Ep. 383: An English Vision with Ben Pentreath (Pt. 2)

Following last week's episode, Caroline shares the second half of her extended conversation with renowned architect and interior designer Ben Pentreath. The two continue their discussion of Ben's latest book, 'An English Vision', as well as practical decorating tips for making your house feel like your home.

Watch our FULL INTERVIEW with Ben Pentreath now on YouTube: CLICK HERE

What You’ll Hear On This Episode: 

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 00:34 - Continuing Our Conversation with Ben Pentreath: Part Two
• 00:52 - Ben shares his insights on how to harmoniously blend architecture and decoration in design.
• 05:42 - Ben and Caroline discuss a wide array of different decoration styles and what makes each so unique.
• 08:51 - Ben discusses the deeper philosophy behind decorating and why planning for longevity matters.
• 12:37 - Why adding personal touches to your decor can make all the difference in creating a home!
• 20:59 - Ben breaks down the distinct characteristics of English and American styles and what sets them apart.
• 27:42 - Caroline and Ben dive even deeper into how personalization transforms a house into a warm, inviting home.
• 28:59 - Hear about the hurdles Ben faces when designing for clients and how he navigates their needs.
• 31:22 - Learn how photography plays a crucial role in showcasing design and capturing the beauty of spaces.
• 34:30 - Ben shares his tips on maintaining harmony between work and personal life as a designer.
• 43:03 - Decorating Dilemma: Exterior Home Makeover Tips!
• 51:47 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Decorating Dilemma:

Follow along with images of this week's decorating dilemma now on the How to Decorate Blog: CLICK HERE

Hi Braeden,

First off, Ben suggests a full reassessment of the garage door’s role, asking whether it’s primarily used for car storage. If not, converting the garage into a living space could improve the overall aesthetic of the house. They also recommend enhancing the windows by adding glazing bars to create a friendlier appearance and suggest removing existing shutters if they are too small to serve their functional purpose.

Ben and Caroline also emphasize the importance of achieving a cohesive look by considering the brick’s color. Either painting it to match the siding or replacing it with siding altogether can help unify the exterior facade. Ben also advises refining the porch details by opting for thinner, more elegant columns and adding seating to encourage outdoor enjoyment.

Lastly, they highlight the significance of landscaping, recommending the introduction of climbing plants to soften the house's appearance and improve curb appeal. Overall, we recommend to personalize the space while maintaining a harmonious design that reflects your own style and preferences.

Thanks so much for writing in and happy decorating! 

Also Mentioned:

• Ballard Designs
• Ben Pentreath LTD
• 'An English Vision' by Ben Pentreath