Ben Pentreath {A Favorite from Across the Pond}

Have you ever come across an interior designer whose entire body of work speaks to you? I have and his name is Ben Pentreath. Pentreath, if you aren't already familiar, is a British designer, architect and shopowner with a traditional English sensibilities that translate to this American Yankee.

Ben Pentreath, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

In this case, a picture is worth a thousand words. So to that end, I'll present photographic evidence this Brit's tremendous talent. 

The designer splits his time between a country home and city rental. In Dorset on the English countryside, Pentreath lives in a converted parsonage that retains much of its 19th century charm but still feels conducive to 21st century life. 

The sitting area (first image below) is one of my most favorite interior images ever. I've studied it, its oversized ottoman-cum-coffee table, layered carpets and boxy yellow sofa from Max Rollitt and come up with one conclusion: I want to live in such a place. 

I mean, could there be a better place to devour a Virginia Woolf, Zadie Smith or Peter Mayle novel?

Pentreath's London flat (a term that sounds so much more cosmopolitan than 'apartment') is a well-balanced blend of modern and antique, of British goods and trinkets from all over the world. Nothing feels forced or overly considered.

The Josef Frank fabrics are as at home with the beni ourain rug as they are with an aged marble mantel.

(all images via Ben Pentreath)

As if designing gorgeous, homey interiors didn't consume enough time, Pentreath also runs a namesake architecture firm, pens an inspiring blog and owns a charming boutique called Pentreath & Hall. If and when I ever make it to London, I plan to stop in.

What do you think? This designer is a personal fave and hope he'll become one of your favorites now, too.