This beginner-friendly workshop introduces you to the basics of designing a retail space. Through guided exercises, you will explore simple techniques to improve a small store’s layout, colour choices, and lighting to create a more inviting space.
The focus will be on practical, achievable design solutions. You’ll get hands-on experience sketching a simple floor plan, experimenting with colour schemes, and discussing ways to enhance product displays. By the end of the session, you’ll have a foundational understanding of retail design principles and ideas to transform a space within a realistic scope.
Course Outline:
Introduction to Interior Design for Retail Spaces:
- Understanding the client’s needs and business goals
- Exploring the basics of space planning for a retail store
- Identifying key design elements to make the space inviting
Hands-on Design & Floor Plan Drawing:
- Drawing a basic scale floor plan for a retail store
- Planning for customer flow, product display areas, and counter placement
- Considering accessibility and functional layout
Choosing Furniture & Colour Scheme:
- Selecting furniture that fits the space and function (shelving, counter, seating if applicable)
- Choosing a colour scheme that aligns with the store’s brand and customer experience
- Exploring different paint finishes for walls and fixtures
Lighting and Display Features:
- Choosing lighting fixtures to highlight products and create ambiance
- Designing an eye-catching shop front display
- Understanding how to attract customers through visual merchandising
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will:
- Learn how to sketch a basic floor plan for a retail space.
- Understand simple furniture and fixture choices.
- Be able to select basic color schemes and lighting to enhance a space.
What to bring:
- A3 drawing paper ( please bring a pad and spare paper)
- Mechanical pencil or Pencils H or HB, erasers, sharpener
- Fine liner pen and sharpie marker
- Glue and scissors
- Design magazine, images from online or any bathroom images, ideas or inspirations
- Scale ruler must include scale 1: 20 / 1:50 ( from Eckersley or office works )
- Colouring pencil for shading
- Tracing paper or non-waxed baking paper ( for sketching )
- Measuring tape 3 metre length at minimum ( Bunnings, Mitre 10 )
About the Tutor:
'With over seven years of experience as an educator and interior designer, I focus on creating engaging and accessible learning experiences in design. I’ve taught at institutions like Open Colleges Australia, Whitehouse Institute of Design, and Raffles College of Design, where I’ve helped students develop their design skills with confidence.
My background in interior design has given me valuable insights into creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces, especially in the retail sector. I enjoy helping businesses bring their vision to life through practical design solutions that improve both function and customer experience.
In this workshop, I’ll guide you through the basics of retail design, teaching you how to plan layouts, choose materials, and create inviting, functional spaces. Whether you’re looking to redesign a space for a business or simply exploring your creative side, I’ll be here to support you in this hands-on learning experience.' Aileen
- To ensure resources are ready for you at the start of your course, we ask you ideally enrol at least one week before the course commences.
- All courses need a minimum number of students to run ("we try our hardest to get those") . If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled prior to the commencement and you will be informed.
