Online Certified Residential Interior Designer Training

Posted 6/26/2025

Learn essential design elements, principles, and processes to meet clients’ needs while preparing for the R.I.D.E. and RIDQC exams.

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Become a Certified Residential Interior Designer

Residential interior designers are skilled professionals who transform living spaces into beautiful and functional areas. Their expertise in design and aesthetics helps homeowners create personalized and comfortable living spaces that reflect their style and needs.

From key design elements and principles to the history of styles and furnishings from different eras to reviewing materials, finishes, color, and textiles, you will leave this interior design course with a fundamental overview of interior design essentials. You will also learn how to build a successful design business, cultivate your client base, and appropriately interact with clients in various scenarios.

This interior design certification course requires you to complete a final project, which will be submitted for review to the Designer Society of America (DSA), qualifying you to sit for the Residential Interior Design Qualifying Certification (RIDQC) certification exam. Course completion enables you to earn the R.I.D.E. (Residential Interior Design Education) credential as part of the final exam and qualify for the RIDQC certification exam.

The RIDQC exam voucher is included with course enrollment for qualifying students. You will also obtain a free one-year DSA membership.

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Certified Residential Interior Designer FAQ

What is an interior designer? What do interior designers do?

Interior designers are responsible for creating a visually appealing and functional indoor space. They choose design elements such as colors, lighting, furniture, and materials that complement the space and enhance its functionality. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences, and then create a design plan that meets those requirements. Interior designers also consider practical aspects such as safety and sustainability while designing a space. They use their creativity and expertise to ensure that the indoor space not only looks good but also serves its purpose effectively.

Which skills do interior designers need the most?

Interior designers possess the transformative ability to elevate a simple space into a stunning masterpiece. Below are the key skills essential for thriving in this profession:

Proficiency in diverse design practices and styles
Creativity
Spatial awareness

Where do interior designers work?

Interior design work is usually carried out in different locations, such as offices, home offices, client homes, and design centers. It is worth noting that approximately 20% of interior designers work for themselves, which means that they may have to work during evenings or weekends to meet their clients’ scheduling needs.

Course Objectives

Prepare for both the R.I.D.E. and RIDQC exams
Gain a deep understanding of design elements and principles and learn how to apply them effectively
Develop proficiency in the entire design process, from concept development to the final presentation
Acquire comprehensive knowledge of various materials and finishes commonly used in residential interiors
Develop a strong foundation in color theory and gain the ability to apply this knowledge to create cohesive color schemes for residential interiors
Obtain expertise in space planning techniques to effectively design residential spaces to meet clients’ needs
Acquire valuable insights into the business aspects of interior design, including project management, client relations, ethics, and professional practice
Study the history of architecture and interiors to draw inspiration from various design movements and apply historical references in contemporary design work
Develop an understanding of the selection and application of textiles, window treatments, accessories, and artwork to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of interior spaces
Learn the lighting design principles, including the selection and placement of fixtures, to create well-lit and aesthetically pleasing environments

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Prerequisites and Certification Requirements

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. You should have a high school degree or the equivalent, basic liberal arts knowledge, and an understanding of and interest in different cultures. You will also need a basic understanding of computers and must be comfortable navigating the Internet.

Students who complete the course and gain their R.I.D.E. will then qualify to sit for the RIDQC exam. This course is a prerequisite to the RIDQC exam, and qualifying students will receive a voucher to sit for the RIDQC exam.

Instructor

Natasha Lima-Younts

Natasha Lima Younts has worked in interior design for more than 20 years and is one of the founders of the Designer Society of America (DSA). She is devoted to increasing opportunities for residential interior designers through purposeful education, believing that creative individuals should enter the field with a solid understanding and professional knowledge.

Previously, Natasha designed couture clothing under her own signature and created themed parties for high-profile clients. The latter evolved into her clients requesting her talents as a designer for their homes. This led her to establishing Gables Interiors, where she managed multi-million-dollar interior design project budgets for luxury homes valued up to 30 million dollars as principal designer and owner. She also developed interior design “Discover Your Style” seminars for design shows to help the public with DIY projects.

Natasha has also designed green rooms for the Latin Billboard Awards and has been selected to design for the “Designer for the Stars” seven times. She has published several articles about her home designs in magazines and newspapers, including Lincoln Road, Florida Architecture, Florida Design, Veranda, Elle, Southwest Georgia Living, and Miami Herald. She has also featured luxury homes on “The View.”

Natasha balances her time between her own interior design work, educational programs for residential interior designers, and her roles at DSA.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.

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