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
A Definitive Guide to Decorating
with NINA CAMPBELL — World-renowned interior and textile designer. House & Garden Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lesson 32 of 40
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Whether you’re buying for yourself or for a client, there is so much creativity and joy to be found when scouring the shops and gathering items for a room scheme. Nina discusses her top tips for finding items you’ll enjoy for years to come.
It's my feeling that if you don't enjoy shopping, you just haven't gone to the right place. It should be a pleasure, and I take pride in curating my showroom to offer a first-class shopping experience. Whether you're buying for yourself or for a client, there is so much creativity and joy to be found when scouring the shops and gathering items for a room scheme.
The best shops will display their wares creatively, showcasing how items can be arranged or paired together in unusual and unexpected ways. Take heed and be inspired by these displays, making notes for your own projects and rooms. Try things that you might not have thought of before but that catch your eye – these often become the most cherished items in a room.
If something in your home isn't practical, it will always end up being irritating. Don't just reserve things for display – everything should have a purpose and be a joy to use.
When it comes to dinnerware, you needn't buy a twelve-piece set every time. It is likely only you and your family at mealtimes each day, so you can just buy as many pieces as you need – and when you host large dinner parties, mixing and matching can create a charming and characterful look.
When hosting friends and family to stay, it's lovely to make them feel extra special and at ease in your home with some thoughtful touches.
At the very least, clear your own clothes from wardrobes and make sure there is storage space for guests – and go the extra mile by providing luxury soft hangers. If your home gets chilly in the evenings, a hot water bottle will be much appreciated. Anticipating the needs of your guests will make their stay with you even more delightful.
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479 reviews
Read moreCreate 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
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
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
Carla
May 30, 2026
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
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! 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
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
Carla
May 30, 2026
Your Instructor
World-renowned interior and textile designer. House & Garden Lifetime Achievement Award.
British decorator Nina Campbell is undeniably one of the world’s most respected and influential interior designers of our time. In her 50 years in the industry, she has accumulated an unparalleled list of clients and design expertise. Nina’s enthusiasm and interest in design and interiors was developed when, at the age of 19, she went to work for John Fowler at the prestigious Sybil Colefax & John Fowler. Shortly afterwards, she set up her eponymous decorating business, where one of her first commissions was to design a castle in Scotland. Renowned for her contagious wit, brilliant sense of style and her unmistakably rich and elegant colour palette, Nina’s designs appeal to both young and old and sit well in both contemporary and traditional interiors. She continues to work on notable projects - both commercial and residential - across the globe, with both new clients and those who return across the generations.
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