For some of these graduates the course is a springboard to a new career, for others, it's been life-changing in a way that surprises even the course directors.

"We've had great feedback from professionals and hobbyists alike; interior designers and architects tell us it's the most informative, relevant and up to date site they know and one which can really teach them something, and hobbyists can't believe it offers so much free information" says Interiordezine.com Chief Executive, CJ Brown.

Many graduates successfully use the course to launch careers in decoration and design, or move into interiors from an allied field such as product supplies or decorative finishes. "Interior design product suppliers tell us the course provides excellent training for their sales staff", says Brown. "They speak more confidently and can offer specific design knowledge and that is converting into more sales."

But what has really surprised Interiodezine.com is the unexpected benefit some course graduates are finding. The company has recently had feedback from a women's shelter in the USA which uses the course to help its clients get back on their feet.

"They tell us that our interior decoration course has given women something positive to focus on and improved self-esteem in ways they couldn't have predicted. It's helping these women get on with their lives and we're very proud to be a part of that."

So what makes people sign up and complete an intense two week ten lesson online program about something that essentially, one wants to see and touch? The key, according to Brown, is that Interiordezine.com provides education in a virtual but very real world.

"It's not like going to school in an academic environment. It's more like going to school right in the middle of the best interiors exhibition ever, with opportunities to learn technique and the reasons behind the designs. With all the lessons being linked to categorized areas within the site, it's the beginning of a whole new world of possibilities."

Interiordezine.com's interior decoration course is embedded in one of the richest design sites in the world. Students are surrounded by solid product knowledge and techniques, the latest industry best practice developments and cutting edge design ideas.

The course provides an ideal blend of practical information and inspiration. It is constantly updated and taught by industry practitioners whose 'hands on' knowledge and experience is evident in the support and feedback they provide to students.

In response to the question, "if it's so good why are you giving it away?" Brown's answer reveals much about the philosophy of the organisation. "Making the built environment more beautiful improves livability and well-being", he says. "Few modern cultures appreciate this fact.

We can have an enormous impact on people's lives, values and attitudes just by improving their surroundings. Interiordezine.com now has members from every country in the world and gets more than four million hits a month. Improving people's lives improves the world as a whole. We think that is something to be proud of,"

Good design doesn't have to cost more according to Brown. In fact, he argues, it can save money. He points out that good design incorporates sustainability and environmental awareness. Interiordezine.com highlights these issues not only in its courses but also in the products it promotes.

It sounds like Interiordezine.com is on a mission to make our world more beautiful and sustainable. And by all accounts, they're succeeding, at a rate of hundreds of graduates a week - and growing.