Book excerpt: In English Decoration, architectural and interior designer Ben Pentreath presents a major new survey of the best of the English style. Eighteen homes, many of which have never been previously photographed, provide the source material for his wide-ranging investigation of this classic look. The houses include Ben’s own homes in London and West Dorset, alongside those of Earls and artists, writers and architects, book designers and gardeners. The book opens with an essay on the English style in decoration, and then entrance halls, living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms and bedrooms and bathrooms are considered in turn, together with simple Rooms of Utility and spectacular Rooms of Display. There is also a foreword by Nicky Haslam, suggestions for further reading, and a style directory that reveals Ben's own favorite sources—helping you to achieve the classic English look, wherever you live.