If you feel like your house is starting to look suspiciously like an Argos catalogue and you’re drowning in a sea of creams and beiges then perhaps you need a new perspective.

It has historically been understood that your surroundings speak volumes about your personality; this stems from the fundamental fact that we all seek to express ourselves and our individuality. From the homes of the Ancient Egyptians laden with colourful cushions and textiles to the modern minimalist style that has become popular in recent times, there is much to consider; and learn from...

Interior design is not just for those with a natural artistic flair, who know the difference between fuchsia and coral, and could make your utility room look like the Taj Mahal; a spark of interest in the aesthetics of life will be sufficient. The aim of studying it is simply to unleash your own creativity; and learn how to use it to infuse your character into your environment.

As Kahlil Gibran famously noted ‘We live only to discover beauty. All else is a form of waiting’, so stop saying how much you’d love to turn that tiny attic room into a cosy loft-like haven and take the first step! Below are a list of colleges that offer interior design as a night course so have a look and prepare to amaze yourself; and your friends...

The Dublin Institute of Design provides various courses; ranging from the intensive to the more relaxed. The Higher National Diploma in Interior Design is of the former kind and is available as a fulltime, part-time or evening course; following the completion of this there is the option to proceed to a degree in Ireland/UK. The college also offers an Associate Diploma which runs one morning/evening a week for 24 weeks. Another option is the Your Designer Home elective which is an eight week course that takes place one evening per week and teaches the fundamental concepts of Interior Design and Decoration. Go to www.dublindesign.ie or email info@dublindesign.ie for more details.

The Portobello School also administers a number of classes including the Diploma in Residential Interior Design which take place one night a week for one year. Also offered is the Diploma in Residential and Commercial Design; a two year diploma which runs one night a week for the first year and two nights in the second year. The college provides various short courses and workshops along with these.

If you’re not in the Dublin region or if the idea of trekking to college after a long days work doesn’t appeal to your inner couch potato then the various home study programmes available could be your answer. Limperts Academy of Design provides distance learning courses nationwide in Interior Design ranging from Cert or Diplomas to BA/MA programmes. Go to www.limpertsacademy.com or email info@limpertsacademy.com for your first click towards your creative wonderland.


 Case Study: Anita Sothern

I did a course in Interior Design in Ballsbridge College of Further Education. I've always been interested in interior design and I loved art in school. However, for some bizarre reason I studied law in college and became a solicitor. I spend my entire day using the left side of my brain so I thought it would be nice to use the right side for a change.

The course lasted for 10 weeks and cost €12.00 per class (€120.00 payable upfront). The course ran on a Monday or Tuesday evening from 18.00 – 21.00. Everyone on the course was lovely. There’s a continuation course for a further 10 weeks which would give friendships the chance to develop and meeting people with a common interest to mine was definitely a benefit.

I’ve just moved into a new house so I’m really looking forward to putting all I’ve learnt to good use! I find that since doing the course I can look at a bare wall or room and visualise what could be there; and also see how to make the most of what’s available to you in terms of space.

I took away about half a stone from the course – the chap who made cakes and biscuits for the tea break was really good at his job!!! Seriously though, I definitely learned how to plan a room and the importance of taking your time when decorating. Each week we covered a different topic from colour to lighting to floor plans and different styles of design and storage ideas. We covered everything from the practical i.e. storage to the eccentricities of design.

I would definitely see myself doing another nightcourse in the future; I'm looking into doing reflexology at the minute although I'm told I need to do a course in anatomy first – so anatomy might be next on the list!