# Color Theory for Interior Design Course Online

100% online with live support and expert-reviewed projects

Canonical URL: <https://vdci.edu/courses/color-theory-course>

## Overview

This course offers a comprehensive foundation in color theory, blending the science and art of color to help designers create visually compelling and inclusive projects. Students will explore how light, vision, and materials influence perception, while mastering practical applications like the color wheel, palette building, and color systems for both digital and physical environments.

Students will also build practical color theory skills by exploring color psychology, cultural meaning, and accessibility standards while mastering the color wheel, palette development, and digital and print color systems such as RGB, CMYK, and Hex. These principles are applied to create cohesive, brand-aligned, and visually impactful design solutions.

## What you'll learn

- Understand the science of color: Light, vision, pigments, and phenomena like metamerism.
- Apply color systems: RGB, CMYK, Hex, and standardized naming for clear communication.
- Master the color wheel: Create harmonies and distinguish between warm, cool, and neutral tones.
- Manipulate properties and contrast: Hue, saturation, chroma, tints, tones, shades, and visual emphasis.
- Use color psychology and cultural insights: Design palettes that influence mood and communication across audiences.
- Build professional palettes: Develop thematic, brand-aligned, and surface-specific palettes in both digital and physical formats.

## Instructors

### Rebecca Lockwood — Instructor

Rebecca Lockwood earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the Michael Graves College at Kean University in New Jersey. She began her career working in residential interiors, where she developed a love for creating homes that reflect the people who live in them. That same dedication naturally grew into a desire to nurture learning and inspire future designers to tell their own stories through design.

Today, Rebecca teaches an array of Interior Design courses at a local college in North Carolina and also works with high school students around the world as a remote art and design instructor. She is committed to making design approachable, inspiring students to gain confidence in their skills as they create meaningful interiors.

Rebecca is also an Educator member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Outside the classroom, she writes poetry, appreciating the parallels between poetry and interior design, from structure and rhythm to depth and storytelling. She enjoys spending time with her children and noticing the everyday moments that shape life and design.

### Richard Hess — Instructor

Richard Hess is an accomplished designer with over 23 years’ expertise in architecture, interior, and furniture design. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degrees in Architecture and Interior Architecture from Auburn University before pursuing a Master of Architecture at NewSchool of Architecture & Design, where he graduated top of his class. Currently, Richard serves as the Director of Career Services at his alma mater, while teaching thesis and portfolio courses, equipping graduates for careers in the ever-evolving field of architecture and interior design.

### Derek McFarland — Instructor

Over the course of the last 10 years of his architectural experience and training, Derek has developed a very strong set of skills and talents towards architecture, design and visualization. Derek grew up in an architectural family with his father owning his own practice in custom home design. Throughout the years, Derek has had the opportunity to work and be involved at his father's architecture office, dealing with clients, visiting job sites, and contributing in design and production works. Recently, Derek has built up an incredible resume of architecture experiences working at firms such as HOK in San Francisco, GENSLER in Los Angeles, and RNT, ALTEVERS Associates, HMC, and currently as the lead designer at FPBA in San Diego. Derek has specialized in the realm of architectural design and digital design.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $579
