8 modules · 20 lessons
A short, practical course in classic interior decoration. Work through the vocabulary of a traditional room — textiles, wallpapers, passementerie and pattern — then learn to mix them with confidence.
Foundations
The vocabulary of a classic room: order, motif, scale and repeat.
Textiles
Silk, wool, linen and the weaves that give each cloth its character.
Wallpapers
From hand-blocked papers to French scenic panels, and how to size pattern to a room.
Trimmings
Passementerie: braids, fringes, cords, tassels and tiebacks.
Mixing Patterns
Practical rules for combining scale, colour and motif with confidence.
Colour & Palette
The restrained palette of a classic room, and how colour behaves on pattern.
Windows & Soft Furnishings
Dressing windows, and the soft layer of cushions, throws and trim that finishes a room.
The Finishing Room
Composing a room and pulling cloth, paper and trim into one finished scheme.
Reference collection
The full library holds hundreds of fabrics, papers and trimmings. Here are a few to start with.
Linen Herringbone
Textiles
Cut Velvet Brocade
Textiles
Pineapple Damask Paper
Wallpapers
Silk-Thread Paper
Wallpapers
Deco Bullion Fringe
Trimmings
Chevron Gimp Braid
Trimmings
Classic isn't what you think
Most people never try classic decoration because of three ideas that simply aren't true.
It's fussy and old-fashioned
Done well, classic is calm — a few considered patterns, not a crowded room.
It's only for grand houses
The same rules scale from a terrace living room to a country hall.
I can't mix patterns without it looking wrong
There are three simple rules that make any combination sit together — and you'll learn them here.
Unlock the full course
A single payment opens every lesson, the full reference library and the pattern-mixing studio — yours to revisit for as long as you like.
- All lessons across every module
- Full reference library
- Pattern-mixing practice studio
Secure payment via Stripe. Return to your studio after checkout.