Start your interior design diploma online with an 11-week residential course created for beginners and aspiring professionals. Through live masterclasses, recordings and guided assignments, you will build a strong foundation in professional interior design from home.
Your online learning combines design theory with practical skills you can use straight away. Explore space planning, colour theory, lighting, materials, furniture layouts and soft furnishings, then present your ideas using SketchUp and Canva with guidance from experienced LCS tutors.
Flexible home study helps you balance training with work and other commitments. Each weekly masterclass lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, with additional time for learning materials, weekly challenges and independent project work. Recordings are available if you cannot join live.
You will also learn how to interpret a client brief, communicate ideas clearly, price your services and begin building a residential interior design career. See where training can lead in the LCS Talent Directory, or compare the full range of interior design courses.
Watch our course video
Inside the Interior Design Diploma Online
Watch the course video for an introduction to the learning experience, practical projects and tutor support. If you are deciding whether remote training is right for you, read Can I Learn Interior Design Online?
How the Online Interior Design Diploma Works
1
Apply Online
Choose your preferred term and apply online. You will join a welcoming creative community and receive clear guidance before your first live session.
2
Interactive Learning
Join weekly live masterclasses, revisit recorded sessions and complete guided challenges from home. Downloadable resources support your progress as you develop practical skills in SketchUp, Canva and residential design.
3
Launch Your Career
Build a portfolio, practise responding to client briefs and develop the confidence to take your next professional step. Explore the work and careers of LCS-trained creatives.
Is This Online Interior Design Diploma Right for You?
This course is ideal for you if you:
- Want to enter the interior design industry with a solid creative and technical foundation.
- Plan to start a freelance design business or work with an established studio or brand.
- Enjoy creating residential spaces that balance function, personality and style.
- Want to turn an existing interest in interiors into professional skills.
No previous design qualification is required. If you are still comparing options, browse LCS interior design courses or contact the admissions team for guidance.
Practical interior design skills you will learn:
- Apply core interior design principles, colour theory and space planning.
- Balance textures, lighting, materials and furniture layouts within an interior space.
- Use SketchUp and Canva to create technical layouts, 3D visuals and client presentations.
- Translate a client brief into a clear residential design concept.
- Build client relationships and market your services professionally.
Online Interior Design Diploma FAQs
What does an interior designer do?
An interior designer plans spaces that are attractive, functional and suited to the people who use them. The work can include layouts, colour, lighting, materials, furniture, sourcing and finishing details, always shaped by the client’s needs, budget and style. Read how graduate Melanie Lovell moved from finance into interior design.
How do I become an interior designer with no experience?
Begin with structured training that covers design theory, technical tools, practical projects and the business side of working with clients. This 11-week course is designed for complete beginners as well as people with transferable creative experience. Read more about learning interior design online.
Is this course for residential or commercial interior design?
The diploma focuses on residential interior design for homes, apartments and other living spaces, which is a natural starting point for new designers. It also introduces differences between residential and commercial projects. You can compare current pathways in the LCS interior design course collection.
Show more questions
How long is the course and how is it structured?
The course runs for 11 weeks entirely online. Each live weekly masterclass lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, supported by recorded content, learning materials and weekly challenges in Google Classroom. All masterclasses are recorded, giving you flexibility if you miss a live session. Learn more about the online learning experience.
What software do I need for interior design?
You will use SketchUp and Canva to develop technical layouts, 3D renderings and professional client presentations. Both tools are used throughout the course, and no additional specialist software purchase is required.
Do I need any design experience or qualifications to join?
No. The course welcomes complete beginners and people with transferable creative experience. You must be 18 or older, have a good command of English at IELTS Level 6 or equivalent, and have access to a laptop or tablet with basic digital literacy. If you are unsure about eligibility, contact LCS.
Is the course accredited? What qualification do I get?
On successful completion, you will receive the London College of Style Interior Design Residential Diploma, quality assured through A.C.E. – Accreditation for Creative Excellence, together with CPD Certification for 40 hours of continuing professional development.
Graduates also receive complimentary student membership of the British Institute of Interior Design.
How much does the interior design course cost?
Course fees are reviewed annually, so check the current fee shown on this page. Interest-free instalments are normally available. Read the course payment and cancellation terms before enrolling.
Can I become a freelance interior designer after this course?
Yes. The course supports students who want to begin a freelance interior design business, with guidance on attracting clients, pricing services, presenting ideas and managing projects professionally. For a real graduate perspective, read Melanie Lovell’s interior design career-change story.
How much do interior designers earn in the UK?
Earnings vary according to experience, location, specialism and whether you are employed or freelance. Freelance designers may charge by the hour, by the day or as a percentage of the project budget. Your income will depend on the type and number of projects you take on, as well as how you price your services.
What career paths are open after this qualification?
Graduates may work in residential interior design, home staging, e-design, property development, set design, retail interiors or commercial projects. Many also launch freelance businesses. Explore examples of creative careers in the LCS Talent Directory.
Will I need to complete practical assignments, or is it all digital?
Most work can be completed from home with SketchUp, Canva and digital learning materials. Some challenges encourage real-world research, such as sourcing fabric swatches or reviewing materials in store. Your tutors can suggest digital alternatives, and you may use a friend or family member as a practice client. See how LCS develops practical interior design skills online.
How many hours per week should I allow for home study?
Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for each live weekly masterclass, plus additional time for recorded content, learning materials and practical challenges. The exact hours per week will vary by project and by your working pace. Because sessions are recorded, you can organise home study around work and other commitments.
What's the difference between this course and the Commercial Interior Design Diploma?
The Residential Diploma focuses on homes and private living spaces, giving new designers a strong foundation in layouts, materials, lighting and client communication. Commercial study builds on those foundations for offices, retail and other business environments. Check the latest options in the interior design course collection.
Meet your Head of Interior Design
"Residential interiors are where it all began for me—it’s the perfect starting point. Many of our students embark on their interior design journey by refurbishing their own homes."
Aless Clifton
Senior Course Tutor
Learn more about Aless Clifton’s interior design experience.
Success stories
Discover how graduates are using their training to build creative careers and businesses in the LCS Talent Directory.
Katy Smith
I’m now an established Interior Designer with over 100K insta followers. After completing the LCS Residential Diploma, I now run my own successful online interiors shop, specialising in home and garden products, and share inspiration and styling tips through my YouTube channel.
Interior Design
Melanie Lovell
Interior Designer
Bethany Brown
Bethany Brown completed the Interior Design Residential Diploma and now runs Bethany Brown Interiors, delivering tailored residential and e-design services across Hampshire, Surrey, and beyond . From home styling to full interior design packages—including remote e-design and sourcing—she blends creativity with practicality, crafting beautiful, functional spaces for homeowners and developers alike .
Website: bethanybrowninteriors.com
Instagram: @bethanybrowninteriors
Interior Designer
About the Online Interior Design Diploma
This online interior design course combines creative foundations, practical software training and career-focused guidance. You will build a portfolio, practise presenting ideas and develop the professional habits needed to work with residential clients. Find out more about studying interior design online or browse all online courses at LCS.
What You’ll Learn: Space Planning, Colour Theory and More
- The history and evolution of interior design.
- How residential and commercial design approaches differ.
- How human needs and everyday routines shape an interior space.
- Space planning, furniture layouts and circulation.
- Colour theory, lighting, materials and soft furnishings.
- SketchUp and Canva for layouts, visualisations and client presentations.
- Finishing details that bring a residential scheme together.
- Client communication and presenting a professional design proposal.
Read how these practical interior design skills can be developed online.
Training Includes:
- Quality-assured diploma: Complete a London College of Style Diploma supported by the A.C.E. quality assurance framework, together with CPD Certification for 40 hours of continuing professional development.
- Live, interactive masterclasses: Join weekly sessions with industry professionals, with recordings available for flexible study.
- Professional learning materials: Access downloadable resources, templates and tools that support your coursework.
- Canva and SketchUp training: Create clear layouts, visuals and professional client presentations.
- Complimentary student membership: Receive student membership of the British Institute of Interior Design after successfully completing the course.
- Creative community: Connect with fellow students and tutors through a private WhatsApp group.
Meet your tutors
Learn from working interior design professionals who bring current industry experience into every session. Meet Head of Interior Design Aless Clifton and explore the wider LCS tutor team.
Course Fees and Payment Options
2026: £1,170 inclusive of VAT.
Payment options:
- Pay in full or choose three interest-free instalments.
- A payment or instalment is required to secure your place.
Before enrolling, read the Terms & Conditions. For help with payment options, contact LCS or call +44 (0) 20 3096 9966.
Course Dates
2026 September Term
- Start date: Monday 28th September 2026
- Weekly Live Masterclasses: Every Wednesday at 10:30 AM (GMT – London)
- Miss a session? No problem—all classes are recorded, allowing you to catch up at your convenience.
Bethany Brown
LCS-trained Interior Designer
It’s been 2 weeks since I submitted my final project to LCS, and my website is now LIVE!! I have had my first commissions and another in home consultation next week too. It has taken me years to pluck up the courage to take a Diploma in Interior Design and consider a change in vocation. I just wish I’d done it sooner. Thank you LCS!
Entry Requirements
- Age: 18 or older.
- English proficiency: IELTS Level 6 or equivalent.
- Technical requirements: Basic digital literacy and access to a laptop or tablet.
- Previous experience: No prior design qualification is required.
If you have a question about entry requirements, contact the admissions team.
Interest-Free Payment Options
Interest-free payment plans let you divide the fee into three equal instalments. Choose the instalment option during checkout and review the course payment terms before confirming your place.
Certification & Accreditation
On successful completion, you will receive:
- London College of Style Interior Design Residential Diploma, quality assured through A.C.E. – Accreditation for Creative Excellence.
- CPD Certification for 40 hours of continuing professional development.
Interior Design Career Outcomes
Graduates use their training to launch freelance services, work with homeowners and developers, and progress into specialist interior design roles. Explore the LCS Talent Directory and read Melanie Lovell’s journey from finance to interior design.
Ready to Start Your Interior Design Career?
Apply for the Interior Design Residential Diploma to begin building your creative, technical and client-facing skills. If you would like to talk through the course first, contact the LCS team.
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