Credit: ERIN KELLY
Nice from the house
The designer Leanne Ford has a flair for creating simple, cozy and inviting spaces. During the final episode of her new show Home Again with the Fords, she and her brother Steve Ford met Kelly Jo, a single mother who had just returned to Pittsburgh after years in New York City. She had just bought her grandparents’ house to live with her son, but needed help to make it feel like her own.
Leanne and Steve went to work transforming the one-story excavation from 1961 into a minimalist getaway with “just a little Joshua Tree,” as Leanne tells House Beautiful. The designer spoke to us about this latest project which you can check out below.
Credit: ERIN KELLY
While Kelly Jo cherished the memories of her grandparents’ house, she was ready for a fresh start when it came to her style. “We literally turned it into a blank blackboard for them,” says Leanne. The sibling design duo opted for white, simple and minimalist elements. “That way, she can make it into something whenever she can and keep growing at it,” explains Leanne. To give a feeling of serenity and warmth, they mixed in some natural, earthy elements. Check out the stump tables and willow plants.
Credit: ERIN KELLY
While Leanne and Steve were trying to create a clean, peaceful space for Kelly Jo, they also wanted Kelly Jo’s son to have fun at home. Leanne added a wooden swing to the living room. She also framed some of his artwork and displayed it on the mantelpiece.
Credit: ERIN KELLY
Since working from home has become the new norm for Kelly Jo, Leanne wanted to make it a special office. Double vintage doors now lead into Kelly Jo’s new office, which used to be the kitchen. A side door now conveniently connects the office with the kitchen (ideal for snacks between Zoom calls). For the desk, Leanne had a table that once belonged to Kelly Jo’s grandmother reworked.
Credit: ERIN KELLY
Before the renovation, a room was added to the house which was very light and airy but felt very separate from the rest of the house. Leanne turned this room into * the new kitchen *. She opted for white walls, white cabinets, and a white island – a color scheme that she absolutely rules.
The story goes on
Credit: ERIN KELLY
Another highlight is a double-sided shelf that can be found in both the living room and bathroom, allowing decor to be placed on one side and toiletries on the other. Leanne and Steve definitely got inventive with this project. They also painted the leather couch in the living room.
To see more of the makeover, tune into HGTV Home Again with the Fords every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET / PT.
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