, objects d’art and essential elements that evolve into unique and extraordinary living spaces. 

Our program will complement your creative and technical expertise with essential business training in how to run your own enterprise and manage your own projects. Additionally, you will learn how to understand specifications and how to communicate design ideas effectively to real clients. 

Round out your interior decorating education in interior detailing and construction documents along with learning about interdisciplinary platforms and stakeholders (architects, engineers, trades, clients and contractors, and more). Launch your career knowing how mechanical, electrical, plumbing services and building methods work together cohesively on an entire residential design project.

The Humber Advantage

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Our on campus facilities which include the AutoCAD labs, lounge and sample room allow students to remain within a studio environment that is tailored to their unique needs. In addition, the college library contains a large section of reference and video material and the campus bookstore sells tools, supplies and textbooks which support this course.

2 female interior decorating students

Watch the video to see Interior Decorating students create a Winter Wonderland for The Morning Show set.

bcti Hotel

Read about six of our students who worked on developing the look of the hotel suite in the new Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation.

interior design bunk

Interior Decorating, Home Renovation and Electrical program students built a 108 sq.ft. student bunkie for auction to support student awards and scholarships.

Expert Faculty

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Debora Alcide

I have a successful fine art business that specializes in architectural renderings. I currently teach at Humber College in the Interior Decorating and Interior Design programs, where I teach sketching, design, materials and finishes and the history of furniture.

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Jordan Fang

After completing his Bachelor of Interior Design at Humber College, Jordan pursued a Bachelor of Education. Over the past decade, he has gained extensive experience in the interior design field, specializing in retail, commercial, and residential design. Alongside his professional work, he has taught at the post-secondary level at Humber College, Yorkville University, and OCADU. He recently graduated with a Master of Arts in Interior Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where his research focused on the integration of virtual reality technology into interior design education. He is excited to join Humber College full-time and looks forward to working alongside faculty and students in the design cluster.

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Jacob Willow

Your Career

Interior decorators work with clients and provide consultation on programming and throughout the installation procurement phases. Decorators work with concepts, styles, colour schemes, space plan layouts, elevations, perspective sketches, lighting, furniture, millwork and architectural detailing, materials and finishes, kitchen and bathroom design, accessories, and much more.

Interior decorators can provide conceptual sketches and generate working/detail drawings using computer-aided design drafting tools (CADD);  they can also provide other design services to their clients including product specifications, as well as cost estimates.

Graduates have gone on to become interior decorating magazine editors-in-chief, featured magazine interior decorators, TV personalities, guest TV decorators, newspaper feature article leaders, interior decorating business owners, event planners, managers of decorating retail stores, design consultants (both domestic and international) and buyers to name but a few.

Graduates also work with:

  • detailing experts in millwork companies
  • event planning firms
  • high end furniture companies as design consultants and product launchers
  • interior decorating and design firms
  • kitchen and bath design centres
  • lighting consultants
  • media including magazines, blogs, tweets and other social media
  • new home developers and model home décor
  • print magazines and online media
  • residential design firms
  • retail and wholesale showrooms
  • specialist designers in carpet, tile, wallpaper, textile and upholstery
  • staging experts for real estate
  • television/set design

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Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
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Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*.  Apply now!

Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Jan 2025 Block-Based North Closed
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025   North Open
Jan 2026   North Opening Soon

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Upcoming Recruitment Events

Homes with Holly

Holly Cowieson sharing her new skills on tv

Watch the video introducing "Homes With Holly" on YouTube! Watch the video to see Holly Cowieson, a student in the Interior Decorating program share her new skills and expertise on Staging.

Decorators & Designers Association of Canada Recognized Institution logo

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

News Feed

See More News 
Today's Designers are Tomorrow's Visionairies

Today's Designers are Tomorrow's Visionairies

Sun, May 01, 2022

The Interior Design Show is Canada’s premier showcase of new products and furniture, superstar designers and avant-garde concepts.

Read the Full Article
Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology (FAST) Design Networking Event 2020

Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology (FAST) Design Networking Event 2020

Thu, February 06, 2020

The annual Design career event, hosted by FAST’s Co-op & Work Placement Services, brought together students and employers.

Read the Full Article

No news at this time.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

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Apply On Us This September!

Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.

To qualify, get started by filling out the APPLY ON US form.

*This promotion is open to domestic applications for the September 2024 program intakes only. Offer not valid for existing applicants or applications.

International Students with a valid Study Permit or Letter of Introduction (LOI)* can receive a Waiver Code to cover the $100 September 2024 application fee.

Bringing You Our A-Game

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How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Jacob Willow, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 4785
jacob.willow@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Selection: Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Recommended Preparation: Prior to entering the program, it is recommended that students have secondary school studies in drawing and drafting. Students should have the ability to draw along with drawing and sketching training.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
      • Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those listed above

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Drawing and Sketching Training

Prior to entering the program, it is recommended that students have secondary school studies in drawing and drafting. Students should have the ability to draw along with drawing and sketching training.

Equipment & Device Requirements

Details and Specifications Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
Processor Intel i7 (Quad Core) Intel i7 (Quad Core)
Memory Minimum 16GB of RAM
Storage Minimum 250GB storage space (SSD) preferable
Network Wireless 802.11 b/g/n/ac Built-in Ethernet port (strongly recommended), Long battery life (strongly recommended)
Video Minimum 4GB video RAM/Minimum 24 bit colour (DGAS, DEC, ARC, SNRG, INTD, IDSN) Recommended but not required for LAND and CIVL
Display 1280x1024 video display resolution (DGAS, DEC, ARC, SNRG, INTD, IDSN) Recommended but not required for LAND and CIVL
Other Dedicated graphics card - GTX 1050, 1550, 2060 or higher needed for rendering purposes (DGAS, DEC, ARC, SNRG, INTD, IDSN)

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Jacob Willow, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 4785
jacob.willow@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters was:

  • domestic: $4,188.64
  • international: $19,058.00

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

$1000 - books and supplies (for all semesters).

Specialty equipment including scale rule, drafting equipment, cutting and markers, etc., are required. Additional materials such as paper and board materials will be required on an ongoing basis based on project and student needs.

A laptop will be needed in semester 2 of the program (ideally a gaming computer). For specific laptop and software requirements for this program, visit our website for Equipment & Device Requirements.

 

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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