Become a
Color & Design Principle Specialist
Color & Design Principles for Stagers is a foundational specialty course designed to strengthen your design eye, sharpen your decision-making, and give you the confidence to create cohesive, professional interiors.
This is where creativity meets structure. Where instinct is supported by knowledge. And where you learn why design works — not just what looks good. This specialty course is a great foundational education for stager, decorators, designs and anyone wanting to focus of key learning lessons.
Whether you are decorating for clients, staging homes for sale, or refining your own style, this course gives you the essential principles that elevate every space.
Created by Sandra Racz and JoAnne Lenart-Weary, this course is built on decades of field experience, color research, and collaboration with industry color experts—giving you a trusted system you can apply immediately with real clients.


Aspiring interior decorators who want a strong foundation
Home stagers who want to improve flow and cohesion
Design students building confidence in color selection
Professionals who feel “creative” but want clearer structure
Anyone ready to move from guessing to designing with intention
This specialty pairs beautifully with Confident Color System™, Interior Decorating, and Home Staging certifications.
Course Details
Format: Online — learn at your own pace. Access for 2 years, including annual updates.
Length: 9 modules (each 30–45 minutes) plus bonuses, featuring inspiration, instruction, and hands-on assignments.
Included: Color Harmony selection systems create visual balance. Practical tools, handouts, and exercises, Client design boards, Business & marketing strategies for your staging and decorating services
Certificate: Earn a professional Certificate of Completion to showcase your expertise
How color influences the design principles of every space
The principles of balance, proportion, rhythm, and harmony
How to create cohesive palettes that flow from room to room attracting buyers
Understanding scale and visual weight
How lighting affects color perception
Designing with purpose instead of impulse
Every lesson builds clarity so you can make confident, consistent decisions.Master color foundations and advanced harmonies you can use immediately


Module 1: Design Principles
Learn the essential design principles—balance, proportion, scale, and harmony—that create polished, professional-looking spaces.
Module 2: Communicate & Compare
Learn how to present color and design options clearly, compare choices confidently, and guide clients toward the best decision.
Module 3: Color Foundations
Build a strong understanding of how hue, value, and saturation work together to create balance and harmony in a spac
Module 4: Color In Action
See how color works in real spaces as you apply undertones, contrast, and coordination to create balanced, cohesive results.
Module 5: Create: Understand Yourself
Develop beautiful, intentional color palettes and design concepts that bring a space together with confidence while understanding your DNA.
Module 6: Create: Understand the Space-Decorating in The Zone
Gain confidence identifying undertones , a challenge so your colors work together beautifully
Module 7: Connect
Learn how to create visual flow by connecting colors, finishes, and design elements from room to room for a cohesive look.
Module 8: Accessories & Bookcases
Master the art of styling bookcases and built-ins using balance, layering, and color to create a polished focal point.
Module 9: Creativity
Build your creative confidence by combining color and design principles in ways that feel fresh, stylish, and professional.
Module 10: Capitalize
Discover how to turn your color and design knowledge into income by packaging services, pricing confidently, and creating profitable opportunities
Bonus: Ready Made Color Palettes
Ready to Go Palettes to share with your client today using Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore colors.
Bonus: Annual Color of The Year Report
Watch each fall for our updated video featuring the New Color of The Year.
▪Brand Your Materials: Add your logo to course forms for instant professionalism.
▪Get Listed Internationally: Be featured in The-DSA’s “Find a Pro” Directory with your certifications, bio, links, and photo/logo — boosting your SEO and credibility.
▪One-on-One Support: Access personal consultations for project reviews, questions, and expert advice.
▪Exclusive Membership Perks: Enjoy discounts, free webinars, and more — a $1,000 value!
No. This course is designed for homeowners, DIY decorators, interior decorators, home stagers, real estate professionals, and anyone who wants to make confident color and design decisions. Whether you’re improving your own home or working with clients, you’ll gain skills you can use immediately.
Yes. You’ll learn how to choose colors that appeal to today’s buyers, create broad market appeal, and avoid costly color mistakes that can turn buyers away. This course teaches you how to use color strategically to create spaces that feel fresh, cohesive, and move-in ready.
Not at all. Understanding design principles actually strengthens your creativity. When you know how color, balance, scale, and proportion work together, you can create beautiful spaces with intention and confidence—rather than guessing or hoping it works.
Yes. You’ll learn how to explain color and design choices in a clear, professional way so clients understand the “why” behind your recommendations. This builds trust, reduces indecision, and helps you present your ideas with confidence.
After completing the course, you can promote your advanced training on your website, social media, and marketing materials. It positions you as a knowledgeable professional who understands color and design fundamentals—helping you stand out, build credibility, and attract more confident clients.
Call: (720) 507-4841 Email: [email protected]
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