Photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank1/14The Lady of the House
“I’m pretty informal, but there are certain formalities that I really enjoy, like perfect flowers or a beautifully set table,” says Lansing. “On the other hand, I can’t live without barking dogs, kids running through the dining room with lacrosse sticks, and loud music. I’ve always wanted a home where everyone can feel like they can take their shoes off and relax.”
Photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank2/14Home Improvement
The transition from a downtown bachelor pad to a bright, warm, and art-filled family apartment would be daunting if not for the expert precision of Lansing. Here, the otherwise “formal” living room has a comfort and ease that is achieved with over sized furniture, layers of texture, and charming seating groupings throughout the loft apartment. “I decorated the space and I loved the process,” says Lansing. “There’s nothing I enjoy more than spending a day at the Decoration and Design Building.”
Photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank3/14Hands Off
“As opposed to a ‘do not touch rule’ in the house, we have more of a ‘live freely policy.’ In doing so, the kids [including six-year old Gerrit, pictured here in the living room] recognize their boundaries and know what they can and cannot play with.”
Photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank4/14Detail Oriented
It’s the little things—like these bronzed artichokes and pomegranates—that add character and a rich, decorative layer to an ottoman vignette.
Photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank5/14Green Thumb
Patricia cares for her orchids herself (she keeps them everywhere, but currently has a few on a desk in her living room) and has a tip for other home gardeners: “I put ice cubes in them when it’s really wet outside and water them a lot when I first bring them home.” The painting of Sebastian is by Ottavio Vannini.
Photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank6/14Snake Charmer
“This taxidermy snake was one of the first things my husband started collectsing when he was a kid,” she says.
Photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank7/14Balancing Act
“My husband does the walls, and I do the interiors,” Lansing says of the art collectsion. “If he likes something, he makes sure I do, too. It’s simple—we buy what we like. If we love it, we find a place for it. Some pieces are rotated, but it’s all out on display in one way or another.” The window by the fire escape in the library is a perfect spot for relaxing after dinner.
Photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank8/14Music Man
“My husband, Gerrity, plays the guitar, and my two older kids, Carolina and Gerrit, just started playing as well,” Lansing says of the musical setup in the library. The Photo-realist painting of her children displayed on the bookshelf is by the artist Alyssa Monks and the raccoon is one of her husband’s taxidermy finds. “He loves it.”
Photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank9/14Cabinet of Curiosities
The sliced mushroom is from a tree in Maine, “Gerrity’s god parents put an inscription on it for his birthday.”
Photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank10/14Supper Club
“I entertain a lot,” says Lansing of her get-togethers which range from buffet-style to seated dinners. “My favorite is a good Mexican night. I also love easy dishes, a great roast chicken or a tasty shrimp curry. My dinner party of choice would be one where there is never a shortage of laughter with lots of wine and good music.” The table was designed with Lansing’s architect. “I found the old antique sewing legs and had a piece of marble cut for the table top.”
Photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank11/14Mission Control
“We do everything at our kitchen table,” Lansing says of the most popular room in the house. “From kids’ birthday breakfasts—where I decorate the table with their favorite things and they get to open presents and eat whatever they want—to take-out dinners to late-night snacks.”
Photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank12/14Ready for A Close-Up
“I think it’s cozier to have [family photos] in your bedroom and more private areas,” Lansing says of the collectsion she has amassed on the wall in the kitchen.
Photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank13/14Sleeping Beauty
The master bedroom is painted in a warm foam green and the windows face the rear of the block. So while the couple can enjoy the festive neighborhood by day, the bedroom itself is a quiet refuge.
Photographed by Claiborne Swanson Frank14/14Blank Slate
“Organized chaos is the best definition of the family wing,” Lansing says of the children’s playroom. “I wanted a wall that was indestructible, the kind that you could throw a ball against, so we settled on a chalkboard paint wall. They use it all the time. In the past, we’ve had artists who come for a dinner or a party and sketch something special on there. It keeps the space personal and unique.”
