It is thanks to this focus on preparing students for their <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/blog/design-career-guide">future careers</a> that ISCD has partnered with <a href="https://programa.design/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Programa</a> to introduce students to an industry leading platform. 
Programa offers specification and project management software for interior designers and architects. With Programa, interior designers can curate and share project details, timelines, specifications and <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/blog/4-tips-creating-mood-board">mood boards</a>. 
The platform integrates a range of everyday business needs, and designers can use it for everything from preparing presentations for initial client meetings, all the way through to invoicing for the finished project. 
<div id="attachment_19026" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-19026" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-19026" src="https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Schedule_ZOOM_FinancialView_MOCKUP_JPEG_2-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="418" srcset="https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Schedule_ZOOM_FinancialView_MOCKUP_JPEG_2-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Schedule_ZOOM_FinancialView_MOCKUP_JPEG_2-300x157.jpg 300w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Schedule_ZOOM_FinancialView_MOCKUP_JPEG_2-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Schedule_ZOOM_FinancialView_MOCKUP_JPEG_2-768x401.jpg 768w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Schedule_ZOOM_FinancialView_MOCKUP_JPEG_2-1536x803.jpg 1536w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Schedule_ZOOM_FinancialView_MOCKUP_JPEG_2-2048x1070.jpg 2048w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Schedule_ZOOM_FinancialView_MOCKUP_JPEG_2-32x17.jpg 32w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Programa in action</div>
Like all our educators, ISCD’s education manager, Gabrielle Rosenfeld is also active in the industry as an interior designer, and believes there are many advantages for interior designers who choose to use Programa in their own businesses.  
“Programa is a fantastic software tool that assists interior designers with administrative tasks such as quoting, scheduling, mood boards, purchase orders and invoicing,” Gabrielle says. “Everything that would otherwise take hours and hours of time to set up in spreadsheets is easily done in Programa and you can share any of your documentation to your clients or key stakeholders.   
“It is such a valuable, time saving and efficient way to keep track of all of your client documentation. I do a lot of procurement and furniture sourcing for clients so this is saving me so much time now as I don&#8217;t have to spend hours manually typing in details and specifications any more.”   
With Programa, ISCD students will begin to practice everyday business skills, such as keeping track of different clients and projects, keeping their to-do lists up to date, creating a searchable product library to draw from, and managing their address book and invoicing.
While Programa offers many useful features for busy designers, some of the fun elements that ISCD students can begin to explore straight away include the product library and Pinboards. 
The Programa Pinboard integrates with <a href="https://www.pinterest.com.au/iscd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pinterest</a> and the Programa Web Clipper. This allows users to easily create online mood boards, client presentations, and to add to their own product library using information from supplier websites, or inspiration from anywhere on the web. 
It’s like having an even more powerful version of every designer’s favourite social media platform at your fingertips.   
<div id="attachment_19027" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-19027" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-19027" src="https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WebClipper_MOCKUP_ClipFromPinterest-1024x618.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="483" srcset="https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WebClipper_MOCKUP_ClipFromPinterest-1024x618.jpg 1024w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WebClipper_MOCKUP_ClipFromPinterest-300x181.jpg 300w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WebClipper_MOCKUP_ClipFromPinterest-768x463.jpg 768w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WebClipper_MOCKUP_ClipFromPinterest-1536x927.jpg 1536w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WebClipper_MOCKUP_ClipFromPinterest-2048x1236.jpg 2048w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WebClipper_MOCKUP_ClipFromPinterest-32x19.jpg 32w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />The Programa Web Clipper</div>
Here at ISCD, we actively encourage students in their career goals, and many <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/blog/iscd-graduate-launches-styl-studio">begin their businesses</a> while they are still studying with us. 
One of the subjects we offer that actively supports students as they prepare for their new careers is the Interior Decoration and Styling subject. This is the subject that will introduce students to Programa, whether they’re studying a <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/courses/cert-iv-interior-decoration">Certificate IV in Interior Decoration (MSF40122)</a> or the <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/courses/diploma-of-interior-design">Diploma of Interior Design (MSF50222)</a>. 
At this stage in their studies, students have already completed their Design Practice subject, where they have been introduced to the fundamentals of setting up their own design business from scratch, and taught the basics of business, including branding, documentation, compliance and ethics. 
<div id="attachment_19028" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-19028" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-19028" src="https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ClientDashboard_FinancialView_MOCKUP_REDUCED_JPEG-1024x535.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="418" srcset="https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ClientDashboard_FinancialView_MOCKUP_REDUCED_JPEG-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ClientDashboard_FinancialView_MOCKUP_REDUCED_JPEG-300x157.jpg 300w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ClientDashboard_FinancialView_MOCKUP_REDUCED_JPEG-768x401.jpg 768w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ClientDashboard_FinancialView_MOCKUP_REDUCED_JPEG-1536x803.jpg 1536w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ClientDashboard_FinancialView_MOCKUP_REDUCED_JPEG-2048x1070.jpg 2048w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ClientDashboard_FinancialView_MOCKUP_REDUCED_JPEG-32x17.jpg 32w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Programa allows users to organise projects</div>
When students are introduced to Programa, they will have the opportunity to roadtest its potential, as they experiment with soft furnishings, lighting, furniture and styling; applying this knowledge to complete a project that covers all phases of the design process. 
“A lot of our graduates go on to run their own interior design business so it is important that they have a really good understanding of how to set up a small business,” Gabrielle says. “We teach students about business structures, setting up an ABN and how to register a business name. Client documentation such as quotes, scope of works, contracts, purchase orders, FF&amp;E [furniture, fixtures, and equipment] schedules and invoices are all taught in the course. 
“We want students to be able to confidently run their own business and teach them how to do this very early on in the course so that this becomes best practice and they have strong skills in this area by the time they are ready to work for themselves.”
Introducing a platform like Programa has allowed ISCD to round out the tools and skills taught to our students, who will also immerse themselves in the use of SketchUp, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and AutoCAD. This familiarity with the tools of the design trade is what allows ISCD graduates to complete projects that will wow any client. 
<div id="attachment_19029" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-19029" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-19029" src="https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kami-Wilson-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" srcset="https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kami-Wilson-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kami-Wilson-300x300.jpg 300w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kami-Wilson-150x150.jpg 150w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kami-Wilson-768x768.jpg 768w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kami-Wilson-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kami-Wilson-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kami-Wilson-32x32.jpg 32w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Concept design by ISCD graduate Kami Wilson <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kami.jayne.interiors/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@kami.jayne.interiors</a></div>
Another advantage of introducing students to Programa is that it allows students to explore an aspect of interior design work that is becoming increasingly common. By managing and presenting their projects within an online platform, students position themselves to take advantage of remote work opportunities and even global collaborations.  
Whether our graduates go on to work for themselves or for their favourite design studio or supplier, learning essential design tools in a collaborative and supportive environment will prepare them for exciting and flexible future careers.

01_ISCD_Blog_Header_ISCD_Partners_with_Programa_Nov2023

ISCD Partners with Programa to Prepare Students for Their Future Careers

The excitement Lisa felt when she started her studies at ISCD continued through to graduating with her Diploma of Interior Design and stepping into her new role as an interior designer.
Lisa loves to support up-and-coming design students, to help them take control of their dreams and empower them to take the leap into the industry.
<h3>Hi Lisa, thanks for talking to us today. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your studies with ISCD?</h3>
I have always been in a creative field of work. When I left high school, I wanted to study interior design, but the timing was not right, nor my budget, and so I started my working career in admin. That quickly led to marketing and from there I completed short courses in visual merchandising, interior design for beginners, graphic design, interior decoration (beginner), and photography, and landed in some amazing marketing and event roles that saw me be able to be creative. 
When the time was right, I started with ISCD and found the experience to be rewarding and challenging at times. The course is designed to set you up at the end to have the skills and knowledge to implement into <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/blog/design-career-guide" rel="noopener">your new career</a>.
<h3>What are some of the opportunities that came about during your studies?  </h3>
There were always opportunities from ISCD, you just had to look out for and act on them. From joining the team for expos, to being a part of the seminars, networking with the teachers and industry greats who they would have on for sessions, to the <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/blog">blogs and information</a> they have available. 
I was lucky to be selected for the <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/blog/bowerbird-interiors-industry-placement-program" rel="noopener">BOWERBIRD Interiors placement</a> and this was a great opportunity to be able to be hands-on and be in the industry to learn about all areas of a styling business. I greatly benefited from that as I picked up new skills that I took forward in my next role. 
Another great offer ISCD have is the <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/job-board" rel="noopener">job board</a>. From this, I was able to start my first contracting interior design role with <a href="https://jane-thomson.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jane Thomson Interior Design</a> to get a start within the industry (as my diploma was coming to an end) and see how an interior design business operates. 
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<div id="attachment_17965" style="width: 670px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-17965" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-17965 size-large" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lisa_Tonkin_BOWERBIRD_Interiors_Placement-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="660" height="440" />Lisa styling a room during her BOWERBIRD Interiors placement.</div>
<h3></h3>
<h3>What has life been like since graduating from ISCD and starting a professional interior design career?</h3>
When I first resigned from my events role after doing something for 16 years I felt like I was taking a leap of faith. I started a contract-based role with Jane Thomson Interior Design and although it was great to start it wasn’t enough hours of work for me so I went looking for more.
I always knew beginning my career in design that I wanted to work within a business to have a mentor along the way and build my confidence in going out on my own in the years to come. I also have two young children in only a few days of daycare, which meant I was limited in investing the time into starting up a new business and this was not something I wanted to begin at this moment in my life.
I have since joined the team at <a href="https://ansahomes.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ANSA Homes</a> as their interior designer for new home builds, and love being able to put my skills to good use being able to custom design homes for the clients. One of the best things about this builder is we aren’t limited to sticking with only certain products and have the ability to work with many vendors over lots of range.
In my downtime I am enjoying doing consulting work, which allows me to work with all styles, designs and budgets so I can really get creative. And I have had a great mix of clientele and built my presence online.
I am also enjoying a new partnership with a homewares company local to me &#8211; doing their styling of products and being featured as their interior designer/stylist for any clientele… so, I like to juggle a few things at once.
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<div id="attachment_17966" style="width: 670px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-17966" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-17966 size-large" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lisa-Tonkin_At-work-with-ANSA-Homes-917x1024.jpg" alt="" width="660" height="737" />Lisa working on flat lays for ANSA Homes.</div>
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<h3>Where do you get your design inspiration from? </h3>
I feel a lot of my design inspiration comes from social media platforms, like Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. When studying through ISCD I concentrated on some amazing Australian designers. I love the work they do, and I read a lot of their website blog content and listen to their podcasts. 
Travelling has also been a huge part of my design inspiration, where I can go and see stunning work in person to really appreciate it.
<h3>Thank you so much for your thoughtful answers, Lisa. Is there any parting advice that you would like to give to aspiring designers? </h3>
Believe in yourself! Don’t regret putting yourself out there. Think outside the square when it comes to your approach on things, and never feel like you shouldn’t DM someone to ask questions. Networking for me was one of the best things I did during my time at ISCD, it helped me build rapport with designers who helped me through my course or offered input along the way. And also, realise everyone starts somewhere, so try not to compare yourself to someone with a huge following or big jobs.

spiral staircase inside building

“Believe In Yourself!” ISCD Graduate, Lisa Tonkin

03_ISCD_BlogHeaderImages_NoText_Jul2023

ISCD’s Design Career Guide

Are you thinking of studying interior design? Perhaps you want to make a career change or simply take your passion for interiors further? There are a LOT of design schools and courses available and trying to decide on one can be pretty overwhelming. At least that’s what I found when I decided to become a qualified Interior Designer!
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So let me share with you how I decided on a design school and my experience of studying interior design at <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/">ISCD (the International School of Colour and Design)</a>.
<h3></h3>
<h3>How to Select the Right Interior Design School</h3>
The right school will depend on your priorities. The best interior design school for one person may not be the best fit for someone else.
<h4>My priorities were:</h4>
-Studying at a school with an excellent reputation in the industry. There are many colleges that don’t carry the same ‘cred’ as ISCD
-Gaining a nationally recognised <a href="/courses/diploma-of-interior-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interior Design qualification</a>
-Learning from teachers who walk the talk. Design qualifications require practical, hands-on learning, so I wanted to learn from teachers who are practicing Interior Designers rather than those who could simply share theoretical knowledge
-Having the flexibility of when and where I study. As a mum of two young children and running my own business, I knew I would need to study online
-Building industry connections. ISCD is known for its close ties to <a href="/partner-with-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leading industry brands</a>. For example, suppliers such as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChG0cdquAU0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Polytec</a> and Haymes Paint, and leading stores like Temple &amp; Webster
-Gaining recognition for my previous experience. Having worked in the interiors industry for many years as a stylist, and completing various design projects (like Erskineville house), I had a portfolio of work under my belt that I wanted to have recognised (ie Recognition of Prior Learning to shorten the course duration)
-Affordability. Some of the Diploma of Interior Design courses cost over $25,000! ISCD offers excellent value for money, costing around half that amount for the same qualification.
I researched all of the interior design courses available in Australia before deciding on ISCD. It was the school that ticked all the boxes best and I’m so glad I did. Let me share with you some of the main reasons why.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-17849 alignnone" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Blog-post_Image-2_Studying-interior-design-online_Gina-Ciancio-200x300.jpg" alt="Studying interior design online" width="500" height="750" />
<h2></h2>
<h3>Flexible Learning… But the Good Kind</h3>
Without a doubt one of my biggest criteria was having the flexibility to study online and at my own pace.
Yet I put off studying interior design online for years because… well, let’s be honest, a lot of online courses have a bad rap! I always figured I’d get around to studying when the kids were older and in school. But <a href="https://stylecurator.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Style Curator</a> was pulling me down a design path and I realised the time is NOW.
So, I started researching online design schools and was delighted to see ISCD offers a <a href="/courses/diploma-of-interior-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diploma of Interior Design</a> online. I’d come across ISCD various times before and knew how well regarded the school is.
Little did I know that COVID would hit the very same week I enrolled! Let’s just say, I’ve well and truly tested the flexible learning schedule over the years and am so thankful for the teachers and student services staff who have kept me on track and motivated.
ISCD is now fully online. And as you’d expect, they’ve put everything into making their online learning platform the best it can be. Learning modules are thorough with a mix of written information, videos, PDF downloads, activities, online resources, quizzes, discussion forums and more.
Each week there are drop-in sessions so you can chat with your educator and class face-to-face in Zoom calls. Or you can email your tutors any time for feedback and guidance.
<div id="attachment_17850" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-17850" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-17850" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Blog-post_Image-3_Visiting-suppliers_Gina-Ciancio-683x1024.jpg" alt="Visiting tapware suppliers" width="500" height="750" />Visiting suppliers, gathering samples and preparing design concepts for client briefs is all part of the ISCD Interior Design learning experience</div>
<h2></h2>
<h3>They Make You Do the Work!</h3>
Not going to lie, studying interior design has been a lot more involved than I initially thought. I studied marketing and business at university and the learning approach was largely theoretical. But with design, you need to gain practical skills so everything is hands on.
Throughout the course, I’ve spent hours mixing paints to learn about colour, creating 2D and 3D designs in programs like CAD and SketchUp, mood boarding and more. It’s been a lot of work but I’ve also learnt A TONNE!
There’s no shortcut to gaining a design qualification and they make sure you do the work before passing you on any subject. It’s a form of tough love I need and respect.
Don’t let this scare you off though. The course is designed for people with no prior design experience and there’s plenty of support along the way. I guess what I’m saying is, this isn’t a lightweight course to get a piece of paper at the end… they‘ll make sure you are a competent and confident interior designer upon graduating.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-17851 alignnone" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Blog-post_Image-4_Flatlay_Gina-Ciancio-683x1024.jpg" alt="Interior design materials flatlay " width="500" height="750" />
<h2></h2>
<h3>More Than Just a Design School</h3>
I mentioned before that ISCD has strong ties to the design industry and this was one of the main reasons I chose to study with them. Their industry partners include <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/blog/a-celebration-of-colour-haymes-paint-2021-colour-palette" rel="noopener">Haymes Paint</a>, <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/blog/bowerbird-interiors-industry-placement-program">BOWERBIRD Interiors</a>, Cult, Astra Walker, Polytec and Merino Homes.
As well as the in-depth online learning modules, ISCD offers other relevant learning opportunities. For example, excursions to design fairs and trend seminars, Pro-Connect webinar presentations from leading brands, in-depth online sessions with design experts and so much more.
In addition, while studying with ISCD I’ve come across <a href="/blog/student-finalist-featured-in-grand-designs-australia-magazine" rel="noopener">design competitions</a>, internships, and other fab opportunities to gain experience in the industry. ISCD is also often the first to know about <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/job-board" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exclusive job opportunities</a> within the industry before they are advertised online.
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<hr />
This post was originally published as <a href="https://stylecurator.com.au/studying-interior-design-at-iscd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Studying interior design at ISCD: Gina shares her experience</a> on the Style Curator blog and was supported by ISCD. 
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Gina Ciancio of Style Curator Shares Her ISCD Story

Michal is committed to empowering individuals to take creative control of their building and renovation projects with a focus on offering affordable and accessible design solutions to home renovators Australia-wide.
Let’s go back to where it all began, and follow Michal’s journey from ISCD student to entrepreneurial designer.
<h3>Thanks for sharing your time with the ISCD community Michal. Can you start by telling us a bit about your background before studying with ISCD? And how the course helped prepare you for your goals?</h3>
I was a primary school teacher for a couple of years and then decided to look for more creative work. I ended up studying to become a makeup artist and worked in that field for a number of years. I loved working with colour and I wanted to understand more about the impact that colour has on our lives. I always knew I wanted to work with colour but I wasn’t sure in what capacity. I always had an affinity to colour and even from a young age I knew I wanted to work with colour. After quite a bit of searching, I came across the <a href="/our-courses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colour Design Diploma course</a> which ISCD was offering. It was quite unique in the way that it focused on <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/blog/perceptions-of-colour-in-architecture-q-and-a-with-duluxs-andrea-lucena-orr" rel="noopener">colour in the built environment</a> as well as touching on trend forecasting. I learnt so much from the course and I found it to be really practical.
Studying at ISCD gave me a really good appreciation of the intricacies of colour and its application in the design industry. I gained practical knowledge and <a href="/partner-with-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">industry contacts</a> to help my business get off the ground.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-17823 size-large alignnone" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/FlatlayN-1024x710.jpg" alt="Flatlay materials from Styl Studio" width="660" height="458" />
<h3>What has life been like since ISCD?</h3>
After graduating ISCD I immediately started doing freelance work as a colour designer/colour consultant, helping clients with their new builds and renovations. I really enjoyed helping clients bring their dreams to life in their homes and to see how happy that made them. 
<h3>Where do you get your design inspiration from? </h3>
I work closely with suppliers and follow what trends are emerging in the industry. Trend forecast reports from the big paint brands are a great source for colour inspiration. I attend industry seminars like <a href="https://decordesignshow.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Decor + Design</a>, and workshops locally and internationally. I always enjoy a good scroll through <a href="https://www.pinterest.com.au/stylstudioau/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pinterest</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stylstudio.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a> for a dose of design inspiration.
<h3>Can you tell us a bit about what led to your new business, Styl Studio?</h3>
Working as a professional colour designer, I saw a gap in the market for a service that provided expert advice and design direction for individuals attempting a DIY renovation. 
I created <a href="https://www.stylstudio.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Styl Studio</a> in an effort to bridge the gap between professional designers who charge a premium for their services and home renovators interested in DIY design, but not really sure how they can actually bring their creative vision to life. The focus is on offering affordable and accessible solutions. 
The digital shopping experience delivers end-to-end interior design kits for DIY designers through “Styl Sets” &#8211; a range of beautiful boxes where you will find a curated collection of surface samples including engineered timber and vinyl flooring options; tiles for wet areas &#8211; floor, wall and feature areas; splashback; stone and a full interior paint colour scheme. Styl Sets are perfect for those looking to DIY design with creativity, confidence, and convenience.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-17824 alignnone" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Styl-Studio-Mailer-Box-1024x819.jpg" alt="Styl Studio Mailer Box" width="660" height="528" />
Styl Sets are a new concept in the design industry, and offer a fresh approach to the DIY design scene. These design kits give home renovators the tools to do their renovation on their own since most people would like a designer look without the price tag. 
Styl Sets arm those interested in renovating their own homes with the tools to help them overcome “option overwhelm”. They allow you to see how the textures and surfaces of your design elements will work together and complement each other before you commit to making a costly financial decision&#8230; or even worse, a mistake! This combination of a truly affordable price point, and the added value offered through the included discount codes to purchase the finishes, guarantees an almost immediate return on your investment. 
<h3>And I hear Styl Studio has been gaining recognition from the wider community as well?</h3>
We are beyond thrilled to receive a <a href="https://lisajones.co/she-com-awards-finalist-list-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SHE-com 2022 Finalist Award</a> in the Interiors Category.  SHE-com awards celebrate the outstanding innovation and achievements of women launching online businesses and bringing products to life.
<h3>Congratulations! So, what’s next for Styl Studio?</h3>
I have a long list of things I want to do and my mind is always five steps ahead of me. Expanding the range of Styl Sets, collaborating with other designers to create a distinctive look that showcases their aesthetics, and creating additional online resources to support the DIY home improvement community are some of the areas that I will be focusing on in the near future.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-17825 alignnone" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Green-kitchen-variation-2-v1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Green Kitchen Design by Styl Studio" width="660" height="495" />
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09_ISCD_BlogHeaderImages_NoText_Jul2023

ISCD Graduate Launches New Business, Styl Studio

So why are slow movements taking over? The slow food movement, philosophies of slow travel, slow living and slow architecture have been taking root around the world since the founding of the <a href="https://www.slowfood.com/about-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Slow Food</a> organisation in Europe in 1989. 
At the end of the day, slowing down may not be easy, but necessary.  
You may have heard of Carl Honoré’s, <a href="https://www.carlhonore.com/book/in-praise-of-slowness/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">In Praise of Slow</a> &#8211; talked about in reverential tones as it’s passed from reader to reader. Exploring the implications of the slow movement, Honoré advocates for the many benefits of resisting our current culture of speed.
“And sometimes it takes a wake-up call, doesn’t it, to alert us to the fact that we’re hurrying through our lives, instead of actually living them; that we’re living the fast life, instead of the good life,” Carl Honoré said in his 2005 TED Talk, In Praise of Slowness. 
That idea of living the “good life”, of taking time to do things well, and generally slowing down for the things that matter is deeply influential on the slow home movement.  
<h3>So What is the Slow Home Movement?</h3>
Curating a slow home means the very opposite of following the merry-go-round of ever-changing trends, where we constantly update our homes and lives to have the latest &#8211; only to throw it out when the next must-have item comes along. 
Having a slow home might mean having a kitchen that allows you to cook meals (rather than just heat food) and a productive garden that means you can grow some of that food from home. If cooking isn’t your thing, then a slow home might be as simple as planning for a living, dining area, or outdoor space that allows you to savour time with family and friends. 
Slowing down and practising conscious consumerism has ties to the <a href="/blog/four-sustainable-interior-tips-winter-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sustainability movement</a>, Scandi minimalism, and Marie Kondo’s KonMari method. Being cosy and cocooned and slowing down to enjoy our homes also fits well with the idea of hygge that swept the world. 
There’s also another Scandinavian term or trend closely tied to the slow movement that you’ll hear discussed more and more &#8211; lagom. 
<div id="attachment_17795" style="width: 807px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-17795" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-17795" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dilmini-Dissanayake.jpg" alt="iscd student Dilmini Dissanayake room design" width="797" height="641" />Slow homes are comfortable, inviting, and sustainable like this concept from ISCD graduate Dilmini Dissanayake @dilminid</div>
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<h3>What is Lagom?</h3>
The Swedish concept of lagom celebrates the idea of <a href="https://inhabitat.com/how-lagom-the-swedish-concept-of-just-right-can-help-you-live-a-balanced-life/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">something being “just enough.”</a> This makes it similar to the KonMari method, in that everyone’s idea of lagom will be slightly different. What “sparks joy” for one person, will not spark joy for another, and while your idea of lagom might lead you to minimalism, someone else might find that it means hanging on to treasured items that give them a sense of a full home and life.  
All of this makes lagom less prescriptive than other movements. It’s all about finding that balance that is “just right”. So if you are using the idea to <a href="/blog/tips-help-declutter-mind-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">declutter</a>, or to opt for a slow home, then it won’t be because it’s what you have to do to fulfil some obligation to the lagom trend, it’s because it’s something that you want to do to achieve greater balance and satisfaction.
Both the lagom ideal and the slow home movement are about making room and making time for the things that are important.  
<h3>Slow Homes and Sustainability</h3>
Slow homes are also inextricably linked to sustainability. But why? How does slow become sustainable? 
Maybe it’s easier to think of all the ways that fast is unsustainable. Think single-use plastic from fast-food meals, the cheap homewares that will be good enough until they break and become landfill, or just the constant need for more, more, more. 
An <a href="https://www.dwell.com/article/slow-architecture-1c82a421" target="_blank" rel="noopener">article in Dwell</a> noted that, “The idea of slow architecture includes proper context, materials, sustainability, and affordability while still retaining aesthetics.”
It’s clear that we need to live more sustainable lives, but fashion and design trends haven’t always supported this. It’s no wonder that people are choosing to create their own philosophies to replace many of these unsustainable ways of life, and to opt for conscious consumerism, sustainable materials, and objects for their homes that are built to last.
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<h3>Slow Homes that Sustain Us </h3>
Of course, the slow movement is also about creating a life that is sustainable (and sustaining) for ourselves. 
For obvious reasons, marathon runners don’t match the speed of Usain Bolt &#8211; they choose a sustainable pace to go the distance. In our own lives, we need to choose a sustainable pace too, if we are to avoid burnout and prioritise our <a href="/blog/the-role-of-colour-in-well-being" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wellbeing</a>. 
Slow architecture and lagom encourage us to think about what we can do for a better society and for a better environment, but slow living in a slow home also forces us to slow down and think about what we want our home to give us. 
What is the purpose of a renovation, or a new build? Practitioners in the design industry have been using elements of the slow philosophy for as long as these professions have existed. It’s that moment in the design process when they stop to think about what will serve the client best. 
Homes that are built, renovated or decorated using a slow philosophy have the ability to be more tailored to an individual, more fit for purpose than homes or designs produced en masse, and as a result, more sustainable and sustaining for their inhabitants.

08_ISCD_BlogHeaderImages_NoText_Jul2023

What is the Slow Home Movement?

<h3>Congratulations Neluka on all your achievements! Can you tell us a bit about the competition?</h3>
The brief was to design three spaces for a realistic project, the Fire &amp; Ice Boutique Hotel that was proposed to be built in Wollongong, New South Wales.
The designs were for the reception area, a typical bedroom, and the pool bar/break room area. 
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-17701" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/01_iscd_social_posts_23-May2022-300x300.jpg" alt="Grand Designs Australia Magazine" width="300" height="300" /><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-17700" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/01_iscd_social_posts_23-May20222-300x300.jpg" alt="Grand Designs Australia Magazine featuring iscd student Neluka Jayasuriya" width="300" height="300" />
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<h3>Tell us about your entry and the process you went through to develop it.</h3>
My design objective was to communicate the emotions one would experience when one encounters ice and fire. This was coupled with historical relevance and the landscape of the Wollongong area. My aim was to channel these experiences through the materials, colours, shapes, and space, whilst having a connection to the area and the past of Wollongong. 
<h3>What was it like to be featured in Grand Designs Australia Magazine? </h3>
It was beyond my imagination! I didn’t expect it at all! 
<h3>What was your background before studying with us? And how did studying with ISCD prepare you for what you are doing now?</h3>
I had a background in architecture from overseas prior to my studying a <a href="/courses/diploma-of-interior-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diploma of Interior Design </a>at ISCD. As I had a break after migrating to Australia, studying at ISCD gave me the confidence and reassurance to follow my intuition. I also shaped my knowledge about soft furnishings, fabrics and so much about <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/blog/perceptions-of-colour-in-architecture-q-and-a-with-duluxs-andrea-lucena-orr" rel="noopener">colour</a>, that also helps me in my current interior design work.
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-17710 size-large" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Slide6-1024x576.jpg" alt="Interior Design Mood Board, SketchUp and Plan" width="660" height="371" />
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<h3>Where do you get your inspiration from? </h3>
The surroundings, circumstances, past, and its connection to the site.
I try to find what is it that is unique in a particular project, and then use that to either connect it to its surroundings, owners or its past. 
<h3>Anything else that you would like to add about design and what it means to you?</h3>
Design should connect with the user in a way that makes a positive impact and resonates. It should uplift one’s spirit and create a great impact. It needs to be current and facilitate the needs of the user. Hence the aspiration is to create spaces that do just that.

07_ISCD_BlogHeaderImages_NoText_Jul2023

Student Finalist Featured in Grand Designs Australia Magazine

It really was a great evening, and a fantastic chance to catch an insightful presentation from a colour forecasting expert. With an enthusiastic audience, we were unable to answer everyone’s questions on the night, so here we have a recap of our Q&amp;A with Andrea, who has generously returned the answers to many of your outstanding questions. 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-17623 aligncenter" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Andrea.jpg" alt="Andrea Lucena-Orr from Dulux" width="658" height="351" />
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<h3>Q. There&#8217;s conflicting advice about the use of dark colours, ie. black, in rooms. Is it true that painting a room with a dark colour will make the room feel smaller? </h3>
A. I think that’s just nature’s way, because it’s not going to get the same light reflecting in a darker colour, it will always make it feel a little bit smaller, absolutely. But sometimes, that’s what you want.
So, if people are suggesting to you that they want a <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/blog/slow-home-movement">really cosy room</a> that they feel really secure and safe in at night, and all of those words that give you that indicator that they want something that’s dark and moody, and that gives them that feeling as well &#8211; whereas if they say, ‘I want something that’s light and spacious’, obviously you know to go towards those lighter colours. There’s no right or wrong here, it’s about understanding what your client really wants the outcome to be. 
Read: <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/blog/5-must-have-skills-to-work-as-an-interior-designer-or-decorator">5 Must-Have Skills to Work as an Interior Designer or Decorator</a>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Want to watch Andrea’s presentation?</h3>
You can head over to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ISCD_Education" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ISCD&#8217;s </a>YouTube channel to watch (or re-watch) Andrea Lucena-Orr’s presentation Perceptions of Colour in Architecture, as well as her bonus inclusion of the Dulux colour forecast for 2022!
<div class="yt-embed"><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pcG8TSkfL3g" width="100%" height="450px" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
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<h3>Q. What are some tips and tricks to choosing ‘white’ when there are so many choices? </h3>
A. Comparing &#8211; that is the only way. So, understanding whether people are more attuned to the cooler side of the spectrum, or the warmer side, that will help… and then you can start comparing all of the warm whites against each other, or all of the cool whites against each other, because, obviously they all have their own undertones. Some of them will be quite stark on the cooler side, and then, they might be a little bit greyish, or they might be a little bit bluish, or on the warm side they might have a slight sort of yellowish or ochre undertone or it might be a little bit pinkish. So all of those will be identified when you start to work with your client. 
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-17641" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Warm_vs_Cool_Neutrals-1024x708.jpg" alt="Warm whites compared to cool whites" width="660" height="456" />
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When they have other materials to show you &#8211; it might be their favourite sofa, or their artwork that they’re working with if it’s an existing home, or if it’s a new home, or a new kitchen, or a new bathroom, it will be all of those materials that you’re building up to actually make that whole space, that draw out those undertones as well. So, if they’re spending $40,000 on a new kitchen, really, that’s what needs to shine. It’s those materials that need to shine, and the paint will just need to work with whatever those undertones are. 
<h3>Q. If you want to darken your ceiling, what do you have to consider in terms of picking a colour &#8211; particularly black?</h3>
A. We’ve seen plenty of this done. In our <a href="https://www.dulux.com.au/specifier/services-and-programs/dulux-colour-awards/overview" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dulux Colour Awards</a>, in particular, we see coloured ceilings quite often. You’ve just got to understand that to do black on the ceiling, there are two things you have to be mindful of. One of them is that the plasterboard has to be in really good condition, because the darker it is, the more you’ll see imperfections. The other thing to consider is it will make the room feel like the ceiling is lower. If it’s an old home, and you have really high ceilings, and you want that sense of something different, it’s a wonderful way to use colour, because it doesn’t overwhelm the space. 
Years ago, it was done all the time. In the seventies and the sixties, it was a really common thing to have coloured ceilings, but from sort of the eighties onwards, we’ve started going white, and didn’t sort of ever get it back &#8211; but we’ve seen some fantastic examples of how it really works! 
<h3>Q. Any tips to using white on white?</h3>
A. Putting two or three whites against each other &#8211; once you do that, you can actually see the undertone coming through. What you’ll see is, one might have a sort of a greyish undertone, next to something that might have a bit more of an ochre, next to something that actually brings out a bit of pink, and you’ll see that when you start comparing the colours together.
<h3>Q. Is there a best time of the day to see the undertones in the colours?</h3>
A. No, but there is a best aspect, and that is facing north. So if you do have any north facing spaces &#8211; or you can buy daylight tubes in fluoro at specialty stores like <a href="https://www.lighting.philips.com.au/consumer/long-lasting-led-lights/led-daylight-bulbs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Phillips</a>, who make a physical daylight tube, and that’s what we have in our conference rooms. But definitely facing that aspect of north will give you the most accurate colour. 
But that is not reality, because not every room faces north, so you still have to understand how that colour will interact in every space.  
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-17643" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Natural_Light-1024x709.jpg" alt="Natural light aspects" width="660" height="457" />
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<h3>Q. Quarter strength and half strength will also have an impact won’t they?</h3>
A. Absolutely, and that’s just to do with how much light is in the space. Often what people will do, is they might use Dulux Natural White™ on the walls, but they’ll use Natural White™ Half for the ceiling because they want it still in the same sort of warmth and everything, but they just want it a little bit lighter. 
<h3>Q. I&#8217;m planning to paint the exterior of my house, and in WA we have extreme sunlight. Do the paints fade after time?</h3>
A. It depends on the colour. Just like Mother Nature tells you that red and yellow will always fade faster than other colours. But if you’re going for sort of mid-toned to light shades, especially on main walls, they’re not going to fade significantly. 
At Dulux, we had new tinters developed in Australia, in our labs, and these tinters fade at the same rate. Because the issue with fade is that often one colour will fade much, much faster than another colour, and that’s where you start to see the differences. Our tinters have been made for our climate, and our environment and our weather. 
<h3>Q. We have a few questions regarding collateral. Could Andrea explain the process for ordering fan decks, the Atlas, A4 brush outs, etc? What is the minimum you would recommend starting out when doing a colour consult for a client? We get asked this a lot from our students!</h3>
A. At Dulux, we have a number of colour collateral tools. The number one is our Atlas, and everything comes from the Atlas. So, that’s our largest tool that we have on offer, which has about, over 4,800 colours, so more than you’ll ever need to use. And then, from there, we have a subset, which is about 2,800 colours in a fan deck. So it has all of your whites, your neutrals, your greys, all of those main, staple colours, but then it only has about half of those spectrum colours. Especially a great tool when you’re going out on site with a client, because you don’t necessarily want to drag a huge Atlas to someone’s home.
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-17646" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dulux_Colour_Atlas-1024x462.jpg" alt="Dulux World of Colour Atlas" width="660" height="298" />
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Everything that we have is available on our online shop, so you can actually purchase these tools. We do have the <a href="https://www.dulux.com.au/colours/colour-atlas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atlas online</a>, if people just want to use that initially, but also, if you have an ABN, you can access our free A4 collateral online as well. So, everything in that Atlas has an A4 sample. 
<h3>Q. How many coats of paint are recommended to represent or bring out a particular colour to its fullest?</h3>
A. If the surface is undercoated or primed we would normally recommend two coats of top coat. For cleaner, more saturated colours you may be required to do more coats.
<h3>Q. What whites and greys are the most popular in the Dulux range?</h3>
A. The most popular whites are Dulux Natural White™, Lexicon® Quarter and Antique White U.S.A.® The most popular greys include, Dulux Grey Pail, Timeless Grey, Tranquil Retreat and Dieskau, and Domino.
<h3>Q. When looking at the Dulux Atlas how do we identify the undertone? Is this by the code on each swatch?</h3>
A. The easiest way to identify the undertone in the Dulux Atlas is to keep in the same column. This mainly works from pages 1-49 which are the colour spectrum pages.  
<h3>Q. Is there anything in particular to consider on a fibro house?</h3>
A. The most important thing is to use a quality preparation product as fibro houses tend to be quite porous surfaces. Once the surface is primed correctly, if you use a product such as Dulux Weathershield® most colours should be able to cover in two coats.
<h3>Q. Is the Snapshot tool coming back?</h3>
A. At this stage we don’t have access to this product.
<h3>Q. Are there any basic rules of colour that we should be aware of?  </h3>
A. There aren’t really any general rules around colour &#8211; it really always depends on the project at hand. For interiors, you need to consider other materials or fixtures/fittings you need to work with and for exteriors the other building materials such as bricks, tiles, pavers, etc.
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-17647" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Warm_vs_Cool-1024x708.png" alt="Warm vs cool colours for interiors" width="660" height="456" />
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<h3>Q. Does Dulux have a separate fan deck for low VOC paints and special finishes?</h3>
A. We don’t have a separate fan deck. Dulux Wash&amp;Wear® is a low VOC paint and comes in all Dulux colours. For our lowest VOC paint &#8211; Dulux UltraAir® is available in many Dulux colours from a white base.
<h3>Q. What&#8217;s the best white for ceilings? </h3>
A. It’s a hard one, because obviously, this depends on whether you’re using a cool palette or a warm palette. What I say to people is, if you’re really not sure, often it’s better to keep in the same tone. So if you want to use something like Lexicon® on the walls, you might want to use Lexicon® Half or Lexicon® Quarter on the ceilings. Then at least it stays in that cooler spectrum of white &#8211; you’re not changing it up too much. A lot of people use Vivid White™, which is simply our ceiling white. It’s our purest white and it goes with just about anything. But often now what people are doing is they’re using a half strength of the wall colour. So even if they were going to use something like Natural White™ on the walls, or Snowy Mountains Half, or something, they might use Snowy Mountains Quarter on the ceiling. So, keep it once again, in that same sort of undertone.  
<h3>Q. Was there any particular trend in colour during the really rough, nasty part of the lockdown when everybody went into DIY mode? </h3>
A. Whenever times are rough, we always go back to brown as our base colour. So the last ten years, or last decade, prior to a couple of years ago, we had grey as our base stable. Everything had a grey base &#8211; give or take a few things. 
We noticed about three years ago, that we started to see things warming up a little bit, and the greys were getting more greige, so they were going more towards that beige sort of scale, with that browner undertone. And we certainly saw that come through much more strongly, because brown is a security colour. Brown is earth, it’s our grounding colour, so hence why everything warms up when times are, you know, grim.

06_ISCD_BlogHeaderImages_NoText_Jul2023

Perceptions of Colour in Architecture: Q&A with Dulux’s Andrea Lucena-Orr

SketchUp and Revit have quickened the creator&#8217;s experience over more technical programs like AutoCAD for designers and are a breath of fresh air. But the tech evolution has another wave ready for us in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). So here we step you through what’s coming.
Most people have seen virtual reality (VR) by now. The headsets that transport us into another world &#8211; mostly associated with kids and various video games. While the technology is getting simpler, the software development skills required keep it out of reach for your average design business. 
Augmented reality (AR) however, is simpler tech which allows you to use your phone or iPad to overlay virtual elements on top of the current physical world. For example, you can take a picture of your living room and bring in different chairs to see what looks best. A great example of this is Ikea’s new printed catalogues which you can place on the floor and through your phone see the products in the space. All in the correct dimensions and scale.
Mixed reality (MR) is an extension from this but uses 360 degrees. Again new pieces can be added but existing pieces cannot be removed and as such it is better technology for empty rooms, new builds or smaller design alterations.
This is all very exciting for interior designers as now the client apprehension around what the space will actually look and feel like can be minimised or even abolished completely. No more wondering how big the couch actually is or if the bold colour scheme will blend well. Clients can see the creative vision in reality before you hit the go button!
But does it mean more people will use these product catalogues and not need a designer? And does it mean new online decoration businesses can offer design services from anywhere in the world via virtual software? We will have to wait and see! For now, there are always people who are not creative, find shopping overwhelming and wouldn’t even know where to start or how to manage a design project. As with anything in life, if you want your end product to be finished to an expert standard, there is no better solution than to hire an expert for the job!
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-18799" src="https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Ausgmented-Reality_Interior-Design.png" alt="" width="1200" height="628" srcset="https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Ausgmented-Reality_Interior-Design.png 1200w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Ausgmented-Reality_Interior-Design-300x157.png 300w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Ausgmented-Reality_Interior-Design-1024x536.png 1024w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Ausgmented-Reality_Interior-Design-768x402.png 768w, https://iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Ausgmented-Reality_Interior-Design-32x17.png 32w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />
So what does this mean for our community of interior designers? Well, I would definitely be watching for apps and software as they are released. Early adopters can roll up their sleeves and start to teach themselves how to create or use such a platform. 
We suggest exploring this topic more to find out the latest ideas and videos in this area.

05_ISCD_BlogHeaderImages_NoText_Jul2023

Augmented Reality – What Does this Mean for Interior Design?

The fabulous thing about design is the resurgence of influence from previous periods. Let’s take a look back in time and see the key interior design and interior decoration influences from the decades that still inspire us today.
<h3>Early 1900s</h3>
There was a lot going on in the early part of the century. From the fine decorative pieces of Art Nouveau to Federation influences including a range of architectural styles like the elegant and simple style of Queen Ann and Romanesque revivals. Simple archways and window treatments offered charm, while the Arts and Crafts movement of this era celebrated simple forms and traditional craft techniques using folk style decoration. Art Deco celebrated more elaborate design with geometric textures, rounded mirrors and more glamour being introduced. 
The 1920s brought the ‘Roaring Twenties’. With the ending of WWI, it was a time where things such as jazz music, Art Deco and modern technology blossomed, making them more affordable.  Such elements gave a ‘modern’ influence to the design style of this era.
1920s kitchen colour trends were soft, muted tones, with white being the most popular colour due to the minimal, utilitarian interiors brought by the idea of a ‘disease free environment’. 
Living rooms were somewhat the opposite of the kitchen. They still had the practical, functional components but the colour schemes and furnishings were often very colourful and inviting. Painted walls and ceilings were adorned with yellows, pale greens or ivory hues and soft furnishings introduced colour and pattern. 
Floors were often oak hardwood that had been stained to a ‘natural’ colour finish with big rugs throughout for warmth and comfort. Colourful, patterned tiles often adorned entrances and utility rooms.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Art-Deco-early-1900s-Lee-Anne-Roza.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-10908 alignnone" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Art-Deco-early-1900s-Lee-Anne-Roza-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> 
Image board by ISCD student, Lee-Anne Rosa
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<h3>1940s to 1950s</h3>
With the first half of the 1940s dominated by WWII, redesigning of homes didn’t start until the end of the war in 1945 due to material and product shortages. Once production had set sail again, the designs within homes were very family oriented, with spaces created to cater for social events and entertaining family and friends. Mid &#8217;40s onwards saw the start of the “Baby Boomers”, a generation that were growing up with a more positive outlook. This was reflected in the fun, functional interiors as people were enjoying life again.
The Bauhaus movement was in full swing during this period building on the utilitarian mindset of the war; ‘form follows function’ central to the philosophy. This revolutionary ethos questioned the effectiveness of craft, art and design, affecting all disciplines globally. The result in interiors was open-plan spaces, fabulous new products such as the Douglas Snelling chair as the introduction of mid-century modern influenced interiors.
From a colour point of view, the mid 1940s saw bold, deep primary colours evolve throughout the home. Red being the most popular hue and often combined with green as a secondary colour. 
Bright, geometric patterned linoleum floors were popular in kitchens. Adoption of electric refrigerators and cookers came into play and in true Bauhaus influence, kitchens became practical in design.
Living areas were often clutter-free open spaces. Simple, floral patterns were introduced in soft furnishings and as the previous hardwood floors became outdated, wall-to-wall carpeting became a popular option.
1948 saw the arrival of Harry Seidler to Australia, designing a new home for his parents in Sydney. From designing domestic homes, he soon progressed to large scale commercial buildings and transformed the Sydney skyline making deep and impactful design influences that we still feel today.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Mid-Century-Modern-by-Jessica-Crocombe-2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-10897 alignnone" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Mid-Century-Modern-by-Jessica-Crocombe-2-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> <a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Interiors-design-modernism-Jessica-Crocombe.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-10894 alignnone" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Interiors-design-modernism-Jessica-Crocombe-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> 
Image boards by ISCD student, Jessica Crocombe
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<h3>1960s, &#8217;70s and &#8217;80s</h3>
This transitional period had many historical influences. The race to get to space ignited futuristic designs, while the first ‘blockbuster film’ Jaws and the release of the famous Space Invaders video game played with designers’ imaginations. With all this going on, we also had lots of patterned wallpapers; usually big, bright flowers or geometric shapes in the colour scheme of orange, yellow, brown, avocado green and white. 
Kitchens were of a similar colour palette with brown, yellow and green taking to the walls, cabinets and floors. Having bright yellow linoleum floors was ‘fashionable’ and kitchen islands were introduced as the place for guests to socialise as well as improving function for food preparation. 
Living areas were just as colourful as the kitchen, often described as ‘futuristic’ with lava lamps, ball chairs and opal glass coffee tables taking centre stage. Rooms were filled with shag pile rugs, colourful sofas and plenty of house plants. 
Some iconic chairs of this era were by Grant Featherston. His designs have been re-launched in recent years cementing him as one of Australia&#8217;s most well known designers. Working with plywood, he created designs to mirror the contours of the human form. His most famous chairs include the Scape Chair, the Delma Chair and the Obo Chair, some of which were created in collaboration with his wife Mary Featherston.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/stupendous_1970s_interior_design_32_1970s_interior_design_trends___owl_accents-943x1185.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-10923 alignnone" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/stupendous_1970s_interior_design_32_1970s_interior_design_trends___owl_accents-943x1185-239x300.jpg" alt="" width="239" height="300" /></a>
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/retro-wallpapered-bathroom-1970s.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-10924 alignnone" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/retro-wallpapered-bathroom-1970s-300x198.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="198" /></a>
Image 1: loggr.me 
Image 2: pictot.com
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<h3>1990s and 2000s</h3>
Now we get to the technology decades. From the launch of dial up internet, to cable television and the release of the first Harry Potter book! Things like inflatable chairs and carpeted bathrooms became trends and the younger generation became obsessed with computer gaming systems and talking toys like the Furby. 
Minimalism took hold in homes throughout the 1990s, with colours like ivory, beige and white covering the walls throughout the house. That being said, children’s bedrooms of this decade were usually far from minimal, with schemes often influenced by the child’s favourite colours, resulting in a kaleidoscope of contrasting colours used on walls, bedding and curtains. 
Kitchen cupboards were usually made of oak or pine wood and worktops in laminate, giving the whole kitchen and dining area a very country-style, ‘cosy’ look. Primary colours were still present throughout some of the rooms to brighten up the usual beige/ivory palette.
Living areas were brought to life with floral sofas and cushions, complete with matching draped curtains and tie backs. Wicker furniture for the conservatory and outdoor areas was a charming feature, while textured wallpapers continued to be a popular choice throughout the house. 
Marc Newson’s Embryo chair is an iconic piece from this era. Its minimalistic style and simple geometric lines celebrated organic shapes from nature. A prolific Australian designer, his work is globally recognised as some of the most influential in this contemporary design period. 
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<h3>Present Day</h3>
Design today is a great montage of these influences. From Florence Broadhurst designs reprinted onto toasters for the kitchen to artisan Italian hand painting techniques being applied to Smeg fridges by Dolce and Gabbana. The influences of the past are a great way to inspire interesting design ideas today. Here are some historically influenced interiors to inspire you to keep looking at the past when designing new applications.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Modernism-broad-view-in-design-today-visuals-Jessica-colvin-28.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-10902 alignnone" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Modernism-broad-view-in-design-today-visuals-Jessica-colvin-28-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="371" height="209" /></a>
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Mid-century-modern-today-Jessica-Crocombe.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-10903 alignnone" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Mid-century-modern-today-Jessica-Crocombe-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="237" /></a>
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Art-Deco-today-Lee-Anne-Roza.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-10905 alignnone" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Art-Deco-today-Lee-Anne-Roza-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240" /></a>
Image board 1: by ISCD student, Jessica Colvin 
Image board 2: by ISCD student, Jessica Crocombe 
Image board 3: by ISCD student, Lee-Anne Rosa
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02_ISCD_BlogHeaderImages_NoText_Jul2023

Interior Design Influences Throughout History

The Style Me Merivale event was held in the incredibly grand Ivy Ballroom situated in the centre of the Sydney CBD with champagne on arrival. The space was filled with designers and design enthusiasts eager to hear from the Merivale experts. Neale Whitaker, <a href="https://www.vogue.com.au/vogue+living">Vogue Living </a>Editor was the host for the evening and introduced the &#8216;creative dynamos&#8217; behind Merivale.
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<h3>The Panel</h3>
Justin Hemmes, the Chief Executive Officer of <a href="https://merivale.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Merivale</a>, is a pioneer and visionary in the Sydney hospitality industry. Since working at Merivale he has continued to buy and develop iconic venues, shaping an empire and changing the face of Sydney&#8217;s nightlife. Justin oversees every new project from start to finish and even has said that when he buys a property he can already envision the finished product, people in it and all!
Bettina Hemmes joined the family business soon after Justin and works on the styling and decoration side of the venues. At the event she said she often comes in towards the middle of the project to add in the layers but the panel disagreed. &#8220;She is there every day! She just keeps her opinion to herself until then&#8221;.
Amanda Talbot spent 10 years in London working with Elle Decoration and consulting for UK design icon Ilse Crawford. Since returning back to Sydney she has started blog SnOOp Global and worked on several major projects including working very closely with the Merivale team to deliver some incredible venues.
Kelvin Ho, founder of Akin Creative, has worked with some of Sydney&#8217;s most renowned fashion brands to create inspiring retail spaces. Now working with the Merivale group, his architecture background brings a unique perspective and point of view to the projects.
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/12823366_1164265596918334_7954062487848188275_o.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-5230" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/12823366_1164265596918334_7954062487848188275_o-300x200.jpg" alt="12823366_1164265596918334_7954062487848188275_o" width="296" height="197" /></a> <a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/1654736_1164265800251647_3696429020998550571_o.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5226" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/1654736_1164265800251647_3696429020998550571_o-300x200.jpg" alt="1654736_1164265800251647_3696429020998550571_o" width="300" height="200" /></a>
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<h3>The Discussion</h3>
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<h4>1. What comes first, the venue or the idea?</h4>
&#8220;Either, idea sometimes but generally the venue&#8221;.
Justin said he has a passion for property that he inherited from his father. Plus he started out in construction and fell in love with buildings. For example, with Coogee Pavilion, the concept came after he found such an amazing site.
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<h4>2. How does it come to life?</h4>
The panel all agreed &#8211; each venue always starts with a story and it can evolve throughout the development, but the main storyline is always referred back to when any decision is made about the design.
The <a href="https://merivale.com.au/coogeepavilion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Coogee Pavilion </a>rooftop story stems from a fictitious character &#8216;Mr Wiley&#8217;. The rooftop is his greenhouse loft and thus is incredibly intricate and detailed but old and dilapidated at the same time. The story often comes from research, a character or the history of the site.
&#8220;The story is valuable because the team is from many different backgrounds&#8221; and it helps to make final decisions.  Whenever there is a question on an object, a colour or a layout the team use the story to make sure it is relevant to the overall theme and venue.
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/12841248_1164265640251663_2394450838219833492_o.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5231" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/12841248_1164265640251663_2394450838219833492_o-300x200.jpg" alt="12841248_1164265640251663_2394450838219833492_o" width="300" height="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/12823266_1164265996918294_5490768352093396796_o.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5229" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/12823266_1164265996918294_5490768352093396796_o-300x200.jpg" alt="12823266_1164265996918294_5490768352093396796_o" width="300" height="200" /></a>
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<h4>3. How do you anticipate trends in the venues?</h4>
&#8220;I think we are actually anti-trends.&#8221;
The team said instead of focusing on an upcoming trend that is most likely going to date they use the concept and story to develop the theme, objects and design.
They also tend to focus on the way that people interact in spaces and new innovative ways that this is happening. The aim is to create longevity and a space that people feel constantly comfortable in and this is done by seeing and researching how people enjoy different environments.
For example, <a href="https://merivale.com.au/hemmesphere" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hemmesphere</a>, hasn&#8217;t changed its style or design at all since 1998. Which is why designing Merivale venues is always about creating a feeling and not a trend.
&#8220;Now people really appreciate a great space, a great drink and a great meal.&#8221;
Instead of focusing on trends and styles the team are focused on these new ways that people are building their lifestyles &#8211; places like Coogee Pavilion where you can come for breakfast, lunch or dinner are important as they cater for the way that people are building social meals into their lifestyles.
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<h4>4. How important it is that Merivale&#8217;s venues are recognisable?</h4>
The ideal situation is that a customer recognises a Merivale venue and gets that same &#8216;feeling&#8217; at each place.
Justin explains that every venue they work on is designed around them and is very hands-on, so the design of the site is never just on paper. The process is very organic and always has so much &#8216;soul&#8217; which could be why the venues are so recognisable.
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/COOGEE_PAV.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5232" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/COOGEE_PAV-300x200.jpg" alt="COOGEE_PAV" width="300" height="200" /></a><a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/DSC06771.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5235" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/DSC06771-300x199.jpg" alt="DSC06771" width="300" height="199" /></a>
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<h4>5. How do you choose your colour palettes?</h4>
&#8220;The story usually dictates the colour.&#8221;
Amanda and Bettina discussed the trickiness and importance of choosing the right whites and greys. What can look amazing in one venue often looks awful in another. Colour for them is all about creating the feeling that matches the story for that venue.
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<h4>6. How much free rein do you have with the design?</h4>
&#8220;Huge amount of creative band-width.&#8221;
The whole process is collaborative though, which means there are not often points in the process where you can come up with an idea by yourself.
They all agree &#8211; nothing is ever a bad idea! But the story always helps to diplomatically make the right decisions.
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<h4>7. How important is social media in the process? Are you thinking about what is postable?</h4>
Amanda&#8217;s background is in magazines so she instantly agreed with this as she is always trying to find the &#8220;insta-moment&#8221; in a space.
&#8220;There are two bikes I have for<a href="https://merivale.com.au/thenewport" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> the Newport</a> and I am agonising over where to put them so they are shot!&#8221;
Kelvin on the other hand, with his architectural background, often thinks a shot will be good, but it isn&#8217;t, because his focus is always on spaces and the 3-dimensional not small vignettes.
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/palingskitchenbar-02.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5236" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/palingskitchenbar-02-300x185.jpg" alt="palingskitchenbar-02" width="300" height="185" /></a><a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/POOL_main_carousel_slide02-2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-5237" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/POOL_main_carousel_slide02-2-300x160.jpg" alt="POOL_main_carousel_slide02-2" width="341" height="182" /></a>
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<h4>8. Where are things going next in the hospitality space?</h4>
&#8220;This is the most exciting time ever to be in Sydney.&#8221;
Justin identified that people are now willing to try new things, are passionate about quality and are increasingly more social. The Sydney hospitality industry is now 7 days a week and not just Thursday to Saturday, because people are mixing eating and drinking into their lifestyle so that it is now an extension of their everyday life.
The quality, style and variety of food in Sydney is like nowhere else in the world, and we as a city are continuously innovating in the hospitality space.
&#8220;We are at the best place we have ever been in this city.&#8221;
Even spaces like <a href="https://merivale.com.au/ivy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ivy</a> and <a href="https://merivale.com.au/establishmentbar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Establishment</a> have come to life and one of the reasons is because it is a multi-faceted space. It allows people to visit more than once a week &#8211; because it has a variety of offerings that all complement each other.
Justin&#8217;s theory is the more venues in the one space, the busier the space will be. That&#8217;s what he learnt with the introduction of the Ivy. The city became an iconic hub where people could eat, have a quiet drink and party all night in the same venue.
The <a href="https://merivale.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Merivale</a> panel are obviously very collaborative in their approach to design and venues. Each person contributes something to the group which is really what makes the venues so iconic &#8211; they are all as incredibly passionate and involved in the process as each other and on top of that are always completely focused on the end-user and what they get out of the space.
It was a truly inspiring evening &#8211; a huge thank you to Merivale!
Images via Merivale

04_ISCD_BlogHeaderImages_NoText_Jul2023

Industry Event, Style Me Merivale

<h3>What does a typical day look like for you?</h3>
After an early morning gym or yoga session, my day usually starts with a hit of caffeine in the form of a soy cappuccino.
Over my coffee I quickly scan my emails for anything urgent and then I get moving on my list of daily priorities.
My typical day varies depending on clients and deadlines – I could have an external meeting with a painter, a supplier or a client. Alternatively, I could be spending time at my desk researching and sourcing various colour samples or writing about colour for websites such as <a href="https://www.houzz.com.au/pro/thecolouragency/jacquelene-symond-the-colour-agency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Houzz Australia</a>. I sometimes get asked to present on the science of colour and how to use it for specific built environments such as hospitals or 24hr control rooms so my time may even be spent developing a presentation or workshop.
I usually like to wrap up my workday at around 6pm. My typical day is always different – no chance of Groundhog Day in this profession!
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.21.45-pm.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5104" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.21.45-pm-224x300.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016-03-04 at 2.21.45 pm" width="224" height="300" /></a> 
Colour specifications by Jacquelene and design by AnyH Interiors 
&nbsp;
<h3>You work a lot with commercial clients. Could you fill us in on the process when working in a commercial environment?</h3>
The first thing I do is meet with my client to scope the requirements and understand who else is involved in the project. I then develop a job estimate for approval.
On approval I arrange meetings with specific user groups and others involved in the project to commence gathering more detail around the space, its function, the occupants, the layout and other relevant requirements that will affect the colour strategy.
I then start drafting the colour palette and sourcing material samples. This requires some to-ing and fro-ing whether it’s visiting a supplier, other team members or site inspections armed with samples to check the colour under the lighting, within the space or alongside already chosen fixtures and fittings.
Once I’ve firmed up the colour strategy I usually write an in depth report outlining the colours chosen and the reasons why, including specification sheets and samples. Depending on the size and the detail of the project the report may be anything from two to twenty pages long.
&nbsp;
<h3>What are your top 3 tips when working with colour?</h3>
I’ve adapted this from a past career in marketing and advertising and apply what I call the 3W’s of Colour Design to my work. That is, get to know:
<ol>
<li>WHO will be using the space? Everything from their likes and dislikes to their age, gender, health, lifestyle and anything else that will help you identify their needs in developing a colour palette.</li>
</ol>
<ol start="2">
<li>WHAT is the function of the space and the tasks to be carried out in it? Is it residential, commercial or institutional?</li>
</ol>
<ol start="3">
<li>WHERE is the colour being used? Including whether it’s an exterior, interior, the surface area where it will be applied and the actual location of the building.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.21.28-pm.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5106" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.21.28-pm-300x202.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016-03-04 at 2.21.28 pm" width="300" height="202" /></a> <a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.21.33-pm.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5105" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.21.33-pm-300x240.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016-03-04 at 2.21.33 pm" width="300" height="240" /></a> 
A project Jacquelene worked on for the Sydney Children&#8217;s Hospital
&nbsp;
<h3>One of your recent blogs discusses the difference between a qualified colour consultant and paint consultant. Can you outline the importance of a colour consultant when working in a space?</h3>
Colour is one of the greatest stimuli we receive from the exterior world. Research has proven that people receive 80% of their information from the environment with the sense of sight (visual stimulation) giving ten times more information than all other senses – this includes colour and light.
A qualified Colour Consultant or Colour Designer specialises in the use of colour from both an aesthetic and functional perspective. They possess various levels of training around our response to colour and how to use it from basic colour psychology through to more advanced levels such as visual ergonomics and the true physiological and psychological response to colour and light.
Colour Consultants work with both exteriors and interiors. An exterior may include paint, paving, cladding or any other material around the exterior of a building whilst interior may include paint, fixed surfaces such as floors, countertops, cabinetry, carpets, splashbacks and basic soft furnishings such as cushions, curtains and drapery.
A qualified Colour Consultant may also extend their service to advising on colours of your brand or product to fit in with your business proposition.
&nbsp;
<h3>What made you decide to begin a career in colour?</h3>
Whilst working in advertising many years ago I decided I wanted to do something more creative so I commenced studying <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/our-courses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colour and Design</a> at ISCD. On completion of my Certificate, my educator recommended I specialise in colour consulting as my work showed a good eye for colour. I’ve been studying different applications of colour ever since.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.20.54-pm.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5108" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.20.54-pm-300x240.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016-03-04 at 2.20.54 pm" width="300" height="240" /></a><a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.21.00-pm.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5107" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.21.00-pm-300x242.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016-03-04 at 2.21.00 pm" width="300" height="242" /></a> 
Before and after of a project Jacquelene worked on for a Daycare facility for early onset dementia
&nbsp;
<h3>Why did you choose ISCD?</h3>
ISCD fitted in with my lifestyle, location and it had an excellent reputation.
&nbsp;
<h3>What’s the best lesson you learnt whilst studying Colour Design at ISCD?</h3>
Always ensure that the client uses the specified brand and colour you’ve recommended and doesn’t try to colour match. It really is a recipe for disaster, particularly when paint is involved.
&nbsp;
<h3>What colours combinations/palettes do you see having an impact in 2016?</h3>
Late last year I wrote an editorial for Houzz Australia on <a href="https://www.houzz.com.au/ideabooks/57648181/list/how-to-work-with-pantones-colours-of-2016" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to use Serenity and Rose Quartz (Pantone’s Colour of 2016) </a>that is starting to feature in some 2016 colour palettes such as the Dulux 2016 BIOFRAGILITY palette.
Now, with the release of Pantone’s Fall 2016 Palette, I feel that shades of BLUE will find their way into 2016 in various forms. It’s been about 30 years since we’ve had shades of blue feature prominently so I’m really looking forward to seeing how some designers are going to execute the shade to give it a modern and contemporary feel.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.24.35-pm.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5101" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.24.35-pm-300x199.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016-03-04 at 2.24.35 pm" width="300" height="199" /></a> <a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.24.43-pm.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5100" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.24.43-pm-300x202.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016-03-04 at 2.24.43 pm" width="300" height="202" /></a> 
Images from Jacquelene&#8217;s editorial in Houzz about the <a href="https://www.houzz.com.au/ideabooks/57648181/list/how-to-work-with-pantones-colours-of-2016" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pantone 2016 Colours</a>
&nbsp;
<h3>Can you tell us a bit about what The Colour Agency does?</h3>
I established The Colour Agency in 2011 following training with Frank H Mahnke and the International Association of Colour Consultants in North America.
The goal is to use colour in the most effective way to create more user-supportive environments using both the objective and subjective experiences of colour. This can be by providing an extra dimension and point of difference to architects, key decision makers or working directly with clients.
Depending on the brief, The Colour Agency works with recommending colours of paint and material finishes such as bricks, pavers, roofing, windows, flooring, fencing, paving, guttering, tiles, carpet, laminate, benchtops, splashbacks and anywhere else colour advice is needed.
&nbsp;
<h3>What are your dreams/plans for the future?</h3>
My training in the U.S. gave me the impetus to go back to Uni to study a Graduate Diploma in Psychology. When I finish, I plan on doing further research from a psychological standpoint on how we can further use colour to create beneficial and healthy surroundings for people in the places they live, work, and heal from illness.
My dream is to create greater awareness around the true power of colour and share with others how they can use it to create balance and harmony in their lives.
&nbsp;
<h3>Any tips for people looking to study design and get into the colour industry? </h3>
Start from the beginning – attend an <a href="https://info.iscd.edu.au/info-session-registration">introductory night</a>, a short workshop or start with a <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/courses/cert-iv-interior-decoration">Certificate IV in Interior Decoration</a>. The ISCD courses are a great starting point as their training is second to none and their industry contacts are fantastic.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.20.21-pm.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5110" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-2.20.21-pm-300x238.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016-03-04 at 2.20.21 pm" width="300" height="238" /></a>
&nbsp;
<h3>Favourite colour? </h3>
Blue.
&nbsp;
<h3>What are your current obsessions? </h3>
<ol>
<li>My Cat &#8211; he has more Instagram followers than I do!</li>
<li>My nieces – who live in the U.S.A</li>
<li>Aura Soma Colour Care – after being mesmerised by it ten years ago, I went on to become a registered practitioner. I am still obsessed by the little coloured bottles.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
<h3>Top three blogs? </h3>
<a href="https://houzz.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">houzz.com.au</a> (if you can call it a blog)
<a href="https://www.design-seeds.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Design Seeds</a>
<a href="https://eisemancolorblog.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eiseman Colour Blog</a>
&nbsp;
<h3>Describe your style in three words?</h3>
Eclectic, Modern, Adaptable
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/unnamed-1.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5130" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/unnamed-1-200x300.jpg" alt="unnamed-1" width="200" height="300" /></a>

01_ISCD_BlogHeaderImages_NoText_Jul2023

What It Means to Be a Colour Consultant

<a href="https://www.iscd.edu.au/">ISCD</a> has always offered industry-driven courses – providing students enrolled in our <a href="https://www.iscd.edu.au/courses/online-course-interior-design">Diploma of Interior Design (MSF50218)</a> with nationally recognised qualifications and the strong foundations that allow them to launch their careers and design their worlds.
In order to give students studying a Diploma of Interior Design the very best start, we partner with industry professionals to offer internships and placements, and we are very excited to announce a new relationship with renowned stylists and designers, <a href="https://bowerbirdinteriors.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BOWERBIRD Interiors</a>.
BOWERBIRD Interiors is a leading interiors brand, primarily focused on the areas of residential and commercial interior styling, presentations for sale, and bespoke furniture packages. Their commitment to understanding exactly what is needed in today’s market means they are a formidable force in interior styling, and certainly a company to watch and to learn from.  
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<h3>Learn Real Business Skills While Gaining a Diploma of Interior Design</h3>
Learning how to become a great <a href="https://www.iscd.edu.au/careers-in-design/interior-designer/">interior designer or interior decorator</a> is about more than just learning the essential design principles. Learning about the business side of things will also be essential for anyone who wants to make this a successful and rewarding career.
Whilst completing your Diploma of Interior Design at ISCD, you will have the chance to learn sought after skills in drafting and design software, and you will also be offered the chance to peek behind the curtain to find out about life in the design and decoration industries.
The BOWERBIRD Interiors team provides the perfect example of a team who combine their strong styling skills with their refined business knowledge. As a company driven by their team’s culture, values, and beliefs, BOWERBIRD Interiors show that being good at business means inspiring your customers, taking ownership of your work, and leading the way through creative innovation.  
<h3></h3>
<h3>Study Interior Design Online and Learn from Industry Professionals</h3>
Students enrolled in the Diploma of Interior Design at ISCD can complete an industry placement with BOWERBIRD Interiors whilst still studying.
While studying online gives students the freedom and flexibility to fit study into their busy lifestyles, some students may worry that this does not provide the same opportunities to create face-to-face connections or to learn in a worklike environment. With the option to take up a placement at BOWERBIRD Interiors, ISCD students who choose to study interior design online can still gain hands-on experience inside a real decorating company, networking with other designers, and adding to their resume at the same time.
We are committed to equipping all students studying a Diploma of Interior Design course at ISCD with the knowledge and the skills that they’ll need to succeed, and we’re thrilled to be working with BOWERBIRD Interiors in this regard.

Natural beauty podium backdrop for cosmetic product display with tropical palm leaves.

BOWERBIRD Interiors Industry Placement Program

I’m always asked about where I studied design and how it led me to where I am today. So I thought I&#8217;d reveal all to you in this post. I’m also going to walk you through the skills you need to work as an interior designer or decorator, so you can start the journey toward living your best life too!
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-15993" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/chris-carroll-tlc-interiors-styling-lorraine-lea-conor-quilt-cover-e1573522395725-300x200.jpg" alt="Chris Carol" width="300" height="200" />
Since I graduated from my studies at <a href="https://www.iscd.edu.au/">ISCD</a> I have to admit, everything changed for the better. I often look back and think, wow &#8211; so much has happened! I started a successful home style blog, I authored a book, and I launched my own thriving design business &#8211; with staff! On top of that, I also work as a product stylist, content creator, presenter and MC, and have appeared on TV numerous times.
These pinch-me moments would never have occurred without taking that initial first step nine years ago to follow my passion for interiors. So read on as I delve into how it all happened, and how you can get started on your journey as well.
<h4>1. You Should Be Breathing Design On-The-Daily</h4>
If you’re reading this post, chances are you already have this one ticked off. A passion for the industry is important if you want to work in the world of interiors. Because, trust me, after eight years working as a designer it’s that deep-down passion that keeps you going when the daily grind kicks in. And yes, there’s a lot of hard work involved.
I was working as a sub-editor before I dived into a career in design. Something was missing and I know I wasn&#8217;t living my true passion. That&#8217;s when I chose to change my career at 30 and it was the best life decision I ever made. I was working and studying together, so if you&#8217;re in a similar boat &#8211; know that you can juggle both.
If you feel passionate about design but feel (understandably) fearful about switching gears, you need to push past the doubt and do it anyway. Also abandon that feeling that it’s too late to start over. It’s never too late to tap into your true calling, whether you’re 30, 40, 50 or 60!
<h4>2. Some Study Under Your Belt is Essential</h4>
Now, I know some people work in design having never studied design. Fine for them, but not how I’d suggest you do it. For me, study was key to get the confidence of having a safety net of knowledge to fall back on. I also needed to understand how the design industry worked, because it was a world I was never exposed to.
I started with a <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/courses/cert-iv-interior-decoration">Cert IV</a> and then went on to study my <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/courses/diploma-of-interior-design">Diploma</a>. What I learnt during this time, I’d never have learnt on-the-job in the real world. Just some of what you’ll walk away with once you graduate from your accredited course includes:
<ul>
<li>An understanding of colour theory, lighting, materials/finishes and furniture layouts</li>
<li>In-depth knowledge of soft furnishings, furniture and spatial design</li>
<li>Real-world essentials like <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/blog/iscd-partners-with-programa-to-prepare-students-for-their-future-careers">project coordination, fees and scheduling</a></li>
<li>Confidence to source and style furniture and accessories in response to a client brief</li>
<li>The ability to produce hand drawn architectural drawings, along with client concepts</li>
<li>A portfolio of work that’s high-standard and industry-appropriate</li>
</ul>
The other bonus to keep in mind is that the study is all online, so you can easily work it around your full or part-time job, or family commitments.
<h4>3. Technical Skills are More Crucial Than You Think</h4>
This is the part everyone underestimates. They think design and decor is all cushion fluffing and paint selections. But believe me, the job is quite technical.
A lot of clients want you to show them the closest visualisation of what a room (or whole home) will look like when it’s finished; two-dimensional, three-dimensional, birds-eye-view, light coming in at every angle. And sometimes a simple floor plan just won’t cut it.
Thankfully, ISCD equips you with all the technical knowledge you need to work in the real world once you graduate. Just some of the programs you’ll learn to master include:
<ul>
<li>Photoshop (great for creating mood boards and room renders)</li>
<li>InDesign (awesome tool for creating presentations and other graphics)</li>
<li>AutoCAD (the king when it comes to creating 3D visualisations of rooms)</li>
<li>Hand drafting technical skills (you’ll want these for on-the-go sketches)</li>
</ul>
Depending on which course you do, the technical deliverables will differ. If you’re looking for a career in product or property styling, for example, you may not need to use the above programs. But if you want to work as an interior designer, they’re absolutely necessary.
<h4>4. An Open Mind (Because Your Direction Can Change)</h4>
When I went into my studies at ISCD, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do once I graduated, and you don’t need to know either. Truth is, you often get into the course and then realise where your true passion lies. And often for people it changes throughout.
I’ve had friends who went into it wanting to be designers and left with a yearning for colour consulting. Other friends were hardcore product stylists in the making, but ended up swooning over construction drawings. It can change, so be open to unlocking the possibilities.
The sort of jobs you’ll be able to undertake once you graduate include: Interior Designer, Residential Stylist, Property Stylist, Colour/Design Consultant, Magazine/Product Stylist, Surface Designer, and more. Or if you’re like me, you’ll do a mixture of all of the above.
<h4>5. Hunger and Hustle (You’ll Need It)</h4>
Once you graduate the real work begins. It’s exciting, challenging, rewarding and sometimes a little daunting, all rolled into one and sometimes all at the same time.
Throughout your studies, your true calling will become apparent. You’ll feel pulled in one direction more than another. My advice: listen to your gut and pursue what makes your heart happy. For example, I love design and decorating and focus my energies there. I don’t love construction, so I tend to steer clear of it.
You’ll also want to get thinking about a business name, building a website, establishing some social media accounts and looking at who you might want to approach for work experience. Thankfully, ISCD has a <a href="https://www.iscd.edu.au/careers-in-design/job-board/">job board</a> which displays potential work opportunities with a range of reputable industry partners. So you’ll be exposed to your dream job before you even finish your course!
This post was originally published on the <a href="https://www.tlcinteriors.com.au/lifestyle/interior-design-courses-online-iscd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TLC Interiors blog</a> in partnership with ISCD.

Concept scenography setup

5 Must-Have Skills to Work as an Interior Designer or Decorator

More often than not, a rug is an afterthought when it comes to interior decorating &#8211; even though they are often one of the largest pieces in a space when looking at the surface area. It’s really no surprise then that choosing the right rug can transform a room, changing the look and feel of the space. A rug is therefore a great starting point when working with a blank canvas.
There are three key points to consider when selecting the right rug for a room:
1. Size and Shape
2. Colour and Pattern
3. Fibre
Getting these 3 components right will help to build a cohesive, functional as well as visually pleasing space, from the ground up.
In good design, scale is very important, so it is necessary to take into consideration the dimensions of the space as well as the furniture that will sit on and around it when choosing a rug. Think of it as an anchoring point that brings your later chosen pieces together. By selecting the largest size rug possible you can for a space, it can help create a luxe feel and actually make the room appear larger. However, it’s still important that the rug look like a rug, so whilst selecting the largest option possible, it is important to leave a “border” so that the rug doesn’t look like a wall-to-wall carpet. We suggest leaving at least 25cm (but up to 65 if you have the space) from the wall to the edge of the rug. This is the first of many “rug rules” that can apply to each room in the home.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-16049 size-large" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BRIGHT-GREY-GEOMETRIC-WOOL-RUG-lounge-room-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="660" height="440" />
When selecting the right size rug for a lounge room it should generally define the area. This is particularly important in an open plan spaces where rugs can be used to delineate areas for different uses. Ideally all lounges and or seats as well as coffee tables or footstools should be on the rug, grounding the space and creating a defined lounge area. A good rule of thumb is to have a rug 10-20cm wider than the sofa (don’t forget to take side tables into account if necessary!). If it isn’t possible to have all the &#8220;conversational&#8221; furniture on the rug, at least the front legs of the lounge and or chairs should sit on the rug to ground the space. Whilst a floating rug where no furniture sits on the rug can work, it does not give the same unified look and is much harder to pull off. If a client has a rug that they simply love and has to be worked into a brief, layering is a great option that can help to ensure the best dimensions are achieved.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-16051 size-medium alignnone" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/MULLUMBIMBY-BRICK-MULTI-RUG-bedroomJPG-196x300.jpg" alt="" width="196" height="300" />
A rug in the bedroom is the ultimate luxury underfoot and a great grounding tool visually. It is also a great option to add texture, colour and pattern. When it comes to selecting the right size rug in a bedroom, it is important to have enough space on either side of the bed to step out onto the rug, with a reasonable margin at the end of the bed. As a general rule we suggest a 320&#215;230 for under a queen sized bed or larger if space allows. If a space won’t allow for a full sized rug dual runners on either side of the bed is a great option. An offset round rug for a room with a single bed can be a great choice, breaking up and softening the straight lines.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-16052 alignnone" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SILVERTON-PEACH-MICROFIBFRE-RUG-dining-room-210x300.jpg" alt="" width="210" height="300" />
A rug under a dining table is a personal choice and not for everyone. Should you wish to pursue this option, it is essential to get the size right to prevent a top-heavy look and also to prevent chairs getting stuck on the edges of the rug. We recommend adding 120cm to the length and 120cm to the width of a rectangular/square table and 120cm to the diameter of a round table. This will give 60cm for each chair to pull out without coming off the edge of the rug. For example, for a 110cmx200cm table the recommended rug size would be 220cmx320cm. Careful consideration of fibre is important for a rug under a dining table, not only for the more obvious spills and stains but also for the movement of chairs to ensure stretching and pulling don’t age a rug before it’s time.
Colour and pattern in a rug are often used to underscore the style in the space. They are a great jumping off point to set up the intended overall design aesthetic. From sleek contemporary options to more traditional patterned rugs, right through to tribal shag pieces more suited to a boho or tribal design, there is always a rug to suit. The “safe” option is always to stick to a more subdued tone in something as large as a rug, however going for something with a more bold colour and/or pattern can be an excellent way to make a true design statement, if the brief and space are right.
When it comes to deciding on the right fibre for a space, there are a number of important questions that need to be answered before decisions are made: Will it be a high traffic area? Who will be using the space eg. children and/ or pets? Is this a high traffic area or is it a more formal space where there will be limited foot traffic? Once these questions have been answered looking at the pros and cons of the different fibres can help in the decision as to what to go for. Man-made fibres are an excellent affordable option that are non-shed and relatively easy clean. The nature of the fibre means they don’t absorb liquids quickly making spills easy to mop up. They can also be more vigorously vacuumed, which make them a great option in a family home. Wool rugs on the other hand require more gentle treatment in the vacuum department and do shed, however they have excellent fibre resilience and provide excellent insulation, whilst also having the benefit of lower flammability. Then there is of course the beauty of a jute rug. Cool and silky underfoot, with a resilient fibre structure they are a great option on their own or for layering. They just need to be in nice dry areas and as dyed jute is often not colourfast in bright sunlight this is also an important consideration. With each fibre having their own array of piles and finishes from shag to power loomed to hand braided and everything in-between, there is a rug to suit every design style.
It’s easy to see that styling with rugs can ultimately determine the overall style and feel of a space. With scale, texture, colour, pattern, relationship to other furnishings and intended use all playing a major part in determining which rug to go for, it’s easy to see why rugs are a great place to start when creating a new design concept. So, whatever the style, shape or size of a space, there’s a rug and a “rule” to help get the look underfoot.

Retro living room

Decorating With Rugs By Kate Bastain & Rebecca Keast – Six Fourteen

As some of you might know, 21 March celebrated as the International Colour Day globally as around the equinox (equi-aequi+nox-night), the sun shines directly on the equator. Consequently, day and night have approximately similar length all over the Earth.
In recognition to the International Colour Day, we caught up with seasoned colour experts at <a href="https://www.haymespaint.com.au/">Haymes Paint</a>, Wendy Rennie and Erin Hearns to get their insight into colour trends for 2021. 
The 2021 colour forecast was predicted back during Covid19 so it’s understandable that they all have a sense of calm. 
<blockquote>“All the themes do tie back into Covid times and that feeling of wanting to create an oasis at home.”</blockquote>
Haymes Paints has 3 colour palettes for this year: ‘Grounded’, ‘Calm Mind’ and ‘Happy Home’. They’re all inspired by the concept of facing unexpected challenges. 
<h5>Grounded:</h5>
Drawing inspiration from the earthy tones. The idea of this palette is to offer an escape from our screen light, bringing us back to the present and what’s around us. 
<blockquote>“Its rich colours range from deep tones of ink blue to warm sandy neutrals and olive greens, emulating the calming force of the ocean, the earth and forest.”</blockquote>
A perfect palette to add to your living areas or as a bold colour in your bedroom. 
<blockquote>“These colours remind us that we can create spaces within our home that reinforce our connection to the land and provide a sense of “groundedness,” neutralising the chaos of the outside world and enveloping us in a sense of serenity.”</blockquote>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15893" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/HaymesPaintGroundediscdBlog2021-300x93.png" alt="" width="468" height="145" />
<h5>Calm Mind:</h5>
Finding a sense of peace and calm is something that we have all been promoting in our lives across the last year and self care has been encouraged by all to be at the top of our list. So where best to ensure you have a calming and peaceful space to relax and live in. 
<blockquote>“Calm Mind restores balance and inspires harmony, through emulating a ‘spa retreat’ feel within the home. Soothing tones of creamy green and blue blend with muddied peach, pink and rusts to create a tranquil fusion of colour that nurtures the mind and soul.”</blockquote>
The colours in this palette inspire mental wellbeing and promote peace and comfort.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15895" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/HaymesPaintCalmMindiscdBlog2021-300x93.png" alt="" width="452" height="140" />
<h5>Happy Home:</h5>
The idea of Happy Home was to introduce an uplifting palette of tones and hues to promote joy. Incorporating the bold and bright colours brings a sense of happiness and influences positive feelings and emotions.
<blockquote>“Bold blues, rusty reds and pops of bright yellow bring a sense of fun and hope back into our homes. The palette inspires interiors that are characterised by quirky styling, bold colour blocking and smack of zesty exuberance. This theme is all about youthful design elements and injecting energy into spaces to reinvigorate the senses.”</blockquote>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15894" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/HaymesPaintHappyHomeiscdBlog2021-300x92.png" alt="" width="461" height="142" />
<blockquote>“Haymes has created three beautiful colour palettes from their Embrace Range.  My favourite would have to be &#8216;Grounded&#8217;. I adore the earthy rich colours that the team at Haymes have put together for this palette. Our lives these days are busier than ever so it is important that we take time out to just stop and enjoy our surroundings. These colours are reminiscent of nature and connect us to the outdoors inside our home.”
&#8211; Gabrielle Rosenfeld, iscd Online Education Manager and Interior Designer
</blockquote>
Colours have a big impact on your mood and emotions so ensuring you surround yourself with the right ones, especially in your living and working spaces is so important. We as human beings rely hugely on our senses. Colour, whether bright and bold or dark and greyed, can trigger different emotional reactions.
Here at <a href="https://www.iscd.edu.au/">iscd</a> we specialise in colour education. Do you want to learn more about colour? Take a look at our <a href="https://www.iscd.edu.au/courses/online-colour-design-diploma/">Colour Essentials short course</a> as a starter or our accredited courses to learn more about colour within interiors.
<a class="contact course-button-cta" href="https://hubs.ly/H0JNN0Z0"> COLOUR ESSENTIALS </a>
<a class="contact course-button-cta" href="https://hubs.ly/H0JNN1y0"> CERTIFICATE IV IN INTERIOR DECORATION </a>
<a class="contact course-button-cta" href="https://hubs.ly/H0JNMRp0"> DIPLOMA IN INTERIOR DESIGN </a>

Colorful empty room 3d render

A Celebration Of Colour, Haymes Paint 2021 Colour Palette

With International Women&#8217;s Day celebrated globally on 8 March, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate some of our talented and inspiring female educators.
The delivery of our Diploma of Interior Design and Certificate in Interior Decoration would not be made possible without our incredible educators. Their expert knowledge and industry experience alongside their dedication and compassion for all of our student community is something we, as a Design School, pride ourselves on.
That being said, let&#8217;s meet a few of our interior design educators and learn about where they have come from.
Gabrielle Rosenfeld 
Gabby has been an Interior Designer for over 15 years and runs her own property styling business Freestyle Interiors based on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Gabby joined iscd as the Online Education Manager in 2020.
<blockquote>“Working with a team of such passionate and talented educators is very inspiring and rewarding.”</blockquote>
One of Gabby’s recent projects was working with our client developer Masterline Homes in Mornington. They styled a beautiful new build in Mount Martha with a Hamptons inspired design brief. Her team of stylists injected soul and personality into the space with beautiful furniture, artwork and accessories.
<blockquote>&#8220;The property market is very hot right now so I don&#8217;t see ourselves slowing down anytime soon. Due to covid a lot of people have moved to the area as they are able to work remotely and enjoy a lifestyle on the coast. It&#8217;s a win win!&#8221;</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/freestyle.interiors/">Freestyle Interiors Instagram</a>
<a href="https://freestyleinteriors.com.au/">Freestyle Interiors Website</a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-15879" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Freestyle_Interiors-45-683x1024-1-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15880" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/1Cromdale-24-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="452" height="303" />
Edwina Straub
With over 20 years in the interior design industry in both Australia and the US Edwina brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to iscd. 
<blockquote>“Since 2016, I have been teaching at iscd and love to see our students excel and launch themselves into interior design careers. I encourage every student to think big!”</blockquote>
Since returning to Australia Edwina has completed her masters degree and consults in the interior design industry with her own private clients and interior designers.
<blockquote>“I love all aspects of design and constantly expanding my knowledge at every opportunity.”</blockquote>
Edwina is currently working on two heritage projects in Paddington NSW. 
&#8220;A suburb in Sydney that was destined in the 1940s for developers to tear down the beautiful Victorian terraces to be replaced with red brick flats. Luckily the European immigrants saw the beauty and cared for these beautiful terraces so as interior designers we are lucky to work with these homes today.&#8221;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-15554" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/600x600edwinastraub-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" />
Emily MacAlpine
Emily MacAlpine has a Bachelor of Design (Architecture) from the University of Sydney and a Diploma of Interior Styling from the International School of Colour and Design. Along with a number of years working with an internationally renowned art consultant.
Emily’s passion for all things design came from her grandparents. The generation that has seen everything.
<blockquote>“From their mail being delivered with a horse and sulky all the way to iPhones. Yet, one thing remained constant: their “waste not, want not” and “buy once, buy well” attitudes.”</blockquote>
Emily runs and owns MARG. Studio, driven by the “design once, design well” motto. Inspired by her grandparents&#8217; generation. 
At the beginning of 2021, Emily moved from Victoria to Orange NSW. So is currently spending her time settling into her hometown and getting to know her new local suppliers. As well as working on a 100-year-old farmhouse renovation near Orange and a few first home buyer renovations.
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bemoremarg/">MARG Studio Instagram</a>
<a href="http://www.marg.studio/">MARG Studio Website</a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-15877" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/MelbourneInteriorDesignerEmilyMacAlpine_-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15878" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/PaddingtonApartmentBeforeandAfter-300x200.jpeg" alt="" width="448" height="298" />
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Memphis interior style living area with colorful wall decorate. 3d rendering

Women In Design And Education

<blockquote>Eunice Aubert, iscd Diploma of Interior Design student, shares her thoughts on emerging workplace design trends.</blockquote>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15650 size-full" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Emerging-Workplace-Design-Trends.png" alt="" width="768" height="432" />
I recently read an article on <a href="https://www.frameweb.com/news/covid-19-workplace-design-movement">frameweb.com</a> about how Covid-19 could influence and impact workplace design. What struck me most about this article was not the brilliant design solutions already being considered, but how many of these designs have been developed, tried, and tested pre Covid-19!
So many designs have already incorporated AI into the fabric of building design specifically office buildings, as seen with Cube Berlin and Bee’ah Head Office in the UAE. I think AI is definitely the way to move forward when it comes to offices and public spaces. Images of the movie Minority Report come to mind with retina scans to custom advertising, hologram “phones” and handsfree cars! (Can this really be happening in my lifetime?!)
Seeing how design is being challenged and developed in a time such as this is very exciting indeed, but I found myself asking the following questions; “How do we as designers create spaces that not only make us feel safe in public spaces but bring us back together?” Also, “Which trends will stay and which will be seasonal?”
I would like to focus on 2 trends I have noticed coming through more and more.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15651" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Emerging-Workplace-Design-Trends-Art-boards-1024x369.png" alt="" width="768" height="276" />
Flexible Design
The design trend that keeps emerging seems to be flexible, interchangeable and accommodating. As these are unprecedented times of change we live in, it is only logical that we will see this style of design coming through. Not that custom design is a thing of the past, but it is more about designing for ever-changing eventualities. We can see this with Spanish design company Andreu World https://www.andreuworld.com who recently designed work tables that can be equipped with custom options and finishes to fit the specific needs of a workforce (or anyone for that matter). Coincidentally (or is it?) these tabletops can be clad with material finishes which includes wood, lacquer or marble, all of which are anti-bacterial products. Wood and marble have been known for their natural antimicrobial properties for years and so has antimicrobial lacquer. I think if we check out any design blog, magazine or web page, we would find a plethora of new ideas and materials emerging every day. That in itself can be very overwhelming, but if we look closely (or do a bit of research like I have) these products and materials have been around for ages. Some we have known about and some we are rediscovering.
Materials
Some antimicrobial materials which have been popular in the healthcare sector, give designers a completely new material inventory. As mentioned before we know that wood has natural antibacterial properties and so do marble and copper, but manufacturers are already integrating antimicrobial technology in interior design elements such as taps, window shades, paint, and door hardware — applying coatings that work to keep them cleaner from multiplying bacteria. However a word of caution that the science and understanding of these antimicrobial technologies are still emerging, so it is important, to consider only those materials that are dimensionally stable and will not result in unintended exposure and alternative health risks at a later date. It is also important to note that many of these materials are available to us now, we just need to use them in a different way.
Emma Stergoulis has pointed out so brilliantly in her article for <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/lifestyle/opinion-interior-design-and-the-lessons-it-will-learn-from-covid-19">urban.com.au</a> about the design lessons we will learn from Covid-19 and how it will impact our lives, by saying: “It turns our mind to how we need to adapt our design thinking to cope should such a situation arise again.”
The need to think differently about how we respond to design is ultimately what will make the lasting change and the one simple truth that people matter. After all, we cannot call ourselves designers if we do not educate, encourage, and improve our way of living, by the way, we design for others and ourselves.
I’m excited about what the future will bring and how we can improve at designing spaces that not only connect us to each other and technology but in turn create distinct and new experiences.
Image: courtesy of Cushman &amp; Wakefield
Are you inspired by some of the emerging trends in design and want to learn more about iscd&#8216;s courses?
<a class="contact course-button-cta" href="https://hubs.ly/H0msSdk0">BOOK A CALL </a>

Classic, luxury barrel armchair with green cushion, rattan back, black side table with glass vase, fiddle leaf fig tree on carpet floor with sunlight on wooden wall

Emerging Workplace Design Trends: What Will Stay And What Will Go

Earlier this month we had our very first live webinar with alumni Lauren Holmes. We talked about her life one year on from graduating design school. Check out the full recording on <a href="https://hubs.ly/H0n_Tqr0">youtube here</a> or keep reading to see what was discussed.
&nbsp;
How has your year been since graduation? 
Since my graduation, I jumped straight into looking for part time work in the industry and I just happened to find a role at Talostone as Showroom Consultant in their new showroom in Danks Street Waterloo &#8211; through the iscd job board!  This role started in October 2019 and the Showroom looks amazing!  Whilst I was waiting for the showroom to be fitted out I spent time creating my branding, website and launching my business.  
How is this role helping you build your skills?
I think it helps to find a job that helps you work directly with customers and also being able to meet other designers and architects.  I really like working directly with End Users, asking questions about the space and other design elements and then assisting them with their stone colour and finish choices.  We explore different options and can build a storey with the available sample library within the showroom. It’s encouraging for me to see some people come back multiple times to see me for some free interior design advice and then leave feeling more confident about their decisions.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15594" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screenshot-2020-03-26-at-15.25.10-300x169.png" alt="" width="360" height="203" />
Can you give us your insider info on trends in finishes 2020?
There’s definitely a shift towards matt + leather honed finishes and also thin benchtops. Talostone have released some beautiful new colours in 12mm thickness such as their Super WhiteTM 9300.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15595" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screenshot-2020-03-26-at-15.25.42-300x168.png" alt="" width="367" height="207" />
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15596" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screenshot-2020-03-26-at-15.25.52-300x169.png" alt="" width="367" height="208" />
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15597" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screenshot-2020-03-26-at-15.26.02-300x174.png" alt="" width="366" height="212" />
Upon graduating, you started your own business, can you tell us what led you to take this step?
It’s always been my dream to set up my own Interior Design practice and that’s why I chose to study again with iscd and now was the right time for me to bring my dream to life. 
Ensure you set-up the right model for your business. Investigate the different ways to structure your business and check with an accountant to help you choose one that’s right for you.  Get the right insurances and also seek some advice from a lawyer to get some contracts drawn up as well as disclaimers and copyright notices.  
&nbsp;
Tell us a little about your business&#8230;
Natural Instinct Interiors is an Interior Styling company offering bespoke interior solutions for predominantly residential clients. I offer consultation packages for Styling Clients, Colour Consultations and Property Styling.
I created Natural Instinct Interiors to help people transform not just the look of their homes, but also the way they live in them. Our living spaces have a huge impact on our lives, and I believe that by enhancing their design, we can restore balance and live more holistically. My goal is to bring happiness to all my clients by working closely with them to help understand their needs, and create naturally beautiful, unique, and timeless spaces.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15598" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screenshot-2020-03-26-at-15.29.07-300x169.png" alt="" width="369" height="208" />
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15599" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screenshot-2020-03-26-at-15.29.13-300x178.png" alt="" width="379" height="226" />
For designers, an important part of creating their own business is branding. How did you go about choosing your branding?
Initially I did a moodboard of my own and researched some other Brands. I invested in a professional photographer for quality images for my portfolio gallery and also graphic designer for quality branding for logo design, business cards, social media and stationery.
Make it true to you &#8211; so it’s authentic and real!
I chose my branding style based on my interior design style and importance of using elements from nature in my styling with a soft neutral colour palette.  I have always had a natural styling talent and my friends and family have been getting some great advice &#8211; I realised I’ve been doing this intiutively all along so this is how Natural Instinct Interiors came to life. 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15600" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screenshot-2020-03-26-at-15.29.27-300x108.png" alt="" width="525" height="189" />
Speaking about branding, we love your insta feed! What were your tricks in creating such a beautiful account?
Initially I did get some assistance in setting up my social media and linking with Pinterest and Facebook etc. I use a lot of my professional images along with other inspiration I come across in Pinterest.  I then started to pay attention to how it looks and using the basic elements and principles in design to create a nice looking feed which supports your brand is important.  
I could be planning my posts and doing videos and stories and creating a more themed approach but honestly this is very time consuming and sometimes you just need to prioritise. 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15601" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screenshot-2020-03-26-at-15.29.35-300x262.png" alt="" width="372" height="326" /> 
How did you feel when you got your first job?
 My first client was brilliant!  I felt that all my years of experience and hard work had paid off.  The advice I was giving away during the consultation just flowed naturally, I felt confident, authentic and professional.  The Client was very happy and assured me she would get my assistance again in the future and that’s the main aim of the game!
 
One thing you’ve learnt since being out in the Industry?
Not all clients are going to be the right fit and the consultation is also the time to determine this from the outset. It’s OK to turn down work and you don’t have to feel compelled to do it &#8211; if it’s not in alignment with you. 
It’s always good to build a tribe and get in touch with other designers who are mostly happy to share their experiences including pricing and tools of trade etc.  I have found it to be a generally a very supportive industry – however you may come across the odd one or two that feel threatened – so beware not everyone is happy to share.
  
Why did you choose online? What were the advantages of studying online?
I live in Helensburgh and needed to study in my own time, rather than spend hours travelling to campus.  
Also I felt that I was not constantly being influenced so much by other designers&#8217; work and could develop my own style and be comfortable with it. 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15602" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screenshot-2020-03-26-at-15.29.50-300x114.png" alt="" width="467" height="179" />
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15603" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screenshot-2020-03-26-at-15.30.00-300x115.png" alt="" width="467" height="179" />
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15604" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screenshot-2020-03-26-at-15.30.09-300x121.png" alt="" width="464" height="187" />
And the challenges you faced? How did you overcome these?
I sometimes felt challenged when learning a new program for example photoshop and AutoCad.  I subscribed to Lynda.com which I could watch and do at the same time &#8211; it was so worth it! Also Google became my best friend!
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Any tips for design students before they graduate?
Get to know your fellow on-line students via Discussion boards.  Perhaps arrange to meet up and form support networks and at the same time making friends with common goals and interests. 
It’s always nice to have other Interior addict buddies to go to industry events and workshops with.  Start networking and sign up for everything you can. 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-15605" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screenshot-2020-03-26-at-15.30.17-300x179.png" alt="" width="416" height="248" />
Images: Talostone and <a href="https://www.naturalinstinctinteriors.com.au/">naturalinstinctinteriors.com.au</a>
Are you inspired by Lauren&#8217;s story and want to learn more about iscd&#8216;s courses?
<a class="contact course-button-cta" href="https://hubs.ly/H0msSdk0">BOOK A CALL </a>

Minimalist interior design on arch wall background. Wall mockup concept, 3d render

ISCD Alumni: One Year On with Lauren Holmes

We recently caught up with iscd alumni, Alix Helps to talk about how she is designing her way in the industry. 
What did you do prior to iscd?
Before iscd I had worked in my previous role for 18 years – very corporate, very un-creative! With a long held desire to indulge my passion for interior design. I cut my teeth in some crucial aspects of running a successful business here. We had a laser focus on the customer experience due to the nature of our work, and project management was instrumental in ensuring I delivered client projects on time, and on budget. I knew I was ready to step away to a more creative career.
When we say “Design your way” what does this mean to you?
iscd gave me the tools I needed to design my way. I took a call for my first project on the day after I graduated and I haven’t looked back since. I was immediately equipped with the skills and confidence to start helping clients to create homes that they love. My business has grown over the last 5 years affording me the freedom to live and work exactly how I choose. 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14945" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/md_Dunoon-WestPymble-41-copy-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />
What does a typical day look like for you?
Totally depends what day it is! First up most mornings is a quick review of work in progress for all current projects and half an hour of attending to any pressing administration. Time is precious so I tend to focus on specific tasks at certain times of the day. New consultations and site visits are scheduled for certain days of the week, leaving other days for research, design work and sourcing. Staying up to speed with new products means there are plenty of launches to attend, which are always a nice opportunity to catch up with other designers and industry buddies. 
What is the best thing you have learnt since being out in the industry?
That the design network here in Australia is a wonderfully supportive one – I’ve enjoyed making many meaningful connections with other like minded business owners. At times it feels like a virtual team – sharing tips, advice, useful new tech, great suppliers. It’s a great gang and I’m happy to be part of it!
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Travel and leisure pursuits primarily. My clients are typically looking to create a unique blend of the best ideas sourced from all over the world to make their homes a truly relaxing place to return to every day. I think it’s my job to get out there and research the techniques to create an inspiring space. I take my inspiration from boutique hotels, beautiful homes, all kinds of restaurants, museums, libraries, public spaces or gardens. I soak it all up, take photos, record notes and scour the media for new ideas. It’s a full time job, but someone has to do it.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14946" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/md_Bynya_01-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14947" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/md_Bynya_49-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />
What are your highlights since graduating?
I’ve felt extremely privileged to have my work featured in magazines such as Home Beautiful, Real Living, Inside Out…It’s extremely rewarding to see pages of stunning imagery of projects that I pulled out of the depths of my own imagination. I think my other highlight would be some excellent client relationships that have been forged over the years. 
Tell us about some of your favourite projects you’ve worked on since running your own business?
Ah too many to mention! I worked on a whole house modern Hamptons renovation in West Pymble last year which came together beautifully. I also recently worked with a noteworthy gentleman who had recently purchased a new build on Sydney’s north shore. He’s a busy professional, and was looking for assistance to complete the home to a beautiful standard for him to move into. We designed and installed custom joinery to key areas of the house to ensure total functionality. Then I set about working with paint schemes, wallpaper, window treatments, rugs, furniture and artworks to create beautiful rooms that were finished right down to the backyard with elegant pots containing stunning succulents and a seating area. We planned and executed every detail on his behalf and the client could not have been more appreciative. It was an extremely rewarding client relationship and now I’m just hoping he moves house soon so we can do it all again.
What’s one thing you wish you had been told when you were starting out in the industry?
That you can’t do it all yourself, and that’s OK. Developing great relationships with those that can support you allows you to grow and have enough time to spend on all aspects of running your business, creative and otherwise. Putting systems and processes in place will prevent you from reinventing the wheel and create a more efficient and streamlined operational environment.
What advice would you give to someone looking to study interior design?
Be prepared to learn something from every situation. Be kind to everyone you meet and remember that the reward for work done well, is the opportunity to do more.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14948" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/md_SnSH_StephensSt_04-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14949" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/md_SnSH_StephensSt_52-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />
Main image: iStock 
All other photos: Interior Design and Styling Alix Helps Interiors Photography Helen Ward &#8211; Inward Outward
Are you feeling inspired by Alix’s story and want to learn more about our interior courses?
<a class="contact course-button-cta" href="https://hubs.ly/H0lG2Hr0"> FIND OUT MORE</a>

Modern minimalist bathroom interior, modern pink bathroom cabinet, white sink, wooden vanity, interior plants, bathroom accessories, orange-white bathtub, concrete wall, terrazzo flooring.3d rendering

ISCD Alumni: Alix Helps

Building a brand can sound pretty daunting &#8211; especially if you’re still studying! Having said that, with social media playing a huge part in our everyday lives the sooner you start to build your presence online the stronger your brand and following will be when you graduate. 
What does it mean to have a brand? &#8211; You&#8217;ve made a promise to everyone.
Did you know 63% of customers actually expect companies to offer customer service via their social media channels, and 90% of social media users have already used social media as a way to communicate with a brand or business? (Source: <a href="https://www.smartinsights.com/customer-relationship-management/customer-service-and-support/rise-social-media-customer-care/">Smart Insights</a>).
Meaning if your brand or services don’t have a presence on social media, you could be missing out on a number of opportunities! Communicating with customers through your social media can make things quick and easy plus you can usually do it while you’re on the move! 
With social media playing a massive part in our day to day lives, it’s important to get yourself set up on the right channels as soon as possible &#8211; otherwise you could be missing out on getting seen by potential customers or clients. 
Tips from iscd graduate, Caine Hodder of Caine Anthony Design:
We caught up with Caine to find out his tips for using social media in the design industry, from his experience.
&#8220;The main social media platform I use is Instagram. Being a visual platform in a very visual industry, I think it is important to be conscious of what you’re posting and plan out your feed to make sure it is clean and representative of you and your brand.
It is sometimes challenging to keep content up, especially when you’re starting out and don’t necessarily have you’re own work to showcase yet, so it is always great to go through things like Pinterest and find images that work into your style and brand and inspire you and your work (just be sure to tag the original where possible).
Posting regularly keeps you current and keeps engagement higher, but shouldn’t become your full time job! I always try to set my posts once a week for the entire week. I use an app called Planoly, that works well for me as I can see how the images play on my feed and they automatically post on my set date and time.
I’ve found social media to be extremely useful for my business, I have picked up clients through my social media. I offer an e-decorator service, and have clients now from the US that have found me through Instagram.  It has also been a great way to reach out to people I look up to in the industry, that has resulted in meetings, engagement and mentoring.&#8221;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-14874" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screenshot-2019-10-01-at-13.59.20-300x298.png" alt="" width="491" height="488" />
Check out more of Caine&#8217;s gorgeous instagram feed here: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/caineanthonydesign/">caineanthonydesign</a>
A few words from iscd educator Emily Macalpine on her experiences with social media for her own business, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bemoremarg/">MARG. Studio:</a>
&#8220;As a small business in the age of social media we are really lucky in some ways as we have control over our marketing and don’t necessarily need to spend huge amounts on our strategies. Having said that it has been a big learning curve about how to use social media for my business because although it can often look effortless there is a very targeted way in which we do it. I was lucky enough to have Emily Osmond working on my branding from the initiation of MARG. Studio and as a follow on I have joined her group The Modern Marketing Collective where she takes you through lessons about how to use Instagram for your business. It is mostly about forming good habits and repeating them over and over again, from using the right hashtag sets for your business to engaging with other relevant accounts (everyday!) by commenting on their stories or posts.&#8221;
Why would you say it&#8217;s important to build your brand and social channels in the design industry?
&#8220;Having a brand means you begin to make yourself recognisable to people and therefore reputable. Someone said to me the other day that while you may not be getting that much direct work through your Instagram you want to position yourself so that when your followers actually need the service you are providing they immediately think of you. For example, I get a fair few of my ideal type of client following me on instagram but not necessarily getting in touch with me right away. If they are following me they allow me to strengthen my brand to them with regular engagement and position myself as the ONLY person they would want to use.&#8221;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-14879" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screenshot-2019-10-02-at-16.54.07-300x300.png" alt="" width="482" height="482" />
Check out more of Emily&#8217;s fabulous instagram feed here: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bemoremarg/">bemoremarg</a>
Important things to consider when establishing your brand; 
<ul>
<li>USP’s</li>
</ul>
Unique selling points, what makes you and your business unique? This is a very important one! Why should people choose you over any of the other companies out there? Establish these first up and you can use them to build your brand, it’s story and sell your services. 
<ul>
<li>Name</li>
</ul>
Name’s can be one of the hardest things to decide when setting up your brand. Ideally you want it to tell people what you do but also be personal to yourself. 
<ul>
<li>Logo’s</li>
</ul>
After your name, you logo should probably be the next thing on your list. Along with making your brand look more professional, your logo will usually be the first thing a customer will see and first impressions are important!
Now for the benefits of building your social media presence;
<ul>
<li>Visual</li>
</ul>
Design businesses benefit from social media due to the majority of their products being visual which rank highly on social channels, especially Instagram. Visual content performs much better than just text and copy.
<ul>
<li>Drive to your website</li>
</ul>
Social media is another way to drive customers to your website, all social platforms allow you to share links in posts and on your profiles, which makes driving customers to your website easier!
<ul>
<li>Reach more customers &#8211; for free!</li>
</ul>
Social media is free, you don’t have to pay for social advert’s to get seen on social media. Use hashtags on instagram, encourage people to share your posts on facebook, simple and easy ways to get seen by more than your following. 
<h3>“54% social browsers use social media to research products.”</h3>
(Globalwebindex)
Do you want to know more about how social media and the digital marketing world can help you or your business?
Our sister school, Left Bank are currently offering free short courses to give you a taste of how studying courses in digital marketing can benefit you!
INTRO INTO DIGITAL MARKETING
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EMAIL MARKETING
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CONTENT MARKETING
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&nbsp;

Light living room interior with drawer and art decoration. Empty wall

Building Your Brand And Social Media Presence

Sustainability is the talk of this years trends more than ever. So how can we transition our interiors for the winter season keeping sustainability in mind? 
&nbsp;
<ol>
<li> A fresh coat of paint</li>
</ol>
Giving your living areas or bedroom a new coat of paint is a great way to create a more warm and cosy feel especially if you are brave enough to embrace colour. Go with a warm earthy tone or a dark bold colour in the space. Choosing an eco friendly paint is getting easier these days with many companies taking the correct steps to become more and more sustainable. 
“Painting your woodwork, dado rails and doors the same colour as your walls gives your space a contemporary look. It’ll also give your space the feeling of more space, despite the dark shade.” &#8211; Dulux
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14552" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/heritage-article-3-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" />
Colour: Dulux Wild Blackberry
Image source: <a href="https://www.dulux.co.uk/en/articles/8-winter-warmer-spaces">dulux.co.uk</a>
&nbsp;
<ol start="2">
<li> Layer up</li>
</ol>
With textures and patterns! A great way to add warmth to your home over the cooler months. Bringing in a big rug, some extra cushions and throws or some new dark curtains is the perfect way to create a cosy feel that isn’t as permanent. Layering textures and patterns creates more depth in a space and there is nothing better than cosying up on a sofa filled with soft cushions and huge throws in the evenings! Investing in good quality products mean they will last longer and you can bring them out next season too, preventing unnecessary waste. Many accessories are now made from recycled materials or sustainable farms so don&#8217;t be afraid to ask how products have been made.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14553" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/b9592f55c734a45295f063d3b82e8a55-220x300.jpg" alt="" width="220" height="300" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14554" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1ed1ca421ce101d63b7fab64c07dd5d4-218x300.jpg" alt="" width="218" height="300" /><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14555" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/rug1-201x300.jpg" alt="" width="201" height="300" />
Image 1: <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/AefTBTHjoqkZ_ZfYh425S7TDKfUZ5CCpM_dk5rZvTiohHnt_i4Ben3M/">pinterest.com</a> Image 2: <a href="https://www.westwingnow.de/n/mustard/?utm_source=pinterest&amp;utm_medium=ShopSOM&amp;utm_campaign=productmoods">westwingnow.de</a> Image 3: <a href="https://www.sofaworkshop.com/blog/inspiration/give-home-cosy-feel-winter/">sofaworkshop.com</a>
<ol start="3">
<li> Mood Lighting</li>
</ol>
Creating the perfect lighting is probably one of the best ways to set the mood you of a room. You can do this with candles, lamps or by having dimmer lights in your home. In winter we tend to want to cosy up in a darker moodier setting so candles and lamps are a great way to create this. 
“You want organic and eco-friendly candles with cotton or wood wicks made from natural, vegetable ingredients like coconut wax, rapeseed wax, beeswax or soy wax.” <a href="https://makeitlast.se/2017/10/28/the-ultimate-guide-to-eco-friendly-and-toxic-free-candles/">&#8211; makeitlast</a>
Swapping to LED light bulbs is a great idea due to the bulbs using up to 90% less energy than other bulbs. You can also get amazing LED fairy lights which are a perfect addition to any cosy interior!
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14556" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/P1045586-222x300.jpg" alt="" width="222" height="300" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14557" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1330c4d6d2c42b17fa3e04b2013ad8ad-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" />
Image 1: <a href="https://hornsbystyle.com/home/2018/1/5/fairy-lights-lets-keep-them-up-all-year">hornsbystyle.com</a> Image 2: <a href="https://www.idealhome.co.uk/picture/neutral-country-living-room-3">makeitlast.co.uk</a>
<ol start="4">
<li> Create the feeling of ‘hygge’</li>
</ol>
Hygge is a Danish word, which means an acknowledgement of a feeling or a moment that is cosy, charming or special. Rather than adding decorations or changing the design of a room to adopt the feeling of hygge, <a href="https://www.iscd.edu.au/slow-home-movement">surround yourself</a> with things or people that make you feel cosy and comfortable! 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14558" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2e3ef66df09152adf2602f17af31fadd-203x300.jpg" alt="" width="203" height="300" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14559" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/0f9e2d63890f8d2345c02dfb3728b23f-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" />
Image 1: <a href="https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/culture/news/a31867/hygge-9-ways-to-be-more-danish/">elle.com</a> Image 2: <a href="https://blog.decoratorsnotebook.co.uk/beautiful-rooms/cosy-kitchen-ideas/">blog.decoratorsnotebook</a>

Living room interior with a large red sofa

Four Winter Interior Tips That Embrace Sustainability

Winter is well and truly here, we may as well embrace the cold! Spending the dark nights tucked up inside looking at beautiful holiday destinations for our next getaway. This inspired us to look at some truly stunning hotel interiors from around the world. We’ve picked our top ten hotel to share and inspire you! 
&nbsp;
<ol>
<li> Moxy Hotel, New York America &#8211; Rockwell Group:</li>
</ol>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14517" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Moxy-Hotel_Chelsea_newyork3-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14518" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Moxy-Hotel_Chelsea_newyork2-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" />
Image source: <a href="https://www.rockwellgroup.com/projects/moxy-chelsea">rockwellgroup.com</a>
Rockwell Group is a global firm that specialises in a variety of work. From luxury hospitality, culture and healthcare projects to educational, product and set design.
&#8220;In every project, we develop and invent a story or a narrative, which means no design decision is arbitrary,&#8221; -David Rockwell
A true luxury hotel in Chelsea, New York. The botanic inspired interiors coupled with the warm colour scheme are so welcoming and embue class and a romantic feel day or night. 
&nbsp;
<ol start="2">
<li> La Reserve, Paris France:</li>
</ol>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14519" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/LaReserveParis6-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14520" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/LaReserveParis3-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14521" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/LaReserveParis2-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />
Image source: <a href="https://www.lareserve-paris.com/en/">lareserve-paris.com</a>
Shades of crimson with gold fixtures and details throughout the hotel create a romantic setting throughout. The interior of each room flows through to the next with patterns and textures. A truly perfect place to escape and relax in the hustle and bustle of France’s capital.
&nbsp;
<ol start="3">
<li> Puro Hotel, Lodz Poland:</li>
</ol>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14522" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/purohotelslodz4-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14523" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/purohotelslodz3-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14524" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/purohotelslodz2-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" />
Image source: <a href="https://www.we-heart.com/2019/05/17/puro-lodz-design-hotel-puro-hotels/">we-heart.com</a>
“Fusing elements of retro contemporary with post-industrial chic”
Puro Hotels newest design hotel. Designed to a modern minimalist style creating a welcoming and inviting vibe throughout. The hotel holds a subtle tropical theme with statement flooring and hanging greenery.
&nbsp;
<ol start="4">
<li> The Callie Hotel, Brisbane Australia:</li>
</ol>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14525" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/The-Calile-Hotel-Brisbane-by-Richards-Spence-Yellowtrace-13-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14526" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/The-Calile-Hotel-Brisbane-by-Richards-Spence-Yellowtrace-10-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14527" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/The-Calile-Hotel-Brisbane-by-Richards-Spence-Yellowtrace-05-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />
Image source: <a href="https://www.yellowtrace.com.au/the-calile-hotel-brisbane-richards-and-spence/">yellowtrace.com.au</a>
A feeling of paradise in the centre of one of Australia’s most popular cities! The neutral colours and tones throughout create a sense of tranquillity. The hotel was designed by local architects Richards &amp; Spence who have created a resort like setting within an urban space. Clever design, archways and marble effect floors and walls really bring the rooms together to become a true place of relaxation. 
&nbsp;
<ol start="5">
<li> Paramount House, Sydney Australia:</li>
</ol>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14528" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/c798163c06cdd2c26ad4d88c03af7758-200x300.jpeg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14529" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/paramount-house-hotel-7-220x300.jpg" alt="" width="220" height="300" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14530" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Gallery-of-Paramount-House-Hotel-by-Breathe-Architecture-Feature-Article-Local-Deisign-Architecture-TLPSCAIRNS_PHH_BATHROOM-1-203x300.jpg" alt="" width="203" height="300" />
Image source: <a href="https://www.vogue.com.au/travel/hotels/take-a-tour-of-the-newly-opened-paramount-house-hotel/image-gallery/7f5cdff1d45e13df21f48a65e0ef1387?pos=2">vogue.com.au</a>
This converted warehouse hotel is in Sydney’s ever-evolving vibrant suburb, Surry Hills, known for its stylish design and cafe culture. Fitting in perfectly with its surroundings, “It was about expressing everything that was old — and true and honest and raw — about the existing warehouse.” says Jeremy McLeod, director of Breathe Architecture, who managed the project. 
The exposed brick coupled with the ceiling beams bring a gorgeous amount of character and a rustic feel to the rooms. We have to mention the Japanese style timber bathtubs too &#8211; simply stunning!
&nbsp;
<ol start="6">
<li> The Warehouse Hotel, Singapore:</li>
</ol>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14534" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Screenshot-2019-07-07-at-6.30.58-PM-300x203.png" alt="" width="300" height="203" /><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14533" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Screenshot-2019-07-07-at-6.31.35-PM-300x220.png" alt="" width="300" height="220" />  <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14532" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/The-warehouse-hotel-222x300.jpg" alt="" width="222" height="300" />
Image source:<a href="https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/the-warehouse-hotel"> mrandmrssmith.com</a>
Designed with every last detail in mind. The Warehouse Hotel is a place of beauty and extravagance. The lobby boasts of a triple height beamed ceiling taking in the warehouses industrial history with machinery inspired hanging lights. The rooms are not ones to forget, their earthy textures coupled with the modern finishes and styling shout luxury and class. 
&nbsp;
<ol start="7">
<li> Arts Et Metiers, Paris France:</li>
</ol>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14535" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ArtsEtMetiers3-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14536" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ArtsEtMetiers2-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14537" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ArtsEtMetiers-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />
Image source: <a href="https://www.hotelnational.paris/en/">hotelnational.paris/en/</a>
The architect of the hotel&#8217;s interiors, designer Raphael Navot chose to create “a balance between innovation and artisanship, choosing to work with the finest raw materials and ushering the timeless tradition of french craftsmanship into the 21st Century.”
The hotel’s finish shouts style and modernism to us. The contemporary finishes and clever use of space within the rooms are so inviting. The lobby area giving us luxury with a hint of tropical.
&nbsp;
<ol start="8">
<li> Soho House, Barcelona Spain:</li>
</ol>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14540" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/https_2F2Fblogs-images.forbes.com2Fkatiechang2Ffiles2F20172F102Flobby-1200x780-300x195.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="195" /><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14538" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/soho-house-barcelona-2-xlarge-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />
Image source: <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiechang/2017/10/25/how-soho-house-barcelona-became-barcelonas-hippest-hotel/#337be5005cb8">forbes.com</a>
Soho House was designed with its location in mind. Think a hint of traditional Spanish with gorgeous rich earthy tones coupled with beautiful patterns and textures. The hotel is a perfect place for a cosy and relaxing getaway in the city’s Gothic Quarter.
&nbsp;
<ol start="9">
<li> Park Hyatt, Bangkok Thailand:</li>
</ol>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14541" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Screenshot-2019-07-07-at-6.47.01-PM-300x253.png" alt="" width="300" height="253" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14542" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Screenshot-2019-07-07-at-6.46.33-PM-300x242.png" alt="" width="300" height="242" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14543" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Screenshot-2019-07-07-at-6.46.12-PM-300x239.png" alt="" width="300" height="239" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14544" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Screenshot-2019-07-07-at-6.45.49-PM-300x243.png" alt="" width="300" height="243" />
Image source: <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/thailand/park-hyatt-bangkok/bkkph/photos-reviews">hyatt.com</a>
Sophisticated and sincere. Park Hyatt Bangkok is a “Tranquil Oasis Above Bustling Bangkok”. This dreamy hotel offers elegance and class to the next level. Consisting of multiple bars, restaurants, lobby’s, amenities, and suites. The design offers luxurious sophistication.
&nbsp;
<ol start="10">
<li> Sheraton Grand, London England:</li>
</ol>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14546" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/longr-exterior-2830-hor-wide-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14547" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/longr-room-6314-hor-wide-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14548" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/longr-lobby-8573-hor-wide-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" />
Image source: <a href="https://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/longr-sheraton-grand-london-park-lane/">marriott.co.uk</a>
“Founded in 1927, the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane boasts an art deco interior that invites guests to relish in the hotel&#8217;s 1920&#8217;s heritage.” We would say it does just that! The exquisite finishes and gorgeous colour schemes set the tone and feel of the hotel as soon as you walk in. The grand exterior is carried throughout the interiors giving a real sense of luxury in every area.

Memphis style conceptual interior room 3d illustration

Stunning Hotel Interiors From Around The World

Melanie is a wife, mother of three, a part time primary school teacher and has recently started her own small business in making special occasion cakes. Melanie has recently completed her Diploma online with iscd. We caught up with her to find out about her experience and why she recommends studying online.
“I chose to study with iscd because of their great reviews and successful outcomes. I live in regional Western Australia so online was the only option for me, iscd’s online course offered the flexibility I needed and I also liked that it was a 2 year course which resulted in an accredited diploma.”
&nbsp;
Melanie’s 3 reasons she recommends studying online with iscd&#8230;
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Flexibility and course structure</li>
</ul>
The best thing about studying online is that it is so flexible. I have worked on readings and assignments in caravan parks on holidays, in the car on long trips and late into many nights. The fact that I can work at my own pace, but still need to stick to deadlines, has really helped me to keep moving forward. I find that the online course is flexible enough to work around my household commitments and my study is something that I have been able to keep up with while I complete my work when it best suits me and my family.
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li> Online Educators</li>
</ul>
My educators have been amazing and I don’t think I would’ve continued through to my final study period if I hadn’t had the support, motivation and knowledge that they have offered me. Confidence is not my strong suit, but they continually helped me to realise that I could complete each assignment to a high level. 
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li> The online community</li>
</ul>
I didn’t ever feel like I was missing out by not being in an actual tutorial or class. The way that the course is structured with lots of discussion boards means that there is always a way to get in touch with people or share ideas.
“One thing I would say to anyone thinking about studying online with iscd is. You won’t regret it! It has taught me so much, given me confidence in my abilities, helped me to realise the steps I need to take to start up a small business and allowed me to have a creative outlet beyond what was possible living in a small rural town.”
Melanie shared her favourite assessment from the course, how gorgeous is her work!? 
“Subject 12: Residential Interiors 1 has been my favourite so far. The two assessments &#8211; Residential Decoration &amp; Small Space Design &#8211; required the most time and effort but it was amazing to look back on my written documentation, concept boards, mood boards, hand-drawn and AutoCAD tech drawings &amp; renderings and realise all of the skills that I have learnt and developed throughout the course. I also enjoyed going with totally different styles for very different client briefs with each of those assignments.”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14409" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1CE75268-CB25-450F-863B-A672F7EECF5D-300x212.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="212" /><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14408" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/A893520D-3AFB-4212-9246-CD2803E3288B-300x212.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="212" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-14411" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/C295D628-A86A-4B9C-A0F5-E14FEB44D4EC-300x212.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="212" />
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Contact us today to find out more about our online design courses&#8230;
<a class="contact course-button-cta" href="https://hubs.ly/H0kWjpK0">CONTACT US </a>

Ladder of success on pastel pink color background, minimal concept

3 Reasons To Study Online, From An Online Student

Winter is well and truly here and what a better way to spend the cold, short days than wrapped up in pajamas in our cosy, warm homes, right? 
Motivation and Inspiration may not come as easy to us in the winter months but that doesn’t mean it has to disappear! As designers we are always seeking new inspiration. Not to mention keep up with the evolving industry trends and new products.
Here at iscd we are big lovers of cosy days so we wanted to make inspiring yourselves easy. We have put together some beautiful interior mood boards that will warm you from the inside-out. There are some simply stunning happenings in the design world. Sit back, relax, and enjoy…
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blue-and-Beige-mood-board.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-12426" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blue-and-Beige-mood-board-300x208.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="309" /></a>
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Blue is typically associated with water and the ocean but it plays an emotional roll in winter.  A calming and peaceful colour which is perfect for setting the right mood in your home. Like all colours, blues can have a cool undertone or a warm one. Here in this mood board we coupled it with yellow undertone browns and pink beige&#8217;s to create a space of relaxation and simplicity.
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Dark-colour-mood-board.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-12427" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Dark-colour-mood-board-300x209.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="318" /></a>
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A darker, moodier palette gives the sense of intimacy for a more cosy feel in a space, perfect for the cooler months. High contrast schemes are popular at the moment with strong neutrals featured to make a statement in the space. Here, black portrays sophistication against white which represents purity and softness and the pop of tan is introduced through wood, weaving and other natural materials to add warmth.
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pink-and-green-mood-board.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-12428 " src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pink-and-green-mood-board-300x217.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="321" /></a>
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The blush pink and emerald green colour palette is not one we are unfamiliar with. Having been popular for the past few years we’ve seen some simply stunning interiors using this scheme. The use of pattern, textures and layers with these colours can create some really inviting spaces. 
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Rustic-textures-moodboard.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-12429" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Rustic-textures-moodboard-300x206.jpg" alt="" width="449" height="293" /></a>
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Textures can come in different ways, in an interior space they will either be visual or tactile textures. Both are very important when it comes to designing and styling a space. In most cases, visual textures will be the first element someone will experience when entering a room and helps create first impressions. Followed by tactile textures that enlighten your sense of touch. Mixing textures makes a space much more interesting, subliminally inviting and cosy &#8211; Perfect for the winter months!
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Interior Living Room Wall Mockup

Winter Interiors Inspiration

abstract 3d rendering stairs

Small Space Design From Around The World

Every year colour experts Pantone release a Pantone Colour of the Year. This year is Living Coral, “Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment.” With this year’s colour being heavily influenced by the environment it is no wonder designers are focusing on nature, sustainability and creating spaces that influence our well being. Here are some eco friendly ways to use colour to influence our well-being through colour psychology in interior design.
“Color psychology is the study of hues as a determinant of human behavior. Color influences perceptions that are not obvious, such as the taste of food.”
Different colours can trigger different emotions. Like warm red shades for some can trigger emotions around anger or increase stress levels. While lighter, cooler blue green colours, can calm people down. 
<h5>INTRODUCING COLOUR THROUGH&#8230;</h5>
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<h6>PANTONE&#8217;S LIVING CORAL IN ACTION</h6>
Here we see how designers are embracing the Pantone Colour of the year to influence the well-being of people in these spaces.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13389" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Breadway-Bakery-Brumina-Trigubchak-2-810x608-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="387" height="290" />
Photo from: <a href="https://design-milk.com/the-breadway-bakery-will-make-you-want-to-stay-around/">design-milk.com</a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13390" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Feature-960x711-300x222.jpg" alt="" width="382" height="284" />
Photo from: <a href="https://www.amara.com/au/luxpad/living-coral/">amara.com</a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13391" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/waterfront-nikis-apartment-stamatios-giannikis-interiors_dezeen_2364_col_48-244x300.jpg" alt="" width="277" height="341" />
Photo from: <a href="https://www.dezeen.com/2018/07/28/flamingo-pink-walls-frame-sea-views-in-this-greek-apartment/">dezeen.com</a>
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<h6>NATURAL MATERIALS</h6>
Using natural materials with in a space is a great way to bring a ‘calm’ feel. Being both environmentally friendly and great for your well-being it’s a very popular pick in the interiors world at the moment. From reducing stress to enhancing learning in the early years of development, the benefits of incorporating natural materials into interiors are real. It is believed that bringing natural materials into a classroom environment is an important part of a child&#8217;s language development, socialisation skills and cognitive and sensory learning. Here are a few examples of natural materials both in hue and in texture setting the mood.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13398" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Three-Piece-House-Newcastle-by-TRIAS-Yellowtrace-15-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="242" height="364" />
Photo From: <a href="https://www.yellowtrace.com.au/trias-three-piece-house-newcastle-residential-architecture-australia/">yellowtrace.com </a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13394" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/7d0c5c4bbe344865b4d933016ac65a88-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="237" height="356" />
Photo From: <a href="https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/how-to-decorate-with-natural-timber-and-stone?category=Bathroom">homebeautiful.com</a>
Photo From:<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/ems-designblogg-13473081/minimalist-house-with-natural-materials-by-4975229315"> bloglovin.com</a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13393" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/5c76b1107313f734124089fb2915118d-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="235" height="353" />
Photo From: <a href="https://www.simshilditch.com/interiors/aboretum-cafe/">simshilditch.com</a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13396" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/baukind-kita-drachenhoehle-garderobe-1-213x300.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="338" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13397" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/baukind-kita-drachenhoehle-ruheraum-1-300x213.jpg" alt="" width="358" height="254" />
Photo’s From: <a href="https://www.baukind.de/de/projects/kita-drachenhoehle/">baukind.de</a>
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<h6>PLANTS AND GREENERY</h6>
Now we know plants and greenery would technically come under ‘Natural Materials&#8217; but plants are such an important and beautiful addition to any interior that they deserve their own section. Plus they often have a stronger presence because of the vibrancy of the green colour. As well as adding visual benefits, plants add many physiological benefits to us; they help reduce stress and create a calm sense of well-being, alongside improving air quality and lowering background noise, which make them a very popular option in an office environment. They also prove to be greatly beneficial within hospitals and medical practices. From purifying air toxins and improving ventilation to even speeding up recovery time. 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13400" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/9ecf5e7b6c9eb63453d92e180e20b879-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="268" height="357" />
Photo From: <a href="https://officesnapshots.com/2017/11/30/comet-meetings-offices-paris/">officesnapshots.com</a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13399" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/0c17a1b35eeb27db63dddf9ad02f129d-250x300.jpg" alt="" width="269" height="323" />
Photo From: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BesZypADjNN/?taken-by=theofficegroup">@theofficegroup</a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13402" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/e4b637fd0ddd7cdda7b14ed473c1ad61-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="273" height="410" />
Photo From: <a href="https://www.cocorepublic.com.au/design-field-notes/potted-bliss-indoor-plants-101/">cocorepublis.com.au</a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13401" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/69d50c759d324072c289ffd66bc34b2b-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="270" height="405" />
Photo From: <a href="https://www.sfgirlbybay.com/2018/02/15/a-home-in-the-hills-of-malibu/">sfgirlbybay.com</a>
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<h6>ECO-FRIENDLY PAINT</h6>
While we are talking about influencing space with colour we should talk about the process. Painting a wall, door or piece of furniture within in space seems are the most obvious and quick ways to introduce colour into an interior. However choosing a paint that isn’t full of toxins and chemicals is very important when focusing on a sustainability. Some paints contain ‘Volatile Organic Compounds’ (VOCs) which are low level toxic emissions that can cause symptoms like, dizziness, headaches and in some cases even memory loss. More and more paint companies are now producing low toxin paints and even paints 100% free of VOCs. Check out <a href="https://www.earthfirst.net.au/house-paint.html">earthfirst.net.au</a> for a list of some Eco friendly paint suppliers.
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<h6>LIGHTING</h6>
There are many ‘green’ ways to light an interior these days, from more environmentally friendly LED and CFL bulbs, to solar lighting and motion sensors which reduce power use. However, what we are really focusing on here is how to bring colour into an interior. It’s a lot easier to do this now there are companies like Philips that have their <a href="https://www2.meethue.com/en-au/philips-hue-benefits">Hue</a> range. It is a bonus that you can control your lights with your phone or your voice, but the biggest shift is we can now change the colour to suit the desired mood. There is so much lighting can do with lighting to benefit your well being and now with coloured lighting there is another dimension for designers to play with. Green, blue and purple are believed to restart your internal clock and increase productivity. Energetic colours like warm orange and yellows and can calm you down, help you relax and lift your mood. 
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-13403" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Hue-insta-2-297x300.jpg" alt="" width="297" height="300" /> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-13404" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Hue-insta-298x300.jpg" alt="" width="298" height="300" />
Photo’s from: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/philipshue/">@phillipshue</a>
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<h6>ACCENT COLOUR</h6>
With the rise of individuality and the revival of artisan techniques in design trends we are seeing stronger use of colour and pattern through feature pieces. The mood and colours of a room are dictated by theses feature pieces which can be subtle or bold like Dolce and Gabbana&#8217;s Design for Smeg, which is based on an Italian painting technique used to paint puppets.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13407" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/DG-x-SMEG-2018-Small-Kitchen-Appliances-Featured-image-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="351" height="234" />
Photo from: <a href="https://mikeshouts.com/dg-x-smeg-2018-small-kitchen-appliances/">mikeshouts.com</a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13408" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Frigoriferi_DG_e_SMEG2-300x150.png" alt="" width="358" height="179" />
Photo from: <a href="https://www.smeg.com/refrigerator-of-art-dolcegabbana-and-smeg/">smeg.com</a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13405" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/3bc5899e580635e6a49b6f02c5b0f775-206x300.jpg" alt="" width="236" height="344" />
Photo from: <a href="https://www.domino.com/content/raili-clasen-design-california-home-tour/?utm_source=Stylecaster&amp;utm_medium=Pinterest&amp;utm_campaign=socialshare">domino.com</a>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-13406" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/92f2e3bf658421f458b53929c29788e0-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="238" height="358" />
Photo from: <a href="https://www.cocokelley.com/2018/06/house-tour-fresh-pastels-pattern/">cocokelley.com</a>
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As you can see colour is so much more than paint on walls. From subtle use in materials to accent pieces, the way we engage with colour in line with the overarching trend of Eco and well-being is here to stay.

Colored contemporary living room, pastel rosy colors, sofa, armchair, carpet, tables, steps and potted plants, copper pendant lamps. Interior design atmosphere, architecture idea

The Role Of Colour in Well-Being

<h3>This week we chat to Catherine Ashbridge about how she changed careers to be an Interior Designer, her favourite blogs, tips and what its like to start your own business.</h3>
<h5>What is your background? What where you doing before coming to iscd?</h5>
Study initially started with Textiles and Design at the University of Otago in NZ. An adventurer, post study involved travelling and absorbing. After a stint establishing a small clothing label, having 3 children, buying, renovating and selling a number of houses, and relocating the family to Sydney, an incredibly swift decision stared me back to full time study to gain a formal qualification and create myself a new career pathway. As a Lego-obsessed child, and hours spent on school projects it all felt right.
<h5>What did you study at iscd and what key skills did you learn?</h5>
At ISCD I studied Cert 4 in Design and Interior Styling. The major standout from undertaking the ISCD course was the confidence it gave me to launch out on my own and to have the base skills from which to start my own business. Gaining experience in how to develop concepts, present to clients and work to deadlines was invaluable.
<h5>How did you come up with your business idea?</h5>
It was a natural evolvement from a desire to get back into the workforce, inbuilt passion, natural skill strengths, family and flexibility requirements. Signing the lease on my office space seemed such a huge deal. I ensured one project was already on the go but knew the need to get a couple more pretty quickly. I have never looked back and by fully committing it only ensured the need to be more driven. It also gave me a professional base to undertake business, accommodate clients and store resources….sometimes we look more like a tile shop.
<h5>What has been the biggest challenge in running your business?</h5>
I suppose the biggest challenge would be staying across everything. Design concepts, implementation, client servicing, accounts, social media, managing work loads and staff, trades and project management. I really love it all and wish there were more hours in every day.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Catmint-interior-design-Image-banner-11.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-6678 size-large" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Catmint-interior-design-Image-banner-11-1024x536.jpg" alt="Catmint interior design Image banner 1" width="660" height="345" /></a>
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<h5>HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?</h5>
Running my own business delivers great satisfaction and ensures I deliver above and beyond to clients. Mentoring others in the work place is also a goal. If you really believe in something it will happen. Often just when you think it is all too hard it can be a turning point where you cross over and reach another level.
<h5>WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO LAUNCH THEIR OWN BUSINESS?</h5>
I have received a few phone calls from friends of friends who have decided to embark on an Interior Design Degree/Course and on completion are slightly disgruntled with getting into the workforce or establishing themselves. It’s not easy and often you have to start back at base level, contract work, retail work etc to enhance skills and gain experience. The first break, along with combined passion, makes success.
<h5>HOW DO YOU FIND DEALING WITH CLIENTS? ANY TIPS ON HOW TO GROW YOUR CLIENT BASE?</h5>
I really enjoy dealing with clients and developing the relationship. Of course each relationship is different but the same skills apply in terms of listening well to their needs and brief and delivering above and beyond in terms of service and finished product. Word of mouth is huge in the industry of course, along with keeping an ear to the ground, social media, any form of advertising.
<h5>WHAT WAS THE FIRST PROJECT YOU WORKED ON LIKE?</h5>
I will always cherish my first client. She was and is my gorgeous neighbour. I remember living and breathing it and couldn’t believe how much work it was.
<h5>WERE THERE ANY GREAT MISTAKES THAT YOU MADE ON THAT FIRST PROJECT THAT YOU’D LOVE TO PASS ON?</h5>
None of course (that they know about :)). I suppose I would revisit some tile choices, time spent on the entire project would be minimised, design ideas would be worked on and improved.
<h5>How do you stay current in the industry? What newsletters/blogs/social media tools do you read each week?</h5>
Saying current in the industry involves a mixed array…reading lots of industry mags, attending industry talks and trade shows, following social media, talking to industry and trades (architects and builders are invaluable), visiting showrooms and launches. Favourite blogs and online sites include inoutdesignblog, sharedesign, estliving, designfiles, dezeen, archiblox, decus, whiting architects, karen mccartney, herbst architects, clare cousins, Tribe, green magazine….
<h5>What’s your favourite designer at the moment and why?</h5>
This is an incredibly hard question…I’ve narrowed it down to Australia and NZ. At the moment Australian company Whiting Architects…their use of colour, innovative and clever design ideas, refreshing use of left of centre specifications, overall completed concepts and designs. In NZ I love, love Herbst Architects. They design and create understatedly amazing beach and urban houses, use of organic and bare timbers, and minimalist, clever designs that really incorporate their environments.
<h5>WHAT IS THE BIG PROJECT YOUR WORKING ON NOW?</h5>
I am currently working on 4 great projects. A couple are brand new builds, both coastal property’s and both 3 level homes. It has been great working alongside builders and architects and as always adjusting design ideas as the build progresses. They are both due for completion in December.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Catmint-interior-design-Image-banner-2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-6655 size-large" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Catmint-interior-design-Image-banner-2-1024x536.jpg" alt="Catmint interior design Image banner 2" width="660" height="345" /></a>
We will revisit Cath&#8217;s projects in the coming months to walk through how she puts the interior scheme together for these projects. In the meantime you can find her at;
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Website : <a href="https://www.catmintid.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.catmintid.com.au</a>
Instagram : catmintid
Facebook : catmint interior design
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Showcase bathroom interior design in beige tones, glass freestanding bathtub and wash basing. Round mirrors, steel faucets, modern carpet, floor lamp and side tables. Minimalist project concept

Catmint Interior Design

At Open Day this weekend, we hosted a workshop to help explain how to make an amazing moodboard for your space. To make sure no one misses out, we have our top 4 tips for creating a mood board on the blog today.
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Finding your personal style and creating a mood board is all about considering the story that you want your space to tell about you, your family and your life.
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What is a style?
A style is the name termed for a trend that has been recorded as living long enough or having been embraced by a significant number of people.
Therefore what begins as a trend, if successful and is universally acknowledged will become an established style.
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-03-at-6.36.41-pm.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5486" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-03-at-6.36.41-pm-290x300.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016-04-03 at 6.36.41 pm" width="290" height="300" /></a>
Scandinavian Style
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-03-at-6.36.50-pm.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5485" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-03-at-6.36.50-pm-285x300.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016-04-03 at 6.36.50 pm" width="285" height="300" /></a>
French Provincial Style
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-03-at-6.37.23-pm.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5483" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-03-at-6.37.23-pm-289x300.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016-04-03 at 6.37.23 pm" width="289" height="300" /></a>
Modern Country Style
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What is a mood?
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A mood is how you want the space to feel and this will lead into your colour palette and textures. Colour has the power to set a scene and to create a mood in any room. It can be a great starting point and can tie all of your elements together.
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/25ab2948ec912ddebf0cef64ada76b27.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5488" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/25ab2948ec912ddebf0cef64ada76b27.jpg" alt="25ab2948ec912ddebf0cef64ada76b27" width="236" height="291" /></a>   <a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ad1ef57b6ec078b8775ae595a4202b16.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-5491" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ad1ef57b6ec078b8775ae595a4202b16-167x300.jpg" alt="ad1ef57b6ec078b8775ae595a4202b16" width="161" height="289" /></a>
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Texture can also create various moods in a space. Comparing rough vs smooth textures, variation on textures and textures in the same colour all create completely different moods.
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When creating your mood board be sure to consider the style and mood your want to create!
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<h4>4 Tips when creating your mood board</h4>
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Remember that your board is a collage as much as it is a visual representation of all the things you need to consider when decorating your space. It is a reference for you to use to display the colour, style and mood you’re hoping to achieve.
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Step 1
Find an image from a magazine that appeals to you. Cut it out and paste it into the middle of your mood board
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/FullSizeRender-14.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5492" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/FullSizeRender-14-300x225.jpg" alt="FullSizeRender-14" width="300" height="225" /></a>
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Step 2
Pick out the core colour in the image and stick it to the right of your image
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/FullSizeRender-17.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5495" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/FullSizeRender-17-300x225.jpg" alt="FullSizeRender-17" width="300" height="225" /></a>
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Step 3
Pick out the other pieces of colour and texture in the image and cut squares of each colour or images that represent texture (timber, stone etc.).
Remember to keep these proportional to the amount of colour that is in the image
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/FullSizeRender-12.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5502" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/FullSizeRender-12-294x300.jpg" alt="FullSizeRender-12" width="294" height="300" /></a>
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Step 4
Pick out appealing accessories, furniture, fabrics, art etc. that will complement your colour scheme and arrange these in a grid patterns around your board.
Allow for plenty of white space between your images.
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/FullSizeRender-7.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5497" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/FullSizeRender-7-300x234.jpg" alt="FullSizeRender-7" width="300" height="234" /></a>
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Want to learn more about making a mood board with some of our expert educators? Join us at <a href="https://www.iscd.edu.au/workshops/styling-101/">Styling 101</a> in April.

yellow and green color chairs, sofa, armchair in empty background. surrounding by geometric shape Concept of minimalism & installation art. 3d rendering mock up

4 Tips When Creating A Moodboard

Minimal scene of concrete and terrazzo texture podium and sphere 3d render mockup in landscape

Women In Design

When we say Halloween, many people think of pumpkins, cats, costumes and horror, right? When we say Halloween colours, people usually think of orange and black. Have you ever really thought about why these two colours together are associated with Halloween?
Black is probably a pretty easy one to figure out, with it being associated with words such as power, mystery, fear and death. It’s an obvious choice for a day that was originally a ‘festival of the dead’.
And then there’s orange, why orange? A colour made up of red and yellow, usually associated with joy, warmth and success. But when paired up with black it makes us think of Halloween which is definitely not a holiday associated with ‘joy, warmth or success’. Halloween falls on the 31st October which, in most countries, is in the season of autumn. A very ‘orange’ season, with the changing of the leaves and presence of pumpkins.
However, black and orange together do not have to always be associated with Halloween, here we have found some stunning interiors that use this colour combination well&#8230;and are not at all spooky! Happy Halloween creative peeps!
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Image-source-apartmenttherapy.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-10772" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Image-source-apartmenttherapy-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="286" height="429" /></a> <a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Image-source-office-snap-shots.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-10770" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Image-source-office-snap-shots-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="283" height="425" /></a><a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Image-source-theultralinx.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-10771" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Image-source-theultralinx-231x300.jpg" alt="" width="326" height="424" /></a> <a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Image-source-bloglovin.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-10768" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Image-source-bloglovin-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="424" height="319" /></a>
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Image 1: <a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/fresh-takes-on-8-ugly-color-combinations-231534">apartmenttherapy.com</a>
Image 2: <a href="https://officesnapshots.com/2015/03/11/decom-venray-offices/">officesnapshots.com</a>
Image 3: <a href="https://www.decoist.com/2014-02-24/modern-sofas/">decoist.com</a>
Image 4: <a href="https://theultralinx.com/2014/01/random-inspiration-118-architecture-cars-girls-style-gear/">theultralinx.com</a>
Image 5: <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/mydomaine-13997320/tour-a-gorgeous-french-home-with-powerful-4577178971">bloglovin.com</a>
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Minimal podium display for background 3d rendering

Why Are Orange And Black The Colours Of Halloween?

<h1>“The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don&#8217;t.”</h1>
<a href="https://www.becomingminimalist.com/">Joshua Becker, founder and editor of Becoming Minimalist</a>
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Here at iscd we believe you should “Design the life you want to live”.  We want students to be able to combine their passion for design with their lifestyle and or career and the best way to start is to declutter.
The word ‘declutter’ means to remove mess or clutter from a place. Whether that ‘place’ is psychological or physical it’s important to declutter from time to time.
Decluttering psychologically can be done through many different ways.
<ol>
<li>Writing things down</li>
</ol>
Be it a to-do list or just everything on your mind, this is a great way to visually see what you have to do or what is on your mind. The physical process of writing things down and crossing things out is therapeutic and can almost free the mind up of any unwanted clutter.
<ol start="2">
<li>Meditation</li>
</ol>
Meditation has many benefits for the brain, it’s a great way to take some time out of your day and to really focus on yourself! Particularly, guided meditation if you are a busy person as this will help you switch off. Benefits include, reduced stress, anxiety and depression, improvement to your attention span and mood.
<ol start="3">
<li>Colouring</li>
</ol>
Adult colouring books are everywhere! This is a great way to declutter you mind and relax. Focusing on something different and fun can take your mind off things without you even realizing, even if it is just for 30 minutes a day! They are believed to reduce anxiety and clear your mind.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Image-Source-Pinterest-decluttering-mind.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-10711" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Image-Source-Pinterest-decluttering-mind-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="261" height="392" /></a>
Image source <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/pin/235383518000944900/">Pinterest</a>
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Decluttering physically can sometimes be a bit daunting, especially if you have a lot of clutter!
<ol>
<li>To-do lists</li>
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As mentioned above, writing things down can be a good place to start. This time instead of dumping thoughts out you are listing whats next. If you have a few rooms you want to declutter put them in the order you are going to do them, break things down so that you can physically see what you have to do.
<ol start="2">
<li>One in, one out</li>
</ol>
Start to live by this rule to keep on top of your ‘clutter’. If you go out and buy anything new, come home and get rid of something you don’t use anymore, and I don’t mean just throwing it away, recycle it by giving it to a friend/work colleague, donate it to a charity or even try selling it somewhere!
<ol start="3">
<li>Make it fun!</li>
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People are less likely to do things, or do them well, if we’re not enjoying ourselves whilst doing it. I know what some of you may be thinking, ‘how can decluttering my home be fun?!’ The word fun means something different for everyone, so think of things that you enjoy doing and incorporate it into decluttering. Like watching a movie, listening to your favourite album, having someone to keep you company. Or if you’re quite a competitive person make it into a challenge, set yourself goals and times you have to have done things by and reward yourself if you complete it at the end. Always reward yourself this will keep you focused!
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Image-Source-Pinterest-decluttering-your-home.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-10712" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Image-Source-Pinterest-decluttering-your-home-226x300.jpg" alt="" width="269" height="358" /></a>
Image Source <a href="https://au.pinterest.com/pin/281967626649983713/">Pinterest</a>
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Want to learn more about decluttering and minimalism? Books to read below:
<a href="https://themoreofless.com/">The More of Less &#8211; Joshua Becker</a>
<a href="https://www.missminimalist.com/2010/07/the-joy-of-less-a-minimalist-living-guide/">The Joy of Less &#8211; Francine Jay</a>
<a href="https://neworderlove.com/">New Order &#8211; Fay Wolf</a>
<a href="https://tidyingup.com/books/spark-joy-hc">Spark Joy &#8211; Marie Kondo</a>

Natural beauty podium backdrop with tropical palm tree shadow.

Our Tips To Help Declutter Your Mind And Home

Some of our Interior Design students have recently had an incursion with Kenneth from Carbon 8, a specialist printing company in Sydney. Kenneth spoke to the students about the many different elements of printing and the importance of the printing processes when it comes to portfolios.
We caught up with Kenneth to ask him for some tips when it comes to creating a ‘perfect’ portfolio&#8230;
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Printing has different stages, one of the most important being before you even press print. What things should be considered before printing?
Think about the quality of your images and resolution. Ideally images should be 300dpi for best quality printing but images above 180dpi usually look acceptable. If in doubt, zoom in on it so that you are seeing your art at 100%. If you see imperfections in the image, you will see it in printing. You tend to notice imperfections more once printed than on a screen. So be very critical of your imagery.
The other big point is that colour is very subjective. Your monitor and phone will look different and that is the same with printers, they can all differ. For the best chance of colour consistency always make sure photos you work with have a colour profile embedded. And that you always choose to honour colour profiles and continue to embed them in your workflow. It is what tells our machines what version of colours your file is talking about.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/4452714f7b1a81c3e3834cb35d89d296.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-11869" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/4452714f7b1a81c3e3834cb35d89d296-255x300.jpg" alt="" width="409" height="481" /></a>
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/3518505942968215/">Image from pinterest.com.au</a>
When designing a portfolio what will make someone stand out from others? How can work be presented so that it will stand out from the crowd?
Don’t put too many small images on a page as they will look cluttered and you will lose detail. We believe in the maxim ‘less is more’, so just keep refining and asking yourself if everything needs to be there. Anything that doesn’t contribute to the story, remove it.
Your work and our print quality should speak for themselves. No need to overcomplicate it with lots of other stuff.
What advice would you give when bringing the final portfolio together?
Always work in InDesign to lay out. It is far easier and better than Illustrator for laying things out. Never paste a file into a document, always link it as you can then edit the link and update it. A pasted in image is locked in time.
If you are working on a multipage portfolio, you can design in spreads but before outputting for print always change to single pages and export from this view.
Also remember to think about bleed for print. Printing is nearly always cut as a last process so we need all colour or images that meet the cutting edge to bleed over it. It’s often forgotten by students but is vital or you can end up with an ugly sliver of colour where you thought your booklet should be trimmed. Bleed it over the edge by at least 2mm to allow some tolerance in cutting and never run imagery or colour closer than about 8mm of the edge if you want it to have a white border. It can look very cramped if you have things running too close to the edge.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/proposalbookinternationaltowers2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-11867" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/proposalbookinternationaltowers2-300x201.jpg" alt="" width="399" height="267" /></a> <a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/proposalbookinternationaltowers1.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-11866" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/proposalbookinternationaltowers1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="397" height="266" /></a>
Image from: <a href="https://www.carbon8.com.au">carbon8.com.au</a>
How many pages is the ideal amount?
This is hard to say. How much do you have that is worth inclusion? Again, ‘less is more’ applies. Having said that, you have to convey your point of difference and you don’t want to undersell yourself. But if something feels like it’s a repeat or upon reflection a few days later seems a little off, rework it, reshoot it, redesign it.
Should a portfolio have a consistent look/feel?
Yes, I think this is vital. Even if you are presenting a mix of themes you need to find a way to make them as cohesive as possible.
It all needs to talk with the same accent or it may feel a little disjointed.
<a href="https://www.carbon8.com.au"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-11865" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/catalogue_book_perfect_bound_austube-300x188.jpg" alt="" width="404" height="253" /></a>
<a href="https://www.carbon8.com.au">Image from: carbon8.com.au</a>

Minimalistic mediterranean style interior with stairs

Tips On Creating The Perfect Printed Portfolio

Colour effects our depth perception
When choosing the colours for a room you should consider this. Bright, cool colours generally make a room feel bigger, and dark warm colours generally make a room feel smaller and more intimate.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Photo-by-Breather-on-Unsplash.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10671" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Photo-by-Breather-on-Unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Photo-by-Sasha-o-Instagram.comsanfrancisco-on-Unsplash.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10672" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Photo-by-Sasha-o-Instagram.comsanfrancisco-on-Unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>
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Wearing bright colours could be the one thing between you and that job you wanted!
Wearing bright colours stand out more than greyed off colours. Bright colours can improve your  mood but also the moods of others around you which could affect the outcome of that important meeting. Or make an impact so a client remembers you when deciding who they choose to work with.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Photo-by-Cynthia-del-Ro-on-Unsplash.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-10662" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Photo-by-Cynthia-del-Ro-on-Unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="362" height="241" /></a>
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Pink is the colour used for anger management
When feeling angry it has been said that visualising the colour pink can reduce the anger you are feeling. The colour pink promotes calmness and peace.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Photo-by-SnapbyThree-MY-on-Unsplash.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-10663" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Photo-by-SnapbyThree-MY-on-Unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="359" height="239" /></a>
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Red and Yellow promote hunger
Red, makes you feel warm, comforted, and loved, which is what some would describe as a good meal should make us feel. Yellow, as well as being the ‘happy’ colour, has been found to encourage hunger when used with red, your brain releases more serotonin, a feel-good hormone, when you see the colour. Notice how many restaurants use yellow in their logo’s to make you want to stop and eat.
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/subway-logo.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10674" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/subway-logo-300x120.png" alt="" width="300" height="120" /></a> <a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/mcdonalds_logo.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10677" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/mcdonalds_logo-300x227.png" alt="" width="300" height="227" /></a> <a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Pizza_Hut_2012_logo.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10673" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Pizza_Hut_2012_logo.png" alt="" width="200" height="200" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/HUNGRY-JACKS.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-10676" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/HUNGRY-JACKS.jpg" alt="" width="243" height="237" /></a>
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Men and women see colour differently
Men and women really don’t see ‘eye to eye’ study says. It’s said that men’s eyes see colours, such as Red, women’s eyes will see the different shades/tones of that colour, in this case Maraschino and Cayenne.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/kathreynn-DeviantArt.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-10664" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/kathreynn-DeviantArt-285x300.jpg" alt="" width="377" height="397" /></a>

3d render of nature-themed product display podium in front of a plant with a beige background

5 Interesting Facts On Colour That Will Help You In Your Day To Day Life

Whether the budget is big or small, as Interior Designers we all have to work within a specified budget. It may seem like one of the biggest challenges that designers face, but there are various tips and tricks out there that prove you don&#8217;t need to spend a fortune to get the designer look &#8211; you just need to be smart about how you spend your money.
#1 Take your time and prioritise
Planning is key to keeping you on track with your budget. Ensure that you take a thorough brief from your client to understand what they want to achieve within their space and the mood they want to create. Create a mood board of your ideas and your research. This will assist in working within the budget, as you will identify where the biggest impact can me bade and where it is important to spend money and where you can save on smaller, trend based items.
Read: <a href="https://iscd.edu.au/blog/iscd-partners-with-programa-to-prepare-students-for-their-future-careers">ISCD Partners with Programa to Prepare Students for Their Future Careers</a>
#2 Embrace the DIY attitude
Making your own decor and and furniture for your interior can earn you great savings. By doing your research and exploring DIY tips and tricks, you can find much cheaper alternatives that will provide you with almost the same look, as if you were to buy an expensive designer piece of furniture or decor. See what already exists within the space that can be upcycled and repurposed. When shopping around look for the items that have the same feel as a designer piece, such as a vintage lamp or chair that you can apply a great paint job to. This will allow you to achieve the same result as purchasing something brand new at a fraction of the price.
#3 Get creative and use paint! 
Using paint in creative ways is one of the most cost-effective methods to transform any interior. Think of the paint brush as a magic wand that will change a space from dull to designer with every stroke. Nowadays, paint is manufactured in various forms to be applied to a variety of surfaces. Whether you need to transform walls, tiles or cupboards there are many cost-effective alternatives available. Depending on your client&#8217;s brief, use paint to create or change a mood, or open up a space to make it bigger and brighter. You can also get creative and save yourself buying brand new expensive items of furniture by using lacquer paint on vintage pieces. This will instantly transform it into a brand new unique designer-like piece without the big price tag.
#4 Style with simple furnishings 
Styling with simple soft furnishings is a quick, simple and cost-effective way to transform any room. Decorative and practical accessories such a cushions, throws, lights and mirrors are a simple but effective way to incorporate patterns, colour and mood into your interior without spending an excessive amount. These small additions are fun and provide an instant wow factor and unique touch. Shop around for the products you are looking for as the market is full of retailers offering the latest trends in fabrics, textures and colors in soft furnishings. This also don’t require any work such as hammering or drilling, which is another appealing factor to this trick.
#5 Invest in showstoppers
As identified in the planning stage, you should have identified what will make the biggest impact in your interior and where it is important to spend the money and where you can save on smaller, trend based items. Investing in one or two more expensive items is much better than having everything bought at a cheaper price. Your showstopper piece doesn&#8217;t necessarily need to be a piece of furniture, it can be anything that will lift the level of your interior. It can either be bought brand new or upcycled. This can include furniture, flooring, lighting, art pieces, cabinetry or any statement piece that creates that showstopper feeling in your interior.

Modern minimalist interior with an armchair on empty white color wall background.

Tips And Tricks For Working Within Budgets

We get lots of people asking what&#8217;s the difference between studying Styling and Interior Decoration, so we thought we would explain some of the advantages each course offers.
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<h3>Styling Diploma</h3>
A <a href="https://www.iscd.edu.au/courses/diploma-of-styling/">Styling Diploma</a> at iscd gives you specific styling skills applicable to a variety of styling jobs, not just interior styling. For example, you learn about editorial styling, product styling, visual merchandising and residential styling. You&#8217;ll focus on understanding spacial planning, soft furnishing, building a resource book of suppliers, how to successfully answer a client brief and how to manage projects including fees and contracts. You can then apply these skills to:
<ul>
<li>Event styling</li>
<li>Stage design</li>
<li>Floristry</li>
<li>Interior styling</li>
<li>Product and retail styling</li>
<li>Editorial styling</li>
</ul>
This course is an industry recognized diploma. It has an entry requirement of completion of the <a href="https://www.iscd.edu.au/courses/foundation-course-certificate-iv/">Certificate IV in Design</a> (CUA40715 or equivalent) to gain sound knowledge in colour and design foundations.
Full time is 1 day a week for 2 terms (6 months). 
Part time is 3 hours a week over the space of 4 terms (1 year).
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<h3>Certificate IV In Interior Decoration</h3>
The <a href="https://www.iscd.edu.au/courses/certificate-iv-in-interior-decoration/">Certificate IV in Interior Decoration</a> (MSF40113) is a larger commitment based on a heavier work load. You will learn styling specifically for residential interiors (no other styling outcomes) and spend more time on the execution of decoration ideas for interior spaces to client specific briefs. For example, you will learn technical drawing &amp; rendering so you can present full interior schemes professionally via InDesign and Photoshop. You do more advanced colour work in applying colour schemes to interior projects. And your suppliers source list will be more extensive covering a wider array of products. You will also get a foundation in business documentation and fees in this course.
You graduate as a qualified Interior Decorator. You can advise on a range of jobs from residential styling to complete internal schemes, either as a sole trader or as a consultant to architects and re-developers. This course is a nationally accredited certificate.
Full time is 4 days a week for 3 terms (9 months). 
Part time is 2 days a week over the space of 8 terms (2 years).
If you are working full-time or have less time for study, we offer a range of on-campus and online study options to suit your needs.
Are you interested in design or interior decoration and need some more information? We&#8217;d love to hear from you!
<center><a class="button" title="Enquire Now" href="https://www.iscd.edu.au/contact-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></center>&nbsp;
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Contemporary luxury spacious home corridor through living room with amazing large glass wall

What’s The Difference Between Styling And Interior Decoration?

This month we wanted to share with you our top 10 sites for colour inspiration. Colour is everywhere we go, with the amount of inspiration limitless. Although not an easy task, we have managed to narrow down our top 10 sites including social media, blogs and paint colour inspiration sites  that offer you new sources of inspiration. Whether it be for an assignment, a project you&#8217;re working on for yourself, or a client, or just for pure inspiration to add to your collection; these sites will wow you with your new favourite hues and ideas.
In no particular order, here are our top 10 sites for your daily colour inspiration&#8230;
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<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Screen-Shot-2017-08-31-at-10.46.43-PM.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-10420 size-medium" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Screen-Shot-2017-08-31-at-10.46.43-PM-300x278.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="278" /></a>
DesignSeeds.com | A blog for all colour enthusiasts
Calling all colour palette and combination enthusiasts! <a href="https://www.design-seeds.com">DesignSeeds.com</a> is a must-visit site for your daily dose of colour inspiration. Jessica Colaluca started this creative community in 2009. Her inspiration was the potential she saw in the emerging online creative community and the voice that social media offered. Over the years, this blog has evolved into an international community, offering hundreds of hand-curated colour palettes. Navigate through the site and read the &#8216;<a href="https://www.design-seeds.com/blog/">Blog</a>&#8216; which is where you will find a limitless amount of colour inspiration. If you&#8217;re looking for inspiration to explore a particular palette, click on the &#8216;<a href="https://www.design-seeds.com/by-color/">By Colour</a>&#8216; tab to select a certain swatch and explore the possibilities of a particular colour.
In preparation for Spring, we took a sneak peek at the &#8216;blush&#8217; swatch and we were amazed by the floral and heavenly hues and the soft pastel combinations for each palette!
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Screen-Shot-2017-08-31-at-10.47.46-PM.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-10421 size-medium" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Screen-Shot-2017-08-31-at-10.47.46-PM-188x300.jpg" alt="" width="188" height="300" /></a>
Plenty of Colour | A design blog to celebrate all things colourful
Blogger Chloe Douglas started <a href="https://plentyofcolour.com">Plenty Of Colour</a> to celebrate colour with those who share a similar enthusiasm and wonder. She shares her visual journey with her viewers through pulling together pictures of everyday items in vibrant hues to create eccentric colour schemes to suit your taste. Be inspired by the simplicity of the blog, yet captivating colour consumed images which take you on a journey of the hundreds of hues available.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Screen-Shot-2017-08-31-at-10.55.23-PM.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-10422 size-medium" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Screen-Shot-2017-08-31-at-10.55.23-PM-300x156.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="156" /></a>
House of Turquoise | A site where inspiration starts with one colour 
For inspiration on how to work with one colour and create an entire room without overdoing it, <a href="https://houseofturquoise.com">Houseofturquoise.com</a> is the site to visit. Erin Moser started the House of Turquoise in 2007. She began sharing her obsession with the colour through her collection of inspirational photos of rooms that feature turquoise, showing how you can in fact use one colour to create an entire room in a sleek, sophisticated way. Her site is much more than just all things turquoise, it is a great colour inspiration hotspot, showing how to use one colour subtly throughout the paint and products used in a room. If you love turquoise or aqua, want to know how to create a calming room through the use of these hues or love beach-inspired interiors, then House of Turquoise is the perfect design site for you.
Concepts &amp;  Colorways | An inspirational colour blog
<a href="https://conceptsandcolorways.com/category/color-trends/">Concepts &amp; Colorways</a> is an inspirational colour blog founded by interior designer, Bobbi Edwards. Be inspired by how this blog exemplifies the idea that colour is a powerful design tool and explore how colour is used in all walks of life. Bobbi created the blog in hopes of sharing colour ideas with all those who use it, whether it be for interiors, textiles, styling, graphic arts, architecture, photography etc. This is a blog completely dedicated to all things colour! Need some new inspiration for colour palettes for your next project?  Browse through the latest colour trends, colour palettes, mini-palettes and palettes by project all in the one place at Concepts &amp; Colorways.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Screen-Shot-2017-09-01-at-9.32.44-AM.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10433" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Screen-Shot-2017-09-01-at-9.32.44-AM-249x300.jpg" alt="" width="249" height="300" /></a>
Green House Interiors | An Instagram account where colour is their language 
Immerse yourself in an Instagram account that speaks to you in all things colour! Whether you&#8217;re looking for colour inspiration for your next project or just want to brighten your day with hundreds of hues, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/greenhouseinteriors/">@greenhouseinteriors </a>is a must-see. Julia Green from Green House Interiors is an experienced stylist for both homes and commercial spaces and a writer; a household name in the world of interior styling. Her Instagram holds a plethora of colour inspiration for any project. We love the mix of colour inspiration Julia uses throughout her images, whether it be through the use of colour in her interior design, styling, paint colours, artwork or her re-posts of colour inspiration from others!
“Colour is our language and relaxed spaces that sing of Australian influences are our trademark,” Green says. “Following us means you are guaranteed a feed full of fabulous imagery at all times! Come for the ride.” (Julia Green, Green House Interiors in an interview with Domain.com.au)
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Screen-Shot-2017-09-01-at-10.07.53-AM.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10440" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Screen-Shot-2017-09-01-at-10.07.53-AM-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a>
Porter&#8217;s Paints | An Instagram account full of inspirational hand-made paint colours
Crafting colour and texture in hand-made paints, wallpapers and timber flooring for 35 years, it is no wonder that the Porter&#8217;s Paints Instagram is full of colour paint inspiration! If you find yourself working on a project or hunting inspiration and need some fresh, diverse colour ideas, then look not further than <a href="https://www.instagram.com/porterspaints/?hl=en">@porterspaints</a>. Their Instagram will showcase and wow you with how their hand-made paints are used to transform any interior or exterior. Find new colour combinations, trends and shades by scrolling through their page &#8211; the possibilities are limitless!
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Screen-Shot-2017-09-01-at-10.43.47-AM.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10451" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Screen-Shot-2017-09-01-at-10.43.47-AM-300x194.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="194" /></a>
Dulux | Innovative and inspiring paint colours for your next project 
Be inspired with thousands of colour combinations for your next project without lifting a brush and find out the latest colour trends with <a href="https://www.dulux.com.au">Dulux</a>. Want to turn a blank canvas into a stunning unveil? The &#8216;<a href="https://www.dulux.com.au/inspiration/inspirationgallery">Inspiration Gallery</a>&#8216; offers a you inspiration with a vast collection of colourfully decorated rooms, trendsetting decors and memorable makeovers. If you are wowed by what you see in the Inspiration Gallery, discover the colour combinations you can use to transform your interior by exploring the &#8216;<a href="https://www.dulux.com.au/colour">Colour</a>&#8216; section. For that extra little bit of inspiration from other designers, Dulux show you that adding colour to your life can make amazing things happen with their &#8216;<a href="https://www.dulux.com.au/inspiration">Inspiration</a>&#8216; tab, where they collaborate with inspirational designers to showcase the latest colour trends for your home.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Screen-Shot-2017-09-01-at-10.24.24-AM.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10447" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Screen-Shot-2017-09-01-at-10.24.24-AM-300x165.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="165" /></a>
Taubmans | Colour schemes + colour cards
Need paint colour schemes and colour cards to help inspire your next project? <a href="https://www.taubmans.com.au">Taubmans</a> has more to their site than just an array of fabulous paint colours. When planning your next painting project, check out their &#8216;<a href="https://www.taubmans.com.au/colours/tips">Colour Tips</a>&#8216; for all things colour &#8211; basics, combinations, and commandments. Explore the &#8216;<a href="https://www.taubmans.com.au/inspirations">Get Inspired</a>&#8216; tab for a library of colour schemes that might just be what you need for what you&#8217;re working on, and see how many others have also been inspired by clicking on the image. Taubmans colour cards found in &#8216;<a href="https://www.taubmans.com.au/look-books">Colour Inspiration</a>&#8216; are helpful guides to help you choose the right colour and the right atmosphere for your interior.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Screen-Shot-2017-09-01-at-10.21.40-AM.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10445" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Screen-Shot-2017-09-01-at-10.21.40-AM-300x178.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="178" /></a>
Resene | Colour inspiration + colour trends 
Get inspiring ideas to help you choose colours and decorate with <a href="https://www.resene.com.au">Resene </a>inspiration. Hidden within their site is a hub full of <a href="https://www.resene.com.au/colour-inspiration.htm">colour inspiration</a>. You will find yourself navigating through this hub for decoration inspiration, colour trends and ideas, going through the swatch library, reading the ColourWise newsletters for tips and tricks on using colour combinations, and for a bit of extra fun&#8230;we even found ourselves 
taking the colour personality test!
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Screen-Shot-2017-09-01-at-10.07.01-AM.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10439" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Screen-Shot-2017-09-01-at-10.07.01-AM-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>
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Pinterest | Using social media for visual bookmarking 
Looking for colour inspiration, latest trends, forecasts or ideas? With access to over 100 million users sharing images, <a href="https://au.pinterest.com">Pinterest</a> is the social media platform to check out and to capture inspiration on-the-go. You have the ability to browse the thousands of boards and millions of pins, with all your favourite brands, retailers, and paint companies in one place. You can also inspire others with your ideas by showcasing and sharing your own work with other users.
Pinterest is also great to use as a mood board or clipboard for your own projects. Visual bookmarking will ensure that you have an endless amount of colour inspiration. Simply search for what you&#8217;re looking for, whether it be &#8216;interior colour trends 2017&#8217; or &#8216;Spring colour palette&#8217;, and pin it! After countless &#8216;pin it&#8217;s&#8217; your favourite colour palettes or schemes, ideas, paint colours and brands, will be saved to your profile to view later on when you need inspiration or ideas for any project!
What are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the world of colour and continue building your collection of colour inspiration from our top 10 sites!
Want to learn more about Colour? Read about our Colour Design Diploma <a href="https://www.iscd.edu.au/courses/colour-design-diploma/">here</a>.

Bright relaxing room interior with couch and seats, shelf and panoramic window

Our Top 10 Sites For Colour Inspiration

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This month we chat to an interior designer who has built up an design business that spans both commercial and residential design. A finalist in the national design competition ‘Corporate Cultures Design Journey,’ and recently awarded one of Australia&#8217;s Interior Designers to watch by <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/lifestyle/australias-new-wave-of-up-and-coming-designers/">realestate.com.au</a>. Alicia made time to chat to us and share some of her stunning work! (First image from @aliciaxiberrasinterios Instagram feed)
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Alicia-Head-shot.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-10234 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Alicia-Head-shot-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>
How did Alicia Xiberras Interiors begin?
I grew up around floor plans, my father was a builder. I had this ability to be able to read them from a young age and I used to pretend to be architect. I never played with my Barbies but I did create Barbie houses out of shoe boxes. Creating curtains and designing the interior. I just seemed to have a passion for it. At 17 I applied to accounting but realised that was not where I wanted to go so I studied an Advanced Diploma of Interior Design. My first job was done the old fashioned way. There was no social media. So it was sifting through the yellow pages. I called ten firms a day until I got a job. I went into the drafting section of a firm in Parramata and was not qualified in the programs at the time but they employed me because they said I had something. I think they sensed my passion! So I learnt everything on the job AutoCAD, Revit, the DA process in Council everything.
After a while I had an itch for interiors not architectural work and I went to a Kitchen company and learnt all about joinery design for 2 years. Then I slowly went out on my own. Colour consulting on side while I worked and this lead to starting my business 6 years ago but it really only took off with the exposure of social media, and being recognised by <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/lifestyle/australias-new-wave-of-up-and-coming-designers/">www.realestate.com.au</a> as being one of Australia’s most upcoming and promising designers.
It’s astonishes me every day that at 29 years old my business has grown, from starting as just me behind my laptop, to now having a client base of  retail and residential, 25 projects we are currently working on, hiring a  personal assistant and designing my own studio.
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What is your daily life/ schedule as an Interior Designer?
Well, today I have 15 clients to follow up on all at various stages of their projects. I am also meeting with a graphic designer for the look of a store bulk head for a commercial project I am working on. Budgeting for new residential design project. Organising a meeting with Christopher Boots for a light instillation for residential project. I have a meeting with a representative from Laminex on new products for our sample library. And a catch up with a local tile store for new range and price review. Then when I have finished all that I will be working on the design side of the projects. Oh and we are also planning to go to Décor and Design in Melbourne so finalising those details. Then when the work day has ended, I go to my other busy life of being a young mum with two small children.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Alicia-Xiberras-project-1.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10219 size-medium" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Alicia-Xiberras-project-1-300x150.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="150" /></a>
What are your main sources of inspiration?Following suppliers and what they have coming out. Also going to events for example, Belle magazine launched with Laminex recently and I was chatting with the editor of the magazine about the industry and trends, and what is the design talk straight out of Milan.
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So how do you get invited or here about these industry events?
Its really important to have good relationships with the supplier reps. They are always trying to educate me in what’s happening within their companies, and their industry nights.  Talk to people in the magazine world and collaborate with people on social media. Personally I am an Instagram girl and I also get a bit of inspiration there. I also go to Seminars like Decor + Design with Scarlet Opus who are British based trend forecasters.
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What advice/tips would you give students who have completed their studies and want to start working in the industry or want to start their own business?
Don’t give up. If you have to break your back to do it do it, work for free, put in the long hours, just do what it takes to get noticed to get in the industry!
If you would like to eventually start your own business you need to ensure you have strength, dedication, it’s also not just about being a fantastic designer, it’s about being able to sell your concepts to clients and managing  tight time frames, and working as a team with your staff. But, if you want it with everything you have, hard work pays off.
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What were the most valuable things you learned there?
You have to maintain professionalism in the business. But for me I find my clients become my friends as you are personally involved in their space and lifestyle. It is really valuable to form that bond with clients, they have to trust you and you have to understand them.
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Alicia-Xiberras-project-2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10220 size-medium" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Alicia-Xiberras-project-2-300x150.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="150" /></a>
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How do you find your new clients?
Word of mouth. Facebook is so important. You have to keep in mind who your targeting and grow that audience. With my 2k followers 90% are local to me and all know about me.
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What is the best way to engage with this audience?
An enticing image. Everything we post has to be a great quality photo and great content. Inspire your followers. I believe everyone should have a the access to having the inspiration on how to have a beautiful home even on a budget!
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If you could shadow any designer for a day, who would it be?
Steve Cordony – he is editor of Belle magazine. I love his style, classic meets contemporary.
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Can you sum up your style in three words?
Classic contemporary fusion.
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Is there a piece/object on your lust list at the moment?
A Christopher Boots light installation – I am very excited to be visiting his showroom soon, he is one of Australia’s most iconic lighting designers, we have personally been invited down to Melbourne to see his design process and work space
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What are you currently working on?
A few projects actually both residential and commercial.
In the residential side I have a fun project that we are involved in from the beginning of the architectural process. It’s a 1000 sqm luxury home and the client style is a New York / Manhattan look of contemporary classic. It’s an exciting project because we are involved from the beginning but also because she has elaborate taste and we can play a little with flair. On the retail side of things – I am revamping a 30 yr old fresh food grocer, 3000 sqm. But it is a really holistic project as it involves everything from redoing the logo and the whole concept of the business in general.
Upcoming High end luxe project at Freemans Reach
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Alicia-Xiberras-Project-3.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10221 size-medium" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Alicia-Xiberras-Project-3-300x150.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="150" /></a>
Minto Fruit Orchard refurbishment / Shieke Industrial Style
<a href="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Alicia-Xiberras-retail-design.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-10222 size-medium" src="https://www.iscd.yourcreative.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Alicia-Xiberras-retail-design-300x150.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="150" /></a>
You can follow Alicia&#8217;s website <a href="https://www.aliciaxiberrasinteriors.com.au/">here</a> or on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alicia.xiberras.interiors/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alicia_xiberras_interiors/?hl=en">Instagram</a>  @alicia_Xiberras_interiors

Modern Bathroom interior design,white bathtub on grunge pink wall.

Interior Design Story – Alicia Xiberras Interiors

As designers we are each unique in the way that we approach our work with our own design style. It is no surprise then, that the design world is made up of so many ideas, personalities, personas and styles. Here Tom Puuko from <a href="https://www.feathr.com/">Feathr</a> gives some great insights to the different types of designers that predominantly exist. More than likely you will resonate with a few, or maybe there is one in particular you think suits you best. Explore what type or types of designer you are!
The Traditionalist
The Traditionalist designer is inspired by the earlier ages. Including heavier furniture and fittings is very common for this type of designer. Traditionalists view their design as an act of preservation as well as creation. Their classical style is complete with elegance and function, as well as ornate detailing.
The DIY expert
These designers are all hands-on deck. You are more likely to find the DIY expert on-site at a work bench rather than behind their computer. These designers live in a world between their love for design and creating unique hand crafted pieces. The DIY expert wows with unique pieces and their ability to save on budgets! A keen eye for DIY projects, this type of designer thrives off creating designer inspired pieces at a fraction of the cost.
The Explorer
As &#8216;The Explorer&#8217; you enjoy transforming interiors into a space that has authenticity and individuality. The look and feel you create is based on the concept of taking yourself and your client on a journey within a particular space. As this type of designer, you create unique stories to ensure individuality exists with the space.
The Nurturer
The Nurturer prioritises creating warm homely interior spaces and ensures that their designs are liveable and loveable. These designers love to design family homes that feel like nurturing spaces.
The Philosopher
The Philosopher designs interior spaces that are full of subtle details and aspects that will leave you in awe. Your minimalist attitude crossed with your added intelligence creates spaces that make your client pause and ponder on the inspiration and meaning behind the design.
The Sleek and Modern Designer
The Sleek and Modern Designer has a love for clean lines, angles, simple palettes and mid-century modern design. Clutter sends the sleek and modern designer into a frenzy! Eliminating current and extraneous objects is what they love to do. These designers create modern interiors that are clean and fresh, embracing simplicity in adornment. The elements of design include materials that quietly provide warmth and texture to the interior without detracting from the overall feel.
The Rebel
The Rebel is the type of designer that takes things to the next extreme in a way that works. The complete opposite to the minimalist, the rebel uses their extrovert enthusiasm, use of bold colours and decorating style to give their designs that &#8216;wow&#8217; factor.
Master of Feng Shui
These designers build the look and feel of their interiors based on the principles of Feng Shui and good design. The flow of energy and creating balance defines this type of designer. They love being involved from the concept stage to create positive energy, harmony and style. Furniture is often arranged in the empowered position, and like the sleek and modern designer, they dislike clutter as it offers bad energy. Their understanding of colour creates nurtured, happy and inspired designs.
The Illusionist
Illusionists are described as a &#8216;person who performs tricks that deceive the eye&#8217;. The Illusionist designer does exactly this with their use of jaw-dropping interior decoration styling, using bold statement pieces to create a particular atmosphere or mood within an interior. A love for using statement pieces tricks the eye to focus on a specific element of an interior and can create or redefine a trend.
As designers we all wear many hats and it could be argued that we should be able to master all of these 9 designers. But you will always have one that you feel most comfortable executing and that dominates your style. What ever it is, be brave, experiment and expand your styles and your projects will be forever enhanced for it.
Our next intake of students start July 24th and we cant wait to see what their design styles are and open them to the exciting and creative world of design!
Looking for inspiration &#8211; check out <a href="https://www.feathr.com/">Feathr</a>.com or read their original article <a href="https://www.feathr.com/blog/the-9-types-of-interior-designer-infographic">here</a>.
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ISCD Partners with Programa to Prepare Students for Their Future Careers

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