Competency Based Qualification

Project Studio – Residential

Certificate in Interior Design (KNQF)

Unit Aim

The aim of this unit is to equip Learners with knowledge, understanding and practical skills in residential interior design, focusing on aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. Learners explore space planning, materials, finishes, lighting and furniture selection, with an emphasis on efficient small-space solutions. The unit integrates historical and contemporary design styles, colour theory and project management, preparing Learners to create functional, visually appealing and sustainable residential interiors.

Unit Content

Be able to apply principles of residential interior design to create functional and aesthetically

pleasing home environments.

Residential design principles

Fundamentals of residential interior design

Balancing aesthetics and functionality

Historical and contemporary residential styles

Be able to develop effective space planning strategies for various residential settings.

Space planning for residential interiors

Efficient use of space in various home types

Zoning and circulation strategies

Furniture arrangement and spatial organisation

Be able to select appropriate materials, finishes and furnishings that enhance durability, comfort and sustainability in residential interiors.

Kitchen and bathroom design

Ergonomic and functional considerations

Material selection for wet areas

Trends and technologies in kitchen and bathroom design

Materials and finishes

Selection for durability and aesthetics

Application of finishes for walls, floors, ceilings

Sustainable and eco-friendly options

Furniture design and selection

Custom vs. ready-made furniture

Evaluating comfort, style, and function

Trends in residential furniture

Be able to integrate lighting design principles to optimise ambiance, functionality and energy efficiency in different home spaces.

Lighting design for homes

Types of residential lighting

Lighting strategies for different rooms

Integration of natural and artificial lighting

Be able to use colour theory and psychological principles to create cohesive and visually engaging residential interiors.

Colour Theory and Application

Colour psychology in residential interiors

Creating cohesive colour schemes

Application in various home spaces

Explore sustainable design practices and eco-friendly solutions for residential interiors

Sustainable residential design

Principles of sustainability in home design

Energy-efficient systems and practices

Eco-friendly materials and solutions

Be able to design interior solutions that optimise functionality and aesthetics in small spaces.

Interior design for small spaces

Maximising space in compact homes

Multifunctional furniture and smart storage

Visual techniques to enhance space perception

Be able to manage residential design projects

Project management

Coordinating client consultations

Budgeting

Scheduling and collaboration with contractors and suppliers

Managing residential projects from concept to completion

Recommended Text

Alternative Reading

Brooker, G., & Stone, S. (2022). The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book: Everything Interior Designers Need to Know Every Day (2nd ed.). Rockport Publishers.

Ching, F. D. K., & Binggeli, C. (2021). Interior Design Illustrated (4th ed.). Wiley.

Conran, T. (2020). Terence Conran: My Life in Design. Conran Octopus.

Mitton, M., & Nystuen, C. (2021). Residential Interior Design: A Guide to Planning Spaces (4th ed.). Wiley.

Pile, J. F., & Gura, J. (2019). Interior Design (5th ed.). Pearson.

Susanka, S. (2020). The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live (10th Anniversary Edition). Taunton Press.

Wilhide, E. (2019). The Principles of Interior Design. Firefly Books.