Decorating Course

Lesson 1 • Reading a Space Before Decorating

Teaches systematic observation of a room's architecture, light, and proportions. This analytical habit underpins every design decision covered later.

Lesson 2 • Core Decorating Vocabulary

Introduces essential terms used throughout the course and the industry. Precise vocabulary enables clear communication with clients and trade suppliers.

Lesson 3 • Essential Tools and Materials

Identifies the primary tools, surfaces, and materials a decorator works with daily. Students learn correct selection and safe handling from the outset.

Lesson 1 • The Colour Wheel and Colour Relationships

Explains primary, secondary, and tertiary colours and how they interact. Understanding these relationships is the basis for all colour scheme decisions.

Lesson 2 • Warm, Cool, and Neutral Palettes

Distinguishes warm, cool, and neutral colour families and their spatial effects. Correct palette selection transforms how a room feels and functions.

Lesson 3 • Hue, Value, and Saturation

Breaks down the three dimensions of colour and how each affects perception. Students learn to manipulate these properties to achieve desired moods and effects.

Lesson 4 • Colour in Context: Light and Surface

Demonstrates how light sources and surface finishes alter colour appearance. Students test colours under real conditions before committing to a scheme.

Lesson 1 • Priming and Sealing

Explains primer types and their role in adhesion, stain blocking, and uniformity. Correct priming reduces topcoat consumption and improves finish quality.

Lesson 2 • Cleaning and Stripping Surfaces

Covers methods for removing dirt, grease, old paint, and wallcoverings. Clean, stripped surfaces ensure maximum adhesion for new finishes.

Lesson 3 • Masking and Protection

Covers taping, sheeting, and protecting surfaces not being decorated. Efficient masking saves time and maintains a professional standard of cleanliness.

Lesson 4 • Filling, Patching, and Sanding

Demonstrates correct use of fillers, compounds, and abrasives to create smooth surfaces. Students practise achieving a professional-grade substrate.

Lesson 1 • Painting Trim, Doors, and Windows

Applies brush and roller skills to architectural woodwork with specific sequencing. Correct order of work prevents smudging and ensures clean lines.

Lesson 2 • Applying Multiple Coats Correctly

Explains inter-coat preparation, timing, and inspection to build a durable finish. Students identify and correct common defects between coats.

Lesson 3 • Spray Application Fundamentals

Introduces airless and HVLP spray systems for large areas and fine finishes. Proper technique and safety practices are emphasised throughout.

Lesson 4 • Roller Application on Large Surfaces

Covers roller selection, loading, and the W or M stroke pattern for even coverage. Students learn to blend roller and brush work seamlessly.

Lesson 1 • Types of Wallcoverings

Surveys paper, vinyl, fabric, grasscloth, and specialty wallcoverings and their properties. Correct material selection depends on room use and surface condition.

Lesson 2 • Adhesives and Wall Preparation

Covers paste types, sizing, and wall preparation specific to wallcovering installation. Proper adhesion prevents bubbling, peeling, and seam failure.

Lesson 3 • Calculating Quantities and Pattern Repeats

Teaches accurate measurement and waste calculation for straight and pattern-repeat wallcoverings. Correct ordering prevents costly shortfalls and mismatched seams.

Lesson 4 • Hanging and Seaming Techniques

Demonstrates plumb line setting, strip hanging, and seam alignment for a seamless result. Students practise butt seams, overlap cuts, and corner work.

Lesson 1 • Glazing and Layering Colour

Introduces transparent glaze mediums and how layering creates luminosity and depth. Students mix and apply glazes over base coats to achieve varied effects.

Lesson 2 • Texture Techniques: Rag, Sponge, and Stipple

Teaches subtractive and additive texture methods using rags, sponges, and stippling brushes. Each technique produces a distinct surface character.

Lesson 3 • Limewash and Textured Wall Finishes

Introduces mineral-based limewash and trowel-applied texture finishes for contemporary interiors. Students learn mixing, application, and aging techniques.

Lesson 4 • Stenciling and Pattern Work

Covers stencil selection, registration, and paint application for repeating patterns. Precise technique prevents bleeding and maintains crisp edges.

Lesson 1 • Accessory Selection and Placement

Guides students in curating and arranging decorative objects, artwork, and plants. Thoughtful accessorising adds personality without creating visual clutter.

Lesson 2 • Lighting as a Decorating Tool

Demonstrates how ambient, task, and accent lighting shape the mood of a decorated room. Students learn to specify and layer light sources effectively.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Furniture Arrangement

Teaches traffic flow, focal points, and conversation groupings as the basis for layout. Good arrangement makes a room functional and visually cohesive.

Lesson 4 • Layering Textiles and Soft Furnishings

Covers the selection and layering of rugs, cushions, throws, and curtains for warmth and texture. Textiles unify colour schemes and add tactile interest.

Lesson 1 • Scoping and Briefing a Project

Teaches how to conduct a client brief, define project scope, and document requirements. A clear brief prevents scope creep and misaligned expectations.

Lesson 2 • Estimating Materials and Labour

Covers measurement-based material takeoffs and labour hour estimation for accurate quoting. Students build a costed schedule of works for a sample project.

Lesson 3 • Handover, Snagging, and Client Sign-Off

Covers final inspection, defect correction, and formal project handover procedures. A professional close builds client trust and generates referrals.

Lesson 4 • Scheduling and Sequencing Work

Demonstrates how to sequence decorating tasks to avoid rework and minimise disruption. A logical schedule keeps projects on track and clients informed.