Ep 3. First Floor Blowout

After successfully tackling the unique challenge of renovating an 19th century farmstead in the previous episode, siblings Leanne and Steve Ford are back with another exciting episode of "Restored by the Fords". This time around, the duo is helping a young couple, Becca and Jason, who have just moved into a new home with their young son.

As they arrive at the property, Leanne and Steve are taken aback by the state of disrepair the house is in. The young couple had purchased it with the intention of renovating it themselves, but were quickly overwhelmed by the amount of work required. The siblings soon realize that their job is cut out for them - the house requires a complete overhaul from top to bottom.

The first order of business is the first floor, which has been subjected to extensive water damage and rot. Leanne and Steve begin by gutting the space and uncovering the issues that need to be addressed before they can even begin the actual renovation work.

As they delve deeper into the renovation, the siblings face a string of challenges that seem almost insurmountable. But with their combined passion for design and unwavering work ethic, they're able to slowly turn things around and start making progress.

Among the biggest hurdles they encounter is the need to redesign the load-bearing walls in order to open up the living room, which is currently cramped and claustrophobic. This requires a delicate balance of demolishing sufficient walls while still ensuring the structural integrity of the house is maintained. The renovations are also complicated by the fact that they're dealing with a tight budget and tight deadlines.

Luckily, the Fords are known for their innovative design ideas, and in this episode, they don't disappoint. They come up with a floor plan that sets the stage for a bright, open, and inviting living space. They play with elements such as lighting, textiles, and color to create a beautiful and functional space.

One of the standout design features of the episode is the living room fireplace. The Fords transform it from plain, outdated, and uninviting into a stunning focal point. To achieve this, they utilize a unique tiling technique that's both visually striking and budget-friendly.

As the episode progresses, Becca and Jason are thrilled with the progress they're seeing, but they're also starting to get anxious about the time crunch. Leanne and Steve reassure them that they are committed to delivering high-quality work within the tight deadlines, and that the renovation will be completed in time for their upcoming housewarming party.

As they reach the final stages of the renovation, Leanne and Steve are under increasing pressure to wrap things up. They recruit a dedicated group of friends and family to help them put the finishing touches on the project. The end result is a beautiful and inviting living space that's been transformed from a dilapidated and run-down house.

Overall, "Restored by the Fords" season 1 episode 3, "First Floor Blowout", is an amazing demonstration of Leanne and Steve's talent and commitment to their craft. The episode is a perfect showcase of their unique style of design, creativity, and innovation that sets them apart in the competitive world of interior design.