Ep 1. Mid-Century Modern Meets the 21st Century

Restored by the Fords is an American home renovation show that premiered on HGTV in 2016. In this show, siblings Leanne and Steve Ford transform outdated homes into stylish and modern living spaces. The duo has a knack for blending classic and contemporary styles, resulting in unique homes that suit their clients' tastes and lifestyles.

The first season of Restored by the Fords is primarily focused on homes located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the city where Leanne and Steve grew up. Each episode features a different renovation project, ranging from small updates to major overhauls. In the first episode, titled Mid-Century Modern Meets the 21st Century, Leanne and Steve tackle a home that is stuck in the past.

The episode begins with Leanne and Steve meeting with their clients, who are a young couple looking to create a modern and functional living space for their family. The home they've purchased is a mid-century modern gem, but it's in desperate need of an update. The living room is dark and cluttered, the kitchen is outdated, and the layout doesn't make sense for modern living. However, the clients love the home's unique style and are excited to see how Leanne and Steve can bring it into the 21st century.

The first step in the renovation process is to tackle the living room. Leanne and Steve want to create a bright and open space that feels modern but still pays homage to the home's mid-century roots. They decide to remove a wall that separates the living room from the dining room, creating a more open floor plan. They also add a large bay window to flood the space with natural light. To add some personality to the room, they create a custom built-in bookcase that matches the home's mid-century aesthetic.

Next up is the kitchen, which is in dire need of an update. Leanne and Steve decide to gut the entire space and start from scratch. They choose sleek, modern cabinetry and appliances, but also incorporate warm wood accents to soften the space. They also add a custom island that doubles as a dining table, as the clients frequently entertain large groups.

One of the biggest challenges in this renovation is the home's layout. The original design has a small, closed-off hallway that connects the bedrooms and bathrooms. Leanne and Steve decide to remove this hallway entirely and create a larger, more functional hallway that has built-in storage and a workspace. They also add a sliding barn door to separate the hallway from the living spaces, creating a multipurpose area that can be used for work or relaxation.

Throughout the episode, Leanne and Steve showcase their design skills and their ability to work together to create beautiful and functional spaces. They pay close attention to their clients' needs and tastes, while also incorporating their own unique vision for each space. The result is a stunning mid-century modern home that feels fresh and modern, but still pays homage to its roots.

Overall, Mid-Century Modern Meets the 21st Century is a great introduction to Restored by the Fords. It showcases Leanne and Steve's skills as designers and renovators, as well as their ability to work with clients and create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The episode is full of inspiration for anyone looking to update an outdated home, and it's a great reminder that with the right design and renovation team, any space can be transformed into something special.