First off, what are your career goals? A 4-year degree and internship is best for becoming a professional, licensed interior designer, qualifying you to do large projects both commercial and residential. You pass a licensing exam, and can do extensive renovations, kitchens and baths, and re-builds.

At the other end of the spectrum, a certificate program can give you enough education to become a decorator. You can do furniture layout plans, select furniture, paint color, window and floor coverings, and accessories.

How old are you? Are you financially independent or do you have someone who can support you, and your income is extra? Or do you need to support yourself? If you're young and just starting out, then the full-time degree is the most practical. If you're older and someone else is providing the bulk of the income, then you have the luxury of completing the certificate program and trying your luck at working in a small firm or furniture retailer, then going out on your own.

Do you know any interior designers or decorators? I'd speak with them about the options. Also contact the schools you are considering and ask what their graduates are doing now.

As far as online courses go, I prefer face-to-face teaching/learning. You get more personal attention, and your teachers can be a great networking source.

Good luck!

Beware of for-profit online schools who encourage students to take out student loans. Go to a community college for classes and do take the above comments to heart. Here's some food for thought: http://www.sarahakwisombe.com/blog/2015/12/20/why-signing-up-for-an-interior-design-diploma-was-a-big-mistake

Thanks for your comments. Just to add. I am a stay at home mum, I have attended a couple of interior design courses, but thought it would be great to get an 'official' qualification. The online course was purely to give me an incentive to sit down and concentrate on it. My ultimate goal is to gain enough confidence to advise friends/family etc, keep up to date with trends etc and re-vamp my own home focusing rather than setting up a business.

I do take your comments on board about face-to-face. Maybe a full-time course will be something I will be able to manage in the future.

Maybe I should just get on with it and take what I have already learnt and continue learning whilst 'on the job'

Thank you for your time

Given your situation, you would be best served by taking continuing education courses at a high school or community college. Or a design school that offers both a degree program and a certificate program. But don't spend too much money, and DEFINITELY do not go into debt!

If you don't have the confidence to jump in and design rooms in your own house, even though mistakes will be made, then you need to give up on any training. Training isn't what you need. You need to hire a designer if you want finished rooms that you want to show off now.

Or you need to just not worry about making the inevitable mistakes, and jumpmin and DO some work. Mistakes are how you learn. If you're too scared to do that, no design course will ever help. Shop thrift stores if you are not ready to risk a lot, but MOVE and DO.