The British architect and interior designer Ben Pentreath has amassed many fans by blending traditional English decoration with a sense of relaxed, colorful style to create rooms that feel warm and welcoming rather than staid or severe.
The living room of his rental apartment in London, which he shares with his husband, Charlie McCormick, a florist and gardener, is a good example. “It’s very evolved, very organic,” said Mr. Pentreath, 53, who is also a founder of the London shop Pentreath & Hall. “When I first moved in I just painted the walls white and brought in existing furniture that I already had. Then I slowly started to get bits and pieces of furniture when I saw them at an auction house or junk shop.”
Even when designing homes for clients, he usually leaves some wiggle room for adding furniture and accessories in the future. “I find it virtually impossible to do decoration all in one go, where it’s just laid out on a plate and done,” he said.
Here are some of Mr. Pentreath’s favorite finds, which help make his living room extra appealing.
Easy Upgrade
Cushion Celotocaulis, $210 at Svenskt Tenn
Mr. Pentreath prizes throw cushions made with interesting, eye-catching textiles. “Some I’ve had for years, some I’ve just bought, some I’ve been given,” he said. When he travels, he added, “I come back with cushions wedged in my suitcase.”
When deploying them in a room, he mixes various colors and patterns. But one of his singular favorite cushions is made from a fabric designed by Josef Frank for the Swedish company Svenskt Tenn. In addition to having the cushion in his own home, “we use it quite a lot in decoration projects,” he said.
“What I find amazing about Josef Frank is he was designing these patterns in the 1930s, but they look like they’re from the ’60s or ’70s because they’re so modern, so striking,” Mr. Pentreath said. That’s the definition of timeless design, he continued: “That pattern is almost 100 years old, but still feels incredibly fresh.”
Splurge
Palladiana Chest of Drawers, $25,970 at Fornasetti
About 20 years ago, a reporter asked Mr. Pentreath what single object he would put in his home if price was no object. His answer was this curved chest of drawers covered with an illustration inspired by Palladian architecture, by the Italian designer Piero Fornasetti.
“There was no doubt in my mind: That was the one thing that I was really eyeing that I could definitely not afford,” Mr. Pentreath said, adding that he has been enthralled by Fornasetti’s work since seeing it at the Victoria and Albert Museum as a child.
When the resulting article was published, he was surprised to hear from Fornasetti’s London shop, which had one of the chests in stock and offered him a 30 percent discount. Mr. Pentreath initially refused the offer, because he still couldn’t afford it. Then the shop suggested he pay in installments — and he could no longer say no.
“That was my first splurge in life,” he said, noting that the chest is now a focal point in his living room. “I’m very happy we own it.”
One of a Kind
Eric Ravilious Coronation Mug
This mug reflects Mr. Pentreath’s interest in British history and art. To commemorate the planned coronation of Edward VIII in 1937, the British artist Eric Ravilious designed a colorful series of mugs with Wedgwood, which were sold at a chic London home store named Dunbar Hay. However, when Edward abdicated, the design was revised and a second batch of mugs was produced for the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
“I just love Ravilious’s work,” Mr. Pentreath said. “He was this amazing interwar artist and designer, who painted these very elegiac landscapes.” The mugs, he continued, are works of art, as well as surefire conversation starters.
Prices for the cups can sometimes run into five figures, but Mr. Pentreath has managed to collect a few examples in different colors, including one he received as a gift from Mr. McCormick.
“They are very collectible by Ravilious china nerds,” Mr. Pentreath said, “and I’m one of them.”
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