The Open Polytechnic's Interior Decorating and Design course is written in conjunction with renowned interior designer Sylvia Sandford and Resene Paints. This course is a must for people wanting to redecorate their own home, those interested in gaining employment in the interior design industry and those already working in the industry.

Students who successfully complete this programme will receive the Open Polytechnic Certificate of Achievement in Interior Design and Decorating. Resene Paints Ltd also endorses this certificate.

Download the brochure for this programme, ( .pdf 226kb) document will open in a new window.

Programme structure

There are a total of 12 courses, each dealing with a separate subject as outlined in the following list:

1.   Influences in Design and Decorating
2.   Principles and Elements of Design
3.   Planning
4.   Colour
5.   Lighting
6.   Flooring
7.   Windows and Walls
8.   Fabrics and Furnishings
9.   Furniture
10. Living Spaces
11. Kitchens and Laundries
12. Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Study options

To get the most benefit from the programme you should only enrol for a maximum of two courses at one time. We accept enrolments throughout the year; therefore if you complete your studies quickly you can enrol for further courses at any time.

Your initial enrolment should be for courses
DEC1 Influences in Design and Decorating,
DEC2 Principles & Elements of Design.

It is important to enrol and complete the first four courses in the following sequential order,
DEC1 Influences in Design and Decorating
DEC2 Principles & Elements of Design
DEC3 Planning
DEC4 Colour

This is because the programme has been structured so that the principles you learn in a course are built upon in the following course/s.

Your enrolment for each course is valid for 12 months from the date of the enrolment, so you need to complete your study of a course within this period.

Entry requirements

Students need to have an eye for detail and colour, the ability to perform self directed research and to present work in an attractive and professional manner to successfully complete this programme.

A student shall be eligible for admission only if the student has obtained at least:

(a) Passes in certificate programmes or courses as considered appropriate by the Programme Leader;

(b) An overseas qualification assessed to be equivalent to (a) above by the Programme Leader or the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Exceptions: The Academic Registrar of the Polytechnic may accept an enrolment if the Registrar is satisfied that the person is capable of undertaking the course study in the programme by reason of the student's educational qualifications or documented work or life experience;
And the student has attained the age of 20 years.

Level of study

Level 3 (Find out about levels of study)

Hours of study

The hours you will need to complete your studies will vary depending on your own knowledge and experience. However you can expect to take approximately 100 hours to complete each course. 

What do I do now?

Request a copy of the brochure.
Download an enrolment form.
For further information free phone 0508 650 200 or email

Other Information

To find out more about this programme, contact the Programme Co-ordinator:

Susan McLennan
Freephone: 0508 650 200 Ext. 5795
Direct Phone: 04 913 5795
Email Susan Mclennan