MY LIFE IN TEN
Architectural interior designer Ben Pentreath on his loves
THE ARCHITECTURAL INTERIOR DESIGNER ON WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO HIM
1. David Hicks is my design hero for his ability to mix modernity with an imbued sense of classical tradition. I’ve been highly influenced by his use of colour, pattern and layering.
2. I first saw William Morris’s Willow Bough 25 years ago and I’ve loved it ever since. It’s been incredibly exciting to bring it back as part of my collaboration with Morris & Co.
3. A small luxury important to me is spending time in our bothy on the west coast of Scotland. It is small and not very comfortable.
4. In decoration, the best rule is not to overthink. Follow your heart not your head. Hold on to the freshness of your first thoughts.
5. In the age of Instagram everyone’s a new name worth noting! I’m looking forward to seeing a huge building in London designed by Adam Nathaniel Furman.
6. The object I own that means most to me is a Fornasetti Palladiana chest of drawers I bought before I could afford to do so, when I didn’t even have a place to live. I have never regretted that moment of madness.
7. Apart from my own shop, Pentreath & Hall, co-owned with Bridie Hall, my favourite design shop is Tinsmiths in Ledbury for ceramics, fabrics and lighting. It’s perfect.
8. I recently enjoyed The Edwardians and their Houses by Tim Brittain-catlin. The book is beautifully written and produced.
9. I expected to be an architectural historian, but part of me would like to become a letterpress printer. I’m obsessed with typography.
10. I love the garden at Rousham in Oxfordshire. Favourite corners are the borders, the walled garden and the dovecote.