Interior design

Ben Pentreath’s take on an elegant London apartment and the enduring appeal of the traditional kitchen

Interior design forms an important part of Ben Pentreath’s multi-disciplinary architecture, masterplanning and design practice that has built an enviable reputation for combining the strong use of colour and classical detail with simple, graphic patterns and an eclectic mix of furniture and lighting.

the brief was to inject character into the apartment while keeping the scheme calm and restful, to create a sanctuary in the midst of the city. With this in mind, the background palette was kept deliberately simple, airy and neutral, using Farrow & Ball’s Hardwick White on the walls (www.farrow-ball.com; 020– 7487 4733) and Andes, a plain wool-sateen by Holland & Sherry for the curtains (020–7437 0404; www. hollandandsherry.com).

Statement lamp bases and ikat shades inject a fresh, modern sensibility to the rooms and are a signature ingredient for Ben. He designed the lamp in the foreground and the emerald-green resin base in the background is by Marianna Kennedy; both use shades by Melodi Horne and all are sold through his Bloomsbury-based shop Pentreath & Hall (www.pentreath-hall.com; 020–7430 2526)

the choice of furniture reflects Ben’s preference for blending pieces from different styles and periods: the Fornasetti drinks cabinet was sourced through postwar and contemporary design specialists themes & Variations (020–7727 5531; www. themesandvariations.com) and the sofa is covered in old Flax, a hardwearing yet soft to the touch fabric by Soane (www.soane.co.uk; 020– 7730 6400). Arabella Youens Ben Pentreath (020–7430 2526; www.benpentreath.com)