Barry Lantz
Painting by Barry Lantz
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? London
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? I had two maple twin beds with red, grey, black and red plaid spreads. I shared a room with my brother. We were each allowed one bulletin board which measured approximately 24” x 30”. The night table lamp was a red fire engine base. We had a black and white television that hung on a floor to ceiling tension pole and red draperies.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? I wanted a good looking, handsome chair for a stairway entry area. I purchased a Wakefield ladder back chair with arms.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer, who would it be? Well, I would hire my daughter, Amanda. She is much better at her age that I was at 40. If not her, then Barry Dixon (I like his name).
No room is complete without: Layers of collected pieces and art.
People think of me as pretentious but I am really just confident.
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Too many different kinds of flowers
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Anything straight out of a bag or can
A bar cabinet: Paper napkins
A song for:
Dinner at home: Anything “Frank”
Working at your desk: Anything “Boz”
Going for a run: Nodbod’s Gonna Rain on My Parade - the Barbara version
Biggest Vice? When I have to TEACH design to a client instead of DO DESIGN FOR A CLIENT.
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Shoes, scarves, jewelry, glasses, man bags.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? I dress to coordinate with a space, with an event, with a presentation……and always a good pair of shoes.
Who is your star crush? Sarah Jessica Parker……but I am strangely attracted to “Blanche” on the Golden Girls.
What is the one thing you would never decorate your home with, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Two pattern sided toss pillows.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? Mine. (After I get it published.)
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? The feeling my spaces provide. Color…..interest……layers…..storytelling.
A Few Favorites
Movie? “Always” (Richard Dreyfuss and Holly Hunter)
Book? I’m not a reader……. not at all…….
Scent? Lilacs…..they remind me of my grandmother, Goldie.
The fabric you always come back to? Cream colored silk.
Dream project? I would love to design a lovely, updated funeral home.
Meal? A European breakfast (The Ritz, Paris).
Drink? Very dirty martini
Hotel? The ritz….London…..at Christmas
Travel Destination? London
Artist? Me of course……then Rothko
Thing to collect obsessively? Paperweights, crystal knife rests, decanters and bottles.
Era in the history of design? Present
Museum? The Victoria Albert Museum…or Rue Saint Honore…specifically the Hermés store. Haha
Paint color that always looks great? Queen’s Anne Lace……Porter
Favorite person to follow on Instagram? My daughter Amanda @lantzcollective
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? I have a grand-dog. Little poodle…..Roxie.
