Module 3: Design Styles

In this module, you will develop the skills to make strategic and conceptual decisions for your interior design projects, carefully considering the function, style, and mood of each space. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of some of the most influential and widely used interior decorating styles, while also learning how to critically evaluate existing spaces to identify strengths, opportunities, and areas for improvement.

Through a combination of research, practical exercises, and hands-on design tasks, you’ll explore how to apply contemporary trends thoughtfully, ensuring your work remains current and relevant. The module emphasises the use of mood boards and other visual communication tools, allowing you to translate your ideas into compelling presentations that effectively convey your vision to clients.

You will also engage in a variety of accredited learning activities, including quizzes to test your theoretical knowledge, scenario-based challenges to simulate real-world design problems, and structured tasks that develop your conceptual thinking and technical skills. By the end of the module, you’ll be able to integrate research, creativity, and professional practice standards to create cohesive, functional, and aesthetically engaging interior design solutions.

This module is part of the Diploma of Interior Design (MSF50222) and is designed to prepare you for professional practice by combining creative exploration with industry-aligned methods, assessments, and outcomes.

Module 3 Course Preview

Why This Module Matters

Interior design is not just about aesthetics — it’s about creating functional, harmonious spaces that reflect a client’s lifestyle. In Module 3, you’ll:

Gain knowledge of popular interior decorating styles such as traditional, bohemian, art deco, industrial, modern farmhouse, and contemporary.
Understand emerging approaches like wabi sabi, maximalism, and modern Victorian interior design.
Develop skills to analyse existing structures, identify potential challenges, and propose creative solutions.
Learn to use trend research for inspiration while maintaining timeless appeal.
Master the art of interior design mood boards to communicate your vision effectively.

What You’ll Learn

The Design Process
From concept development to creating aesthetic plans you can apply in practice.
Interior Design Styles
Explore diverse approaches, from classic to contemporary, and more.
Visual Communication
Use boards, palettes, and layout principles to express and refine your ideas.
Trends & Tools
Stay current with trends and digital resources for modern design.

What You’ll Do

Research Styles
Investigate design movements and translate their essence into clear concepts.
Create Mood Boards
Develop visuals that capture atmosphere through imagery, textures, and palettes.
Develop Visual Concepts
Write concise explanations and apply styles to practical design scenarios.
Present Your Ideas
Communicate concepts with confidence using polished and professional boards.

Units Covered

This module integrates practical skills from the following accredited units:

MSFID4019 – Research Interior Decoration and Design Influences: You’ll explore significant interior design movements and cultural influences, analysing how they inform modern design concepts and personal style development.
CUADES411 – Generate Design Solutions: You’ll learn to create and refine innovative design solutions that respond to client needs, project briefs, and creative direction.
CUADES302 – Explore and Apply the Creative Design Process to 2D Forms: You’ll apply creative thinking and 2D visual exploration techniques to develop and communicate design ideas effectively.

These units are delivered through a mix of creative exercises, research, and visual analysis, helping you strengthen both your conceptual thinking and practical design skills.

Module Topics

In Module 3, we will cover the following topics and beyond:

The Design Process
Concept Development
Applying The Concept To The Design
Trends
Colour Trends
Types Of Interior Design Styles
African
American Southwestern
Art Deco
Art Nouveau
Arts And Crafts
Belgian Minimalism
Bohemian
British Colonial
Brutalism
Californian Cool
Country
Eclectic
French Provincial
Gothic
Hamptons
Industrial
Japandi
Japanese
Maximalism
Mediterranean
Mid-Century Modern

Minimalism
Modern Australian
Modern Farmhouse
Modern Victorian
Moroccan
Retro
Scandinavian
Shabby Chic
Traditional
Transitional
Tropical
Urban Chic
Wabi-Sabi
Considering The Site
Building An Aesthetic Plan
Visual Communication
Elements Of 2D Visual Communication
Design Principles For 2D Visual Communication
Composition
Analysing A Sample Board Layout
How To Visually Present Ideas To Your Client
Concept Boards
Mood Boards
Sample Boards
Material Boards
Software And Tips For Creating Boards

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 3, you will:

Understand popular interior decorating styles and their applications.
Evaluate and plan spaces strategically based on client needs.
Develop solutions to design challenges with confidence.
Use mood boards effectively to present your vision.
Stay inspired by trends without losing timeless appeal.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

As with every stage of your learning, our expert tutors will support you throughout Module 3. They’ll help you refine your understanding of design styles, build confidence in your planning, and strengthen your client communication skills. With guidance and feedback, you’ll leave this module ready to make thoughtful, creative, and functional design decisions.