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Work in Progress: Unconventional Thoughts on Designing an Extraordinary Life
How did a couple of quirky siblings from suburban Pittsburgh end up as the king and queen of eclectic-design chic with their own HGTV show? They never let fear get in the way of a great idea. Leanne and Steve Ford share their secrets for how to turn dreams into reality.
Leanne and Steve were middle-class kids growing up in Pittsburgh in the 80s and 90s. There was nothing particularly glamorous or unusual about their lives as kids. Leanne was a shy, stubborn child who lived a rich life in her own imagination. Steve was outdoorsy and offbeat and was bullied mercilessly at school for being different. Their parents, grounded in faith and always encouraging of both creativity and hard work, gave them the confidence and the encouragement they needed to pursue the often difficult creative life. Leanne’s slogan as a child was, “My name is Leanne. If I want to, I can.”
Leanne studied clothing design and pulled gigs at fashion houses in New York and as a stylist to country music stars in Nashville before she found her true interior design. Steve threw himself into kayaking and snowboarding and opening his own men’s clothing store in Pittsburgh. And then their individual passions converged when Leanne asked Steve to help renovate her bathroom. There was magic in their collaboration, and they began renovating for clients in Pittsburgh—creating unique, authentic spaces that manage to feel both chic and completely obtainable—before catching the eye of producers at HGTV.
Leanne and Steve share the details of their journey, including the beliefs that have inspired them and the experiences that have challenged them along the way.
Leanne and Steve were middle-class kids growing up in Pittsburgh in the 80s and 90s. There was nothing particularly glamorous or unusual about their lives as kids. Leanne was a shy, stubborn child who lived a rich life in her own imagination. Steve was outdoorsy and offbeat and was bullied mercilessly at school for being different. Their parents, grounded in faith and always encouraging of both creativity and hard work, gave them the confidence and the encouragement they needed to pursue the often difficult creative life. Leanne’s slogan as a child was, “My name is Leanne. If I want to, I can.”
Leanne studied clothing design and pulled gigs at fashion houses in New York and as a stylist to country music stars in Nashville before she found her true interior design. Steve threw himself into kayaking and snowboarding and opening his own men’s clothing store in Pittsburgh. And then their individual passions converged when Leanne asked Steve to help renovate her bathroom. There was magic in their collaboration, and they began renovating for clients in Pittsburgh—creating unique, authentic spaces that manage to feel both chic and completely obtainable—before catching the eye of producers at HGTV.
Leanne and Steve share the details of their journey, including the beliefs that have inspired them and the experiences that have challenged them along the way.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2019
52 people are currently reading
1304 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 30, 2020
I won this book in exchange for an honest review...
I was somewhat excited to read this, as I am into interior design and refurbishing things. It wasn’t a bad book. My issue was that it drug out a bit too much. It was interesting at first, and then entertaining from time to time...but it didn’t keep my attention the whole time. At points I had to push myself to keep reading. I enjoyed the insert of pictures, though. Whenever I read a memoir or biography, it’s always nice to get an idea of the way the person or people looked, and how their lives were from a visual perspective.
I was somewhat excited to read this, as I am into interior design and refurbishing things. It wasn’t a bad book. My issue was that it drug out a bit too much. It was interesting at first, and then entertaining from time to time...but it didn’t keep my attention the whole time. At points I had to push myself to keep reading. I enjoyed the insert of pictures, though. Whenever I read a memoir or biography, it’s always nice to get an idea of the way the person or people looked, and how their lives were from a visual perspective.
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January 21, 2020Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
I have to state up front that I am a huge fan of the HGTV show, Restored by the Fords hosted by this brother and sister team. I love the way they work, and sometimes bicker, but the end product is always and amazing design. I'm going to have to call "bait and switch" on NetGalley on this one. I listened to an audio excerpt and requested what I thought was the audio book. It wasn't. It is the print/e-book. While I thoroughly enjoyed the audio excerpt with Steve and Leann doing the audio, the book is fragmented and disjointed and not at all enjoyable. Hence the DNF for this book, although I would really like to get a copy of the audio version. This brother-sister team have had some wonderful experiences.
I have to state up front that I am a huge fan of the HGTV show, Restored by the Fords hosted by this brother and sister team. I love the way they work, and sometimes bicker, but the end product is always and amazing design. I'm going to have to call "bait and switch" on NetGalley on this one. I listened to an audio excerpt and requested what I thought was the audio book. It wasn't. It is the print/e-book. While I thoroughly enjoyed the audio excerpt with Steve and Leann doing the audio, the book is fragmented and disjointed and not at all enjoyable. Hence the DNF for this book, although I would really like to get a copy of the audio version. This brother-sister team have had some wonderful experiences.
January 30, 2021
I absolutely adored Leanne and Steve from the get go. They have this irresistible charm and cuteness. Leanne with her trademark pageboy hair, bangs and all, and Steve with his boyish good looks covered by a backward baseball cap and messy hair sticking out all over. I'm pretty sure Leanne wore white painter's coveralls for the first three episodes I saw of Restored by the Fords but on her, they work! Their personalities are different but the brother - sister dynamic between them works. Leanne is so vibrant and unpredictable and yet has a girl next door quality about her. I am always surprised and amazed by her designs, the ideas seem so out there at first but look stunning when done. Steve often looks almost overwhelmed by her off the wall ideas but then he gets to work and makes them happen time after time. He has a great work ethic and gets the job done, modestly giving the credit to Leanne’s vision. Each time he accomplishes one of Leanne's outlandish ideas, it just fuels her to continue asking for the impossible.
Both Leanne and Steve are way more travelled and well connected than I had realized. Both had been out in the world, and tried several career paths, and never called them a failure, but only a step on the way to finding what will make them happy. They're both very driven and focused.
I wasn't expecting the book to read so much like an inspirational career guide. The two of them could easily be life coaches in their next venture. I would have LOVED to seen some photos, of Leanne's bathroom and staircase, Steve's warehouse home and Leanne's wedding dress. Now I have to go look them up myself! I adore them and their show.
Both Leanne and Steve are way more travelled and well connected than I had realized. Both had been out in the world, and tried several career paths, and never called them a failure, but only a step on the way to finding what will make them happy. They're both very driven and focused.
I wasn't expecting the book to read so much like an inspirational career guide. The two of them could easily be life coaches in their next venture. I would have LOVED to seen some photos, of Leanne's bathroom and staircase, Steve's warehouse home and Leanne's wedding dress. Now I have to go look them up myself! I adore them and their show.
September 24, 2019
Disclaimer: I am from the Netherlands, and I had never heard of Leanne and Steve but, I was interested in this book because what they do is part of my day to day life as a home stager, interior photographer and decorator. Work in Progress tells the story of a brother and sister that always have seized their opportunities and are not afraid to fail both hopping from job to job to find their passion in interior design and construction finally. I like the set up of the book a lot; it's like Leanne and Steve are sitting on the couch telling their life stories, filling in the blanks for one another from childhood until the end of the season of their first HGTV show.
So far so good, it's a beautiful story of a happy family but, I miss the depth in their story, the pain that their lives inevitably have offered (except for their father passing, that part is the only hard life event in the book). The parts where things get more interesting: For instance living in New York, working as an intern with no income. I cannot imagine that life was as easy as it appears in the book. And that's with almost every story: It's too shallow. I do appreciate the positive vibe in the book, but, without the dirt, life has to offer the questions for the readers to answer, feel out of place. Since it is such a quick read, I would not have minded another 60 or so pages to make space for more real-life experiences.
So far so good, it's a beautiful story of a happy family but, I miss the depth in their story, the pain that their lives inevitably have offered (except for their father passing, that part is the only hard life event in the book). The parts where things get more interesting: For instance living in New York, working as an intern with no income. I cannot imagine that life was as easy as it appears in the book. And that's with almost every story: It's too shallow. I do appreciate the positive vibe in the book, but, without the dirt, life has to offer the questions for the readers to answer, feel out of place. Since it is such a quick read, I would not have minded another 60 or so pages to make space for more real-life experiences.
November 24, 2019
Sometimes you CAN judge a book by its cover.
When I decided to read Work in Progress: Unconventional Thoughts on Designing an Extraordinary Life by Leanne Ford and Steve Ford, I had no idea who the two people were on the book's cover. And that cover is what prompted me to read the book -- I was curious.
After reading Work In Progress, I know a lot more about this brother and sister team, the hosts behind the HGTV show, Restored by the Fords. This is a quick read and, at times, is more of a conversation between Leanne and Steve.
Building on their title, each chapter focuses on a particular life lesson whether it be showing up -- something that sounds simple, but can terrify a lot of us to looking at our own strengths and what works for each of us. At the end of most chapters, they have a Working on Progress box challenging readers to further delve into that particular chapter's theme.
Encouraged by their parents to take risks, be creative, and embrace the fact that failure is not always a setback, Leanne and Steve were given that perfect mix of boundary and encouragement to explore, and it's evident that this has been a strong building block to their success. Leanne and Steve aren't toe dippers; rather, they jump feet first into any new endeavor, which is why they don't see failure as something to be afraid of -- often it has been the fuel to many positives in both their lives..
I came away liking the people that I didn't know anything about going into this book, admiring their risk-taking attitude, and am looking forward to watching their show. #NetGalley #WorkInProgress
When I decided to read Work in Progress: Unconventional Thoughts on Designing an Extraordinary Life by Leanne Ford and Steve Ford, I had no idea who the two people were on the book's cover. And that cover is what prompted me to read the book -- I was curious.
After reading Work In Progress, I know a lot more about this brother and sister team, the hosts behind the HGTV show, Restored by the Fords. This is a quick read and, at times, is more of a conversation between Leanne and Steve.
Building on their title, each chapter focuses on a particular life lesson whether it be showing up -- something that sounds simple, but can terrify a lot of us to looking at our own strengths and what works for each of us. At the end of most chapters, they have a Working on Progress box challenging readers to further delve into that particular chapter's theme.
Encouraged by their parents to take risks, be creative, and embrace the fact that failure is not always a setback, Leanne and Steve were given that perfect mix of boundary and encouragement to explore, and it's evident that this has been a strong building block to their success. Leanne and Steve aren't toe dippers; rather, they jump feet first into any new endeavor, which is why they don't see failure as something to be afraid of -- often it has been the fuel to many positives in both their lives..
I came away liking the people that I didn't know anything about going into this book, admiring their risk-taking attitude, and am looking forward to watching their show. #NetGalley #WorkInProgress
November 13, 2019
I received this as a free ARC from NetGalley in return for my opinion.
The book describes the behind the scenes of the Ford family such as childhood, dreams, goals, etc. that readers and viewers are not able to possibly get from a one hour tv show. Told in alternating voices of Leann Ford and Steve Ford. it gives insight to the siblings family, childhood, relationships, dreams, goals, etc. I enjoyed the book to a certain extent as I liked it enough to finish it. However, I do have some cons about the book. I wondered if some of the comments/banterings between the two siblings would be better suited for tv than a book. I was disappointed that it didn't give decorating tips. I was also confused about the nature of the book. Is it autobiography? Is it a manual on how to achieve your dreams and goals, as at the end of the chapters there are questions to ask about your own journey? This book would appeal to ans of the show who want to learn more about the siblings and how they came to have a hit HGTV show. If you're looking for decorating tips, this is not book.
The book describes the behind the scenes of the Ford family such as childhood, dreams, goals, etc. that readers and viewers are not able to possibly get from a one hour tv show. Told in alternating voices of Leann Ford and Steve Ford. it gives insight to the siblings family, childhood, relationships, dreams, goals, etc. I enjoyed the book to a certain extent as I liked it enough to finish it. However, I do have some cons about the book. I wondered if some of the comments/banterings between the two siblings would be better suited for tv than a book. I was disappointed that it didn't give decorating tips. I was also confused about the nature of the book. Is it autobiography? Is it a manual on how to achieve your dreams and goals, as at the end of the chapters there are questions to ask about your own journey? This book would appeal to ans of the show who want to learn more about the siblings and how they came to have a hit HGTV show. If you're looking for decorating tips, this is not book.
March 25, 2022
BOOK REVIEW: Work In Progress by Steve Ford & Leanne Ford
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pages: 224
Genre: DIY Home
Sub-Genre: Home Design
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Make Life Beautiful by Syd & Shea McGee
TV: Restored By The Fords (HGTV)
--------------------
All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com
♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pages: 224
Genre: DIY Home
Sub-Genre: Home Design
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Make Life Beautiful by Syd & Shea McGee
TV: Restored By The Fords (HGTV)
--------------------
All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com
♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
November 15, 2019
Told in brief, alternating voices, this is a positive book about following your dreams and working for what you want in life. It also tells the story of a supportive family which allows for creative growth.
I did find much of the content repetitive and felt it could use more substance and editing.
I did find much of the content repetitive and felt it could use more substance and editing.
September 8, 2019
I really wanted to love this story, as I love tuning in to watch Restored by the Fords! Steve and Leanne take turns sharing short stories and insights, all throughout the book. There are some great moments, but overall it felt like something was missing.
October 25, 2019
Try as I might, I just cannot get into this book. I enjoy seeing these siblings on HGTV on other projects like A Very Brady Renovation and Rock the Block, but have not watched their own show. Now.....Not sure I will. The book is definitely for those who enjoy watching them and understand their rhythms and how they work together, so maybe I need to see them to understand, but I just cannot get past the half way point in this book.
Unlike the Property Brothers, who have a rhythm to their writing that is similar to how they speak on TV, The Fords' book feels stilted. There is no flow, and it feels poorly designed. They should stick to their strengths, which are definitely on visual design and construction, and not delve into the book world until they can get a better working flow in their writing.
Unlike the Property Brothers, who have a rhythm to their writing that is similar to how they speak on TV, The Fords' book feels stilted. There is no flow, and it feels poorly designed. They should stick to their strengths, which are definitely on visual design and construction, and not delve into the book world until they can get a better working flow in their writing.
December 17, 2019
Overall I would say I liked this book because I liked their positive message/ upbeat attitude & it was a quick read. Oh, & because I like Pittsburgh. However it definitely felt like they got a strike-while-the-iron-is-hot book deal because of the HGTV series & then had to figure out what to write about rather than having something to say, writing a book, & then getting it published. So it has a disjointed feel to it as it jumps back & forth between the story of their lives & how they got to where they are & the advice on being creative, suggestions for personal development part. Not awful but could have been better
January 15, 2023
4.5 stars! Having never watched the Ford’s TV show, I went into this books knowing almost nothing about this family, other then my mom telling me I would love this book (I didn’t even realized Leanna and Steve were brother and sister) Boy was she right! As an art artist, reading about people that create and make for a living is so fascinating. Their process from outdoor sports to carpenter and fashion design to interior design is captivating all the way through. Quick read and written to make readers feel like they are listening to the pair talk, this was a great second read for the new year.
September 12, 2024
I loved their HGTV show and thought it was one of the best. I liked the interaction of two very different siblings and the design ideas were inspiring. So I decided to listen to this book - I have a long commute to and from work. It was an enjoyable listen - each reads their portion so it feels like a conversation. I learned more about them and enjoyed the back story. Leann comes across as more conversational, while Steve seems to read his portion early on although he warms up more and it becomes conversational. The older sister reads the forward. Overall, an enjoyable listen.
June 9, 2020
The book alternated between both of their voices so it read more like a conversation than a memoir. I appreciate their honesty and their ability to celebrate what makes them unique, but the pacing felt off at times and the stories didn't blend together in a thoughtful way. Since some parts were repetitive, I wonder if it would have been a different reading experience with more editing and a little reorganization. Overall, they are very inspiring people and some of the stories were great!
April 6, 2021
I'm not going to lie, I recently fell down the rabbit joke of HGTV and fell in love with Leanne and Steve Ford. This book is great and exactly what I expected -- their voices are so clear and consistent with their on screen presence. I don't know that this would be that enjoyable if you didn't love their show, and watching it definitely helped put different parts in context for me. Overall, I loved it!
January 25, 2023
I loved this, despite a little repetitiveness, especially near the beginning. I already loved their shows, and definitely enjoyed Steve and Leanne’s audio narration of the book sped up a bit. I recommend this to anyone old enough to enjoy the show! Note to parents: Brief mentions of alcohol, divorce, extreme sports and injuries, but potentially encouraging for any artist of any age! I would read it again.
September 13, 2020
Great book
I really liked these two on the HGTV show "Restored by the Ford's. They have a unique way of making a room or house look fabulous and I want to see more of their shows. They are very interesting people and this book tells how they got to where they are. Congrats you too.
I really liked these two on the HGTV show "Restored by the Ford's. They have a unique way of making a room or house look fabulous and I want to see more of their shows. They are very interesting people and this book tells how they got to where they are. Congrats you too.
July 7, 2022
A great book about Leanne and Steve Ford's life with a great message about messing up and trying again. Since it is kind of an auto-biography in some ways, it would probably be easier to get through if you're a Leanne Ford addict like me ;) but the message is still good and definitely helped me, even though I wasn't the intended audience.
October 27, 2019
The anecdotes are cute, but maybe better for a blog/Facebook platform? I don't watch HGTV and I don't plan to start, and from the rushed feel of this book it seems like someone told these poor siblings "hey, a book would really increase your viewership!"
They were wrong.
They were wrong.
November 26, 2019
Love these siblings!
Also loved that this book wasn't about their current work, but instead, what got them there.
It's maybe not the best audiobook as they both have a bit of a monotone speaking voice, but I love them so it didn't bother me.
Also loved that this book wasn't about their current work, but instead, what got them there.
It's maybe not the best audiobook as they both have a bit of a monotone speaking voice, but I love them so it didn't bother me.
January 16, 2020
I picked this up not intending to read the whole thing in one sitting! ...Great things can truly happen when your told and believe you can do anything! Would be a great read for a graduate or anyone struggle to figure out what they want to do in life<
September 12, 2020
Not what I expected, but oh so good!
I thought the book would be just about their show, but it was so much more. A history of their lives, famiy, loves, talents, jobs and faith.
I liked them before, but I like them even more now!
Great book.
I thought the book would be just about their show, but it was so much more. A history of their lives, famiy, loves, talents, jobs and faith.
I liked them before, but I like them even more now!
Great book.
July 25, 2022
must read
Inspirational! Work hard, be kind to people and ignore what others think. I highly recommend reading this book. If you love the show, read it. If you’ve never watched the show, read it and then binge watch both seasons 😉
Inspirational! Work hard, be kind to people and ignore what others think. I highly recommend reading this book. If you love the show, read it. If you’ve never watched the show, read it and then binge watch both seasons 😉
October 9, 2022
This was a fun, unexpected read. I loved reading how family and faith gave both of them courage to just try things. Both learned ftom failure. Both had established businesses before HGTV found them. Even the first sizzle reel sermed doomed to stay buried. Yet, over time, it all happened.
February 1, 2023
Sweet read but not enough information about designing for the home. Leanne designs beautiful homes with her unconventional design perspective. I was looking for an explanation of how they developed their style.
December 14, 2019
An interesting look at the HGTV brother/sister team.
December 23, 2019
Inspirational read/ reminder to let your inhibitions go. Don't be afraid to be creative!
January 15, 2020
I love these two and their show, but the writing itself was very juvenile and therefore lowered the overall quality of the book. I do not recommend it, even if you're a fan of the show.
March 3, 2020
A shout out to my home town.
November 28, 2020
3.5 Stories and advice on life and design from two kind people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews