Leanne Ford stays low key when it comes to acknowledging her design intelligence. Her humility belies what we know. An authentically effortless look is not at all effortless work. Restraint requires abundant thought. Flow often entails the removal of resistance and obstacles. Curation for a look that sings NOW demands an understanding of the past. Let’s face it, embracing a white or mostly white decor scheme is an art when done right. Leanne Ford interiors inspire with their restraint, effortlessness and warmth, but it takes work!
Leanne Ford Interiors: Inspiration for an Effortless Work
Restraint: Color & Effort
The thing is, anyone can gut a place and start fresh with enough cash.
But to preserve the soul of a place and not spend a fortune? A particular level of consciousness and a set apart range of sensibilities.
Leanne Ford is a favorite of many for reasons beyond her obvious reverence for white decor.
Her cozy warm minimal modern style celebrates slow living and luxurious livability.
There’s also a rich sense of self and soul in the work. No one is showing off or flexing.
Maybe that is why she is regarded as “cool” so often.
Leanne Ford Interiors & Authentic Understatement
Typically when a designer speaks of an “understated look,” they aren’t referring to the humble appearance of things in their worn from use, threadbare state.
More often, an understated look in design means less embellishment, nothing too shiny or flashy, or simply a quiet color story.
But understated in Leanne’s work feels more like gentleness, treading lightly, and not overworking a home’s footprints. Time after time, she demonstrates it’s more than okay to wor with what you have.
I love how challenges inspire her creatively. For example, she knew the walls in her Pittsburgh guest cottage (above) needed something, and she also knew she had coffee grinds lying around. Hahahaha.
Of course. Coffee-wash those walls. In other cases, she uses ordinary supplies such as grout in fresh ways.
Taking Risks (Because It’s Only Decor!)
There’s always a measure of risk, but her design attitude is such a refreshing one.
It is only decor! Look around. More pressing matters are all around.
Her magazine FEEL FREE is all about permission to try new things and follow your creative impulses.
Remember those show stopping cool interiors (including the study, above) designed for Rock the Block?
Free-spirited Lighthearted Whimsy
So many occasions, it’s what Leanne Ford is willing to ignore with that feels genius. For example, trim and casing! When most designers opt for such radical restraint, it becomes necessary to finish all surrounding surfaces impeccably. Trim and casing hides so many sins! But when the style is this relaxed…
I don’t think Leanne’s intention is for everyone to copy her designs and in this case, demo all the moldings. The inspiration and invitation here is to release yourself from conventions. Make decisions from a place of self-awareness and freedom.
Psst. Love the textured, plaster-like wall (like the one above) and wishing you could create one? You can. It’s a skim coat of a concrete product (Sure Tex “Whitewater”) RIGHT HERE.
Leanne Ford’s Fashion Stylist Past Shines Through
Before interiors work, she was a fashion stylist in LA, and the influence is apparent with so many California cool vibes.
She also uses black to contrast with great success. If you watch her HGTV shows, you may remember this bar she created (they antiqued the mirrored back).
Effortless Underbaked Chic & Relaxed Cool
I appreciate how the rooms Leanne tackles resemble the best brownies: truly underbaked.
With an unfussy approach, no fussy rules hem you in. Leanne modeled this beautifully when she had second thoughts about her coffee-wash treatment on the guesthouse walls. She eventually covered them unapologetically with white paint!
Elevating Existing Features
If you have watched Leanne’s creative approach on TV, you know she is not quick to clear the decks and impose perfection. Must all the wallpaper be removed just because it won’t match perfectly? Could it be modified or somehow elevated to keep the history of the space?
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Warm White Paints Leanne Favors
Curious about the paint colors Leanne favors? SEE THIS. Here’s a warm white she loves:
Restraint & Warmth
Mix Your Whites. We explored a gorgeous cottage owned by antique dealers who know their way around white HERE, and Leanne is adept at the art too.
Warm modern minimal luxe often relies on editing and restraint. Think thoughtfully-curated accessories you love looking at but not too many of them for a light and airy look.
Essentials & Learning the Look
Just look at what an inexpensive stencil can do to a patio…this genius stenciling pattern on ordinary concrete exudes the look of cement tile.
If you love the Zellige handmade tile Leanne often installs maybe you’ll want to try a sample…it runs about $17.50 per square foot.
A more budget-friendly idea for a similar look but with ceramic tile is this one:
For Living Rooms
Ideas For Bedrooms
For Kitchens & Dining Rooms
Tour Leanne Ford’s Cabin
More ideas for modern rustic style HERE, and also find decor options here:
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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