Ever wanted to dedicate some time to the world of interior design? Maybe you love making a space beautiful? Or are you a big-time fan of Channel Nine’s The Block and love to see how they pull their rooms together?

Well, there’s a new course now being offered right here in Newcastle that may just be perfect for all your interior design and decorating dreams. Meet, Design School!

For those that are big-time fans of The Block or have their finger on the pulse when it comes to all things Interior Design and Decorating, the name, Design School, won’t be a new one for you. Design School, launched in Melbourne back in 2016, by well-known Interior Designer and reality TV star from the Block, Jenna Densten; one half of the dynamic duo Josh & Jenna from the 2011 season.

The Bay Haus property, designed by local interiors guru Tim Neve, caught Jenna’s eye on social media. It was a passionate love for all things design that realised an opportunity for the Melbourne-born decorating course to also be offered right here in Newcastle.

“Instagram is the way that we network and connect now as an Industry because we are so visual as interior designers. Jenna and Design School reached out because they liked the look of my Bay Haus project and in return, I mentioned to them that I was an educator and teacher as well, then it all just kind of fell into place from there,” Tim said.

Working on his very own Warehouse at the time, it seemed like a no-brainer to use the Maryville-based warehouse alongside Tim’s knowledge and experience to officially bring Design School to the people of Newcastle.

So, what exactly is the course?

Studying at Design School, students will complete the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration (MSF40118) will give students a range of specialised practical and technical skills and knowledge. Students will be able to provide advice and practical assistance on the finishing and furnishing of existing interior spaces.

“At this end of the spectrum, we’re more about the styling, photoshoots, fabrics, home-staging, all the fun stuff! The practical hands-on experience is what Design School is all about.”

Some modules will cover include working alongside clients to analyse goals and requirements, working alongside other building and design professionals, understand design influences and styles, designing and arranging spaces, interior styling, colour selections, choosing soft furnishings, and using the power of social media platforms.

Who is Design School for?

The accredited course is perfect for those who love and want to create a career in design. It also complements industries such as real estate, retail, photography and has become popular amongst home renovators who want to make the most of their home renos.

“The Certificate IV is perfect even for Real Estate agents who want to get more into styling and staging themselves. There are a lot of real estate agents who are really passionate about that kind of area and it’s quite big in the property market at the moment. Styling and decorating which is a career in itself.”

Capping the course at between 20-30 people, students will be presented with a hybrid study option, that is, both in-person and online with the course duration being 11-13 months.

“Each week we will drip feed and release the next portion of work we want you to do. We’re kind of holding your hand and guiding you along the way. We want to make sure that no one gets off track. We also want to form a real online community so that people will have their own study buddies.”

The course will allow for students to meet at the Maryville location once a month, with the majority of the content being delivered in an online format, making it easy for people to manage their work, life, study balance.

The course officially kicks off on the 19^th June, and spaces are strictly limited so, whilst we’re certain they’ll be bringing another round of the courses back in the future, you won’t want to miss out on Newcastle’s very first Design School course, so click here for all the information!