Whether you want to make it into a hobby, a full-blown profession, or you just want to spruce up your living space, going beyond your monthly browsing of Wallpaper* is the first step to taking interior design a bit more seriously. Try these places for beginner classes.

Accademia Italiana

This is a brand new institute from Italy for those who are serious about interior design. (How serious? See the prices, below.) The academy offers many levels of interior design programs, ranging from a one-year basic course to a three-year advanced level course, which is a precursor to studying for a master’s degree. As for the fees, it’s B165,000 per semester plus a B60,000 enrollment fee.
998 Soi Thonglor, Klongton, Wattana 02-391-9103. Open Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. www.aithai.co.th.

All Step Computer Graphic Solution

Technology meets creativity at All Step, where the focus is on computer graphic programs like 3D Studio Max. Their interior design and architecture course will teach you how to create 3D models, choose materials for each model and how to set up compositions and perspectives in your work. Their 36-hour course costs B5,500 and is limited to 5-7 students per class.
2/F, Seri Center, Srinakarin Rd., 02-748-4384 ext 1, 08-6899-9921. Open Mon-Fri noon-6:30pm, Sat-Sun noon-9pm. www.allstep.net.

Bangkok CODE

This is a community for those who love art and design. They offer a variety of design courses, including “Room Planning with Style,” which teaches the basics of space and furniture arrangement, as well as color theory and lighting. For a 24-hour course, the fee is B6,300. Classes are limited to a maximum of 15 students. Other design classes include feng shui for architects, landscaping for home gardens, interior color and furniture design.
KMUTT, 231/2 South Sathorn Rd., 02-673-9434/-5, 02-470-9922, 02-211-9405, 02-211-9367. Open Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. www.bangkokcode.com.

Din Sor See School

Din Sor See has interior design classes taught by experienced tutors in a homey atmosphere. For a basic course (12 lessons), it will cost you B2,500 (10% discount through May 9). Watercolor painting, oil painting and drawing lessons are also available. Private courses are offered at B3,000/15 hours.
Room. No. 206, 2/F, Scala Theater, Siam Square Soi 1, 02-254-7968/9. Open Mon, Wed-Fri noon-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6:30pm.

International Art School

IAS has classes to help improve your sketching, drawing and painting skills, so that you can transform your dark and gloomy room into a chic and comfy palace.
Its 33-hour “Interior Decoration 1” course covers fundamental functions and composition in interior decoration: choosing materials, writing specifications, color theory and presentation. B4,550.
Alliance Francaise, 29 South Sathorn Rd., 02-670-4200. Open Mon-Fri 9:30am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm. www.alliance-francaise.or.th