Interior and exterior confidence
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of inform...
Harvey
Jun 10, 2026
How to Create Timeless Interiors
Antique shopping - Peta Smyth
with ALIDAD — Renowned designer famed for his opulent interiors. AD100, House & Garden Top 100, Elle Decor A-List.
Lesson 27 of 35
Subscribe to watch
Alidad shows you around Peta, a shop specialising in antique textiles in Pimlico, London. Learn how Alidad sources antique textiles and what to look for when buying antique textiles.
From the Lesson Workbook
Antique Shopping – Peta Smyth
I come to Peta Smyth quite often as I love their selection of objects and furniture. I love selections of different mediums and different countries. A lot of Chinese pieces were mounted when they got to Europe so the mount is very eighteenth-century Rocco. What I love is a real combination of stuff.
Discover the Sort of Objects You Love
The more knowledge you gain the further you get with it. Look at a lot of books and magazines – they allow you to get more familiar with different styles of furniture. Furniture books and auction catalogues are both really great resources. Don't read too much, just look at the date and the period. Looking at books, magazines and catalogues will allow you to get to a point where you understand what you like.
Keep going with what your heart says and what you like. Visit antique stores where you like the style from the window, and then go inside. You don't need to buy things right away - you can photograph them instead.
Get the full workbook, video lessons, and more with a Create Academy subscription.
Subscribe to access the full workbookAlready a member? Sign in to watch
Rated 4.6/5 on Trustpilot
479 reviews
Read moreAbsolutely love Create Academy
Absolutely love Create Academy! The instructors are extremely informative, and it is beautifully filmed. Create Academy is great value for money and plan on renew...
SG
May 31, 2026
Magic in small spaces
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
Carla
May 30, 2026
The best adventure
The best adventure. I like all the courses, but my favorite are both Rita Konig interior design courses and Anna Jones. Excellent!
Karolina Kluczewska
May 20, 2026
Interior and exterior confidence
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of information to dive into and explore new ideas. I'm...
Harvey
Jun 10, 2026
Absolutely love Create Academy
Absolutely love Create Academy! The instructors are extremely informative, and it is beautifully filmed. Create Academy is great value for money and plan on renewing my subscription yearly because there are ...
SG
May 31, 2026
Magic in small spaces
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
Carla
May 30, 2026
Your Instructor
Alidad
Renowned designer famed for his opulent interiors. AD100, House & Garden Top 100, Elle Decor A-List.
Award-winning interior designer Alidad is world-renowned for his decadent yet homely interiors full of colour, richness and life. He is an expert at creating opulent, elegant rooms that combine comfort with behind-the-scenes practicality. Based in Mayfair, the Iranian-born interior designer Alidad has worked on some of the finest interiors in the world from new residences to period homes and the restoration of historic houses.
Access to all courses