For three decades, the Andrew Martin Interior Designer of the Year Award has been a beacon for exceptional design talent across the globe. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, the award continues to champion originality and craftsmanship, with British designer Ben Pentreath named this year’s winner.
- 30 years of highlighting innovative interior designers worldwide
- Ben Pentreath wins the 2026 award, bringing it back to Britain
- Annual Interior Design Review features 100 designers from 30+ countries
What happened
The Andrew Martin Interior Designer of the Year Award celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2026, marking a significant milestone since its inception in 1996. This year’s winner, Ben Pentreath, was announced, bringing the prestigious award back to Britain. Alongside the award, the 30th volume of the annual Interior Design Review was published, featuring 100 designers representing more than 30 countries. The Review has grown into a comprehensive reflection of evolving design trends and cultural influences, compiling over 500 pages and more than 1,200 photographs this year alone.
The award and Review together serve not only to recognize outstanding creative talent but to document shifts in interior style across three decades. While the world of interiors has seen many trends come and go, the emphasis has shifted towards designs that prioritize personal expression and lasting quality over fleeting fashions. This milestone edition celebrates both established figures in design and emerging innovators, highlighting a breadth of styles, influences, and regional perspectives.
Why it feels good
The enduring success of the Andrew Martin Award is a joy for anyone passionate about interiors, as it champions spaces designed for life—homes and environments thoughtfully crafted to reflect the people who inhabit them. This focus on authenticity and longevity resonates strongly in today’s design culture, which increasingly moves away from fast trends and towards meaningful engagement with heritage, culture, and personal narrative.
Moreover, the Award’s global community fosters diversity and innovation, bringing together designers from a wide range of backgrounds to showcase how localized traditions and contemporary creativity can merge beautifully. The conversations around technology’s role in design, including AI’s emerging potential, suggest an exciting future where creativity and craftsmanship are enhanced rather than replaced, ensuring interior design remains a vibrant, evolving art form.
What to enjoy or watch next
Interior design enthusiasts can dive into Volume 30 of the Interior Design Review, a comprehensive resource packed with inspiration from 100 talented designers worldwide. The book offers more than just visual delight, providing insights into the historical, political, and cultural contexts shaping today’s interiors. It’s a perfect addition to any coffee table or design library for those who love to explore how homes can be both beautiful and meaningful.
Keep an eye on the new generation of emerging designers featured in this year’s Review, many of whom are redefining what it means to create timeless interiors by blending tradition with innovation. Following Ben Pentreath’s contributions and those of designers like Jo Bee, Kara Childress, Gregory Mellor, and Kavita Singh will provide ongoing inspiration for anyone interested in the heart and future of home design.