~ restored by the fords ~

This Crazy-Cool Designer Specializes in All-White Interiors and has her own program on HGTV with her brother Steve - located in Pittsburgh.

I know someone that will be closing shortly on a Row house in Pittsburgh - it got me thinking about the Fords who are also located there - and just maybe he could get them to work on his new home. 

He contacted High Noon Enterprises and they were quick to respond.  It's still in the interview stage but it might just happen this spring. 

In the meantime, I wanted him to have a clear understanding of 'The Look' for Leanne Ford. 

My Pinterest Board with 57 pins of her creations. 

Here's an article that was written by Sasha Strebe

ALL WHITE on My Domaine.com

Leanne Ford of Leanne Ford Interiors, who specializes in decorating insanely-cool texture-rich, ivory-infused homes. "White is having a well-deserved moment, though it will never be outdated," she told MyDomaine. While color trends come and go, Ford says all white is timeless. "Even when you see a white space and you have no idea what country, year, or era it was designed, it will still look relevant and modern. Because white is universal. It's forever." We couldn't agree more. Ahead, Ford shares her tips for creating the ultimate all white interior along with the one thing you should never do.

When it comes to decorating a white interior, there's one rule Ford swears by for visual interest and warmth: texture. "A space can feel good and look nice in all white no matter what, but the texture is what makes it feel warm and inviting," she notes. "It can be anything—wood, brick, tile, molding, marble, cowhides, furs, cotton, silk, wool—it's all texture. These elements combined make a room feel special and alive. Small or large (room), the rule doesn't change."

While we don't like telling anyone what to do in their space (you're the one whose going to live in it after all), there is one thing Ford would never do in a white space, and that's "be precious." She explained: "White is actually a very livable color. It's easily repainted, washed, or bleached, and it is not as precious as people think it is. I never understood the concept of not using white because 'it gets dirty.' If you love it, use it! And let it wear and live a little. White brick gets better over time as it starts to fade off, and white wood floors get better over time as the paint wears off. Even white fabrics [age well]. Once you get past that first oh so painful spill or mark on it, you realize it’s going to be lived in and it's meant to be enjoyed. I am not much for rules."

If you didn't get the gist already, Ford is kinda obsessed with the all-white look. In fact, she even goes as far as calling it her "secret weapon." Or not so secret now… "White has more power and more importance than you realize," she notes. "White is like this special secret service man doing his job without you even realizing it. Painting a space white makes you notice the texture, the brick, the wood, the room. It makes you notice the light coming in through the windows, the art, the furniture, and the people in the space. It's pretty magic actually." 

If you want your white space to veer into comfort, not cold territory, then Ford recommends introducing natural décor items and furniture to welcome in the warmth. "Anything natural and from the earth—wood, stones, marble, plants—will bring warmth into any space, no matter what color it is," she said. "I use them throughout all of my projects. It’s the camp counselor in me. No matter how glam the space, you will always find an element of the outside that I've brought in."

Ford's other go-to is vintage. "Lived in, weathered, just plain old," she said. "These are the things that bring life, character, and warmth in. You always need something from the past to ground the space. Also, cowhides, sheepskins, textiles, and blankets are great to layer in."

Finally, in order to break up the monotony of a white interior, Ford says it's important to sprinkle in sentimental objects and personal mementos. If you're not sure how or where, she also has the perfect tip for that. "I think that visual interest comes naturally when you let yourself relax about the concept of white," she explained. "Your books, your vacation finds, your shoes—all of these things in a home will help it come to life and make it feel good. When done right, white simplifies the space but doesn't dull it. With white, it's all about the lines, the shapes, and the lighting (always on a dimmer, please)."

Another article about their renovated Farmhouse

jennikayne.com

Another article written by Sf Girl

Restored by the Fords

So are you seeing the storyline being established here:

• white
• black
• natural woods
• gold accents
• old objects
• neutral artwork
• slight industrial

AND HOW I SEE SOME CHANGES VIA THE FORD WAY. 

MAYBE BY STARTING WITH AN OLD FRONT DOOR. 

GREAT BLACK RAILINGS

You can tell from the window frames that the ceiling have been dropped almost 20" or more.  Raise the ceilings back up. 

LIVING ROOM BEFORE & AFTER 

SIMPLE LIVING ROOM is only 14 X 14 ~ but there is also the dining area to expand the space. 

REMOVE THE WALL BETWEEN THE 2 ROOMS. 

DINING ROOM 

Moving the Kitchen in the center where the Dining room was - is also an option.  And remove some of the walls ~ not all. 

FRONT ENTRY BEFORE

or

FRONT ENTRY AFTER

or

KITCHEN BEFORE

KITCHEN AFTER

BEDROOM BEFORE & AFTER

It would make the bedroom tight and cozy but build a wall behind the bed to hide the closet. 

This is too much closet but it does look like something Leanne would design. 

or 

BATHROOM BEFORE & AFTER

HALLWAY UPSTAIRS BEFORE

POSSIBLE AFTER 

There's a second bedroom with a great fireplace, AC unit and unfortunately another door that leads to the master.  If the 3rd floor were finished with another bedroom ~ this could become an office area or Master closet ~ or both.  My advice ~ don't close off the door too soon. 

There is a dangerously steep stairway to the 3rd floor ~ located above is at least another 400 sq ft more of usable space and it's not on the books.   

What's needed is a new staircase, a master suite and bathroom.

And of Course we need to find a powder room on the 1st floor ~ question is ~ where?

  Hoping to get the laundry room out of the basement but there is room to actually create a laundry mud room.  At this time the washer is in the back of the basement and the dryer is up front ~ no where near each other.  

There is an old bathroom in the basement towards the back ~ where the men would come in from the coal mines and clean off before heading upstairs.  This means plumbing and electrical - and room to move around.   VOILA! 

House also needs Central Air conditioning ~ and it would be lovely to remove the radiators for more space in each room ~ but we are talking a large chunk of change for that. 

There are several AC wall units scattered around.  

ADDITIONAL SPACE 

In the back next to the kitchen and the dining room back there ~ is a slab that's 14 x 6.  

The kitchen could extend sideways and maybe fit in a small powder room. 

What makes this home a good investment in the city ~ it has a backyard and small garage ~ and a back alley. 

It just needs a little sprucing up. 

And of course there is the VIEW from the 2nd and 3rd floor.