English Decoration: Timeless Inspiration for the Contemporary Home Hardcover – September 6, 2012

I have wanted this book for some time and finally ordered it as an early birthday present. I must admit that though some of the pictures of beautiful, there is a peculiar blandness about this book. I think that this is partly due to so much of the decoration being inaccessible to Americans and dependent on the English settings and materials. Many of the pictures remind me of an earlier classic: Laura Ashley's first decorating book, but even that, though dated, was more "inspirational." If you are an American who, like me, loves English style, I would not recommend this book to add to your "library." The interiors have the decay and eccentric layers of English life, including a lot of hodge podge, but there is little to inspire...which is what I expected. Pictures of piled saddles, disordered baskets, rooms filled with plaster casts all may be of visual interest, but I am looking for ideas and inspiration, and there was little of this in the book. If you are from America and looking for a book that successfully masters the mix, I would recommend Bunny Williams "Affair of the House."

Ben Pentreath exhibits wonderful taste, but the taste is not his. While one could argue that everything is derivative, Ben takes derivative to new heights. Ben borrows from two sources in everything he does: the world-class design magazine World of Interiors, and New York's John Derian. The book is a visual delight of shabby chic English interiors, but the work is not inspired or at all original. Ben has boasted of having an almost-complete collection of World of Interiors mags on his blog, and that collection has paid off for him. And his shop's decoupage items are either real John Derian, or pale copies -- you can take your pick on his web site. Ben is talented, and the book is good, but it's (alas) three stars because it lacks any true originality.

What a magic selection of homes to get inspiration from. Mayybe not everyone's cup of tea, the minimalists will hate it, but right up our street. My wife and I can really relate to this timeless classic English look. Ben is a man after our own heart, we need a new light fitting, what does Ben use? How can we decorate our dining room, let's see what Ben has done. Great stuff.

At first I thought this book was not for me. Way too much old crusty stuff. But the author really walks you through what makes a room work no love it. So glad I got it.

I bought this book for inspiration, just as the title suggested. I expected pictures of beautiful homes. Instead the photographs in the book are of everyday residences...as if you stepped in on a neighbor who hadn't straightened up yet. Nothing very special here, just comfortable looking areas with very little design aesthetic. And lots of text.

Going through these photographs I discovered and recognized myself and gained some inspiration for combining "looks". I love the bookish warmth and comfort of these rooms. Thank you Ben Pentreath for this volume. I hope to return to it time and again. I do recommend it for all who suspect their inner decorator is basically English.

A selection of authentic English style examples reviewed by smart and even funny comments. But few pictures to illustrate the topics-chapters of the book

I have been waiting with happy anticipation for this tome and was not disappointed. It has the informal and undecorated, evolved and comfortable look I love.

Somehow in these English homes clutter doesn't look junky! Perhaps its the timeworn elements that are accumulated over the years across generations - vs. a quick trip to the local HomeSense to buy off-shore knock-offs? This book is an escape for anyone who loves travelling and decor - ideas where not extravagent and could easily be applied in more modern North American homes to get the antiquey-vintage collectibles look. Photos are lovely. A good reminder to hunt for treasures that matter vs. instant gratification and dressing your home to impress.

Amazingly beautiful photos & an exceedingly well-written text, with its many greatly moving passages. An inspiration for all those who cherish well-worn & time-tested elements. Obviously, mostly traditional, generally understated settings, but with their frequent & clever flashes of wit & colour. In a word, how very English! BP is currently my deco hero of choice. Lovers of glitz or minimalism - abstain!

I enjoyed the book.

Nice pictures but the text is a bit superficial. Ben Pentreath’s books all seem s bit samey. If you’ve got one you probably don’t need to bother with the others. Try Ros Byam Shaw’s Perfect English Townhouse for a change, a wider variety and better text.

This is a useful book to browse through for tips on decoration - of which there are legion ! Having a largeish double-fronted Victoroan house (1874) in the suburbs we have adopted many of Ben's ideas from mantlepiece ideas to bookshelves to prints for walls. Many 18th century prints can be picked up cheaply on ebay along with items of Victorian furniture. Thank you Ben, I'm looking forward to your next book !