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Work in Progress: Unconventional Thoughts on Designing an Extraordinary Life

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Book details

  1. Print length
    224 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Thomas Nelson
  4. Publication date
    October 29, 2019
  5. Dimensions
    6.3 x 0.9 x 9.3 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0785226141
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0785226147
  8. See all details
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Book overview

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 passion: 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.

About the Author

Steve Ford stars alongside his younger sister, Leanne Ford, on HGTV’s Restored by the Fords. A licensed contractor and man-of-many-talents, Steve takes on the most unconventional construction challenges to bring his sister’s unique interior decorating vision to life. His portfolio includes store design, displays and set design for a number of national retail brands, as well as restoration of corporate headquarters, restaurant design, and residential renovations. Steve’s construction work has been featured in a variety of national decorating and home interior magazines, including This Old House, Domino, and Country Living.



Leanne Ford is an American interior designer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her easy vibe and personal style match the stylish yet approachable spaces she creates and curates. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Country Living, Domino, GQ, Lonny, Elle Decor, Martha Stewart, Better Homes and Gardens, Redbook, MyDomaine, Refinery 29, the New York Times. She is currently the star, along with her brother and contractor Steve Ford, of Restored by the Fords on HGTV, which follows the siblings as they turn some of Pittsburgh’s most dated buildings into magazine-worthy homes.

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Frequently bought together

Work in Progress: Unconventional Thoughts on Designing an Extraordinary Life
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Leanne Fords - Feel Free Magazine Volume 4: Amateur Hour, Art of Lettering, Monochromatic, Ceramics, Copenhagen's 3daysofdesi
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Feel Free Magazine

Frequently bought together

Work in Progress: Unconventional Thoughts on Designing an Extraordinary Life
This item: Work in Progress: Unconventional Thoughts on Designing an Extraordinary Life
$13.99
Leanne Fords - Feel Free Magazine Volume 4: Amateur Hour, Art of Lettering, Monochromatic, Ceramics, Copenhagen's 3daysofdesi
Leanne Fords - Feel Free Magazine Volume 4: Amateur Hour, Art of Lettering, Monochromatic, Ceramics, Copenhagen's 3daysofdesign, Showcase Art, Woodworker Aaron Koehn, Genius Soji Hamada
$12.99
Feel Free Magazine
Feel Free Magazine
$12.99
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From the Publisher

work in progress, leanne ford

What makes you feel most alive?

Siblings Leanne and Steve Ford discovered early in their lives that creativity, in very different forms, was what made them happy. It just took a few years to realize what to do with that passion. The HGTV design duo who failed their way to success tell their story of living their dreams simply by showing up again and again.

Work in progress

What's the big-picture plan for your life?

Life is a creative process. At the end of each chapter, Leanne and Steve ask questions to help you design an extraordinary life. It's never too late to pursue your next dream.

Product information

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5
384 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book inspiring, motivational, and real. They also appreciate the excellent design style and talent.

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Entertainment valueBook designAuthenticity
Entertainment valueBook designAuthenticity
18Customers mention
18Positive
0Negative

Customers find the book inspiring, interesting, and creative. They also appreciate the authors' dedication to their craft and their deeper application for life in general. Readers also mention that the authors are delightful, courageous, and uber talented.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...This is a book great lesson in life and is so much more than the typical design book...." Read more

"...It made the book more interesting, hearing about their family and jobs, from both his and her perspectives...." Read more

"...This books shows how not only hard work, dedication to your craft, and most importantly staying true to yourself will guide you to exactly where you..." Read more

"...Not only did I learn their story, but I felt inspired by their upbringing, their varied career paths, and their spirit. Couldn’t put the book down!..." Read more

4Customers mention
4Positive
0Negative

Customers find the book design excellent, refreshing, and unique. They also say the team approach to design is smart and unique, and fans of the show appreciate it.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...Big fans of the show and Leann's excellent design style. It was a fun and interesting read." Read more

"...Their team approach to design is refreshing, smart and unique. Their bond with each other is incredibly sweet and honest!..." Read more

"...They have a unique way of making a room or house look fabulous and I want to see more of their shows...." Read more

"...It made me love them even more. Thank you to them for writing it beautifully and sharing." Read more

3Customers mention
3Positive
0Negative

Customers find the book real, honest, and talented.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...point of view, they still appear to be very level headed and naturally keeping it real. THAT is very much appreciated to me in today's times...." Read more

"...Their bond with each other is incredibly sweet and honest! I hope they will always stay true to themselves! Rock On!" Read more

"...They’re both uber talented, humble, funny and so real. Their dad is definitely smiling down on them saying “keep up the good work!” 😀..." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

JP
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
More about life than design
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2021
I LOVED this book! So much about life is about taking risk and "Not missing your shot". Leanne goes boldly into opportunity that have presented themselves to her and does a great job of handling any self-doubt. This is a book great lesson in life and is so much more than... See more
I LOVED this book! So much about life is about taking risk and "Not missing your shot". Leanne goes boldly into opportunity that have presented themselves to her and does a great job of handling any self-doubt. This is a book great lesson in life and is so much more than the typical design book. Her wonderful relationship with her very capable and talented bother Steve and how well they work together is inspiring. Wouldn't we all get along better and achieve more if we embraced each others strengths and weaknesses and quirks? Quirks can be a sign of genius.
3 people found this helpful
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robin garrett
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
So inspiring and motivational!
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2019
I pre-ordered this book the second it became available. SUCH a good read! Leanne and Steve each story tell their upbringing and life decisions that have brought them to the places they are. More than just about design and construction, this book emphasizes the acceptance... See more
I pre-ordered this book the second it became available. SUCH a good read! Leanne and Steve each story tell their upbringing and life decisions that have brought them to the places they are. More than just about design and construction, this book emphasizes the acceptance of risk-taking and that failure is a positive thing. I can't recommend this book enough and am anxious to go back and read it again! Side note - One of the things I love most about this duo is how it seems fame has not changed who they are. From a fan's point of view, they still appear to be very level headed and naturally keeping it real. THAT is very much appreciated to me in today's times. ❤️ Robin ~ oopsydaisygardenmarket.com
13 people found this helpful
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Reader24
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Fun and interesting read
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2021
I was expecting the book to be about the extraordinary lives these two have created, which it is, but also has inspiration for others to do the same. My favorite parts were about the Ford's themselves, how they grew up and what got them to where they are today. Big fans... See more
I was expecting the book to be about the extraordinary lives these two have created, which it is, but also has inspiration for others to do the same. My favorite parts were about the Ford's themselves, how they grew up and what got them to where they are today. Big fans of the show and Leann's excellent design style. It was a fun and interesting read.
3 people found this helpful
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Vine Voice
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Not at all what I was expecting
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2023
I bought the book primarily because I am a huge fan of Leanne Ford and Steve Ford's work. Have been watching and following them for a while now and look forward to seeing everything they do. I guess I thought their book would be primarily, if not solely, on how Leanne's... See more
I bought the book primarily because I am a huge fan of Leanne Ford and Steve Ford's work. Have been watching and following them for a while now and look forward to seeing everything they do. I guess I thought their book would be primarily, if not solely, on how Leanne's aesthetic came to be (and there is some of that for sure) and how they approach their projects together (and there is some of that too).

What I didn't expect to see was their life stories unfolding in the book and for them to open up about their family and their experiences and in that you find out how they became who they each are today and how they ended up working together.

This book reads more like a Leanne Ford and Steve Ford autobiography but because I do really like them, it was a pleasant surprise. Will you find "designing tips" in here, not really, but you will have a new appreciation of who "they are" and for that, and the price of the book, I'm happy.
2 people found this helpful
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Kevin R Logan
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Work in Progress by Leanne Ford and Steve Ford
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2021
Not at all what I thought a book by Steve and Leanne Ford would be. I truly enjoyed reading about their life experiences and how they related that to their careers. It made the book more interesting, hearing about their family and jobs, from both his and her perspectives.... See more
Not at all what I thought a book by Steve and Leanne Ford would be. I truly enjoyed reading about their life experiences and how they related that to their careers. It made the book more interesting, hearing about their family and jobs, from both his and her perspectives. Actually, a very uplifting read, I will be sharing this book with family and friends.
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Jill Lamneck
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Refreshing!
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am a faithful follower of Restored by the Fords. We’re currently fixing up a lake cottage and trying to get the courage to paint all of the paneling white!!! Their team approach to design is refreshing, smart and unique. Their... See more
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am a faithful follower of Restored by the Fords. We’re currently fixing up a lake cottage and trying to get the courage to paint all of the paneling white!!! Their team approach to design is refreshing, smart and unique. Their bond with each other is incredibly sweet and honest! I hope they will always stay true to themselves! Rock On!
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Carson Ezell
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
such a good read, new love for The Fords
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2020
just when I thought I couldn't love the Ford duo any more, I read this book...in a day and an completely inspired. This books shows how not only hard work, dedication to your craft, and most importantly staying true to yourself will guide you to exactly where you are... See more
just when I thought I couldn't love the Ford duo any more, I read this book...in a day and an completely inspired.
This books shows how not only hard work, dedication to your craft, and most importantly staying true to yourself will guide you to exactly where you are meant to be.
We never grow in our comfort zones and this book opened my eyes so much more to that.
Would 10,000,000% recommend.
3 people found this helpful
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Lauren Banks
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Loved! And inspired.
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2019
Loved this book! I watch and love Restored by the Fords on HGTV. Leanne and Steve seemed so down to earth to me, so I was excited to read this book and learn more about their story and how they got into interior design/construction. Not only did I learn their story, but I... See more
Loved this book! I watch and love Restored by the Fords on HGTV. Leanne and Steve seemed so down to earth to me, so I was excited to read this book and learn more about their story and how they got into interior design/construction. Not only did I learn their story, but I felt inspired by their upbringing, their varied career paths, and their spirit. Couldn’t put the book down! And have felt inspired ever since.
9 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Klawitter
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Unconventional Thoughts on Designing an Extraordinary Life!
Reviewed in Germany on October 17, 2022
Excellent opportunity to rethink your own business and life goals and to refocus!

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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
surprisingly good
Reviewed in Canada on December 1, 2020
I thought their would be more to do with design and process, however, I enjoyed reading about the Ford's upbringing and life leading to their present show 'Restored with the Fords' It was encouraging to hear their story, and written very conversationally and casual. Totally...See more
I thought their would be more to do with design and process, however, I enjoyed reading about the Ford's upbringing and life leading to their present show 'Restored with the Fords' It was encouraging to hear their story, and written very conversationally and casual. Totally loved the read.
2 people found this helpful

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Lynne C
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Amazing Read
Reviewed in Australia on March 19, 2021
I loved reading about their journey. Highly recommend

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m. hedges
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
If you love the Fords you will live this book
Reviewed in Germany on May 26, 2021
Just love Leanne and her book

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Marisa Brewerton
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Excellent read!!
Reviewed in Canada on May 18, 2020
I personally connected and related to their story. Easy, funny and pleasant read, one evening for myself. Found new artists from Leanne I enjoy now. Memoirs and biographies are one of my favourite genres, I would definitely recommend.
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