Early in their interior design training, students often take courses that explore the history of interior design. In these courses, students learn the foundational principles of the field. Though the placement of this course varies from institution to institution, at many schools students take this course during the first or second semester of study, because it creates a foundation upon which they can build future learning.
In elements of design courses, interior designers get explicit training in what makes something aesthetically pleasing to view. These courses aim to provide students with a better understanding of why some pairings work and others don't. Often these courses include studies on color theory as well as pattern matching.
Though interior designers do not have to be masterful artists, they often must sketch their ideas to make them accessible to others. Many interior design programs include courses in basic drawing in which students learn how to create depth and dimension in their sketches. The skills learned in these courses often prove helpful as designers move deeper into the profession and begin to present their ideas to clients.
Because many interior design plans include fabric elements, interior designers must understand fabrics and their functions. In textiles courses, interior designers learn about appropriate applications for different fabric types and how to maintain fabrics.
Depending on the type of interior design that a designer intends to practice, she may use computers in her work. To ensure that candidates have at least some literacy in the art of designing with a computer, many courses of study include a computer-aided drafting class in which candidates are taught to use some popular computer drafting tools.
Many interior designers play an active role in running their own design businesses. To ensure that graduates are ready to take the helm of their own firms, many schools of interior design require that students take a business practices course near the end of their study. Students learn some of the basics of budgeting and business record-keeping to ensure that they know something about these complex subjects.