Anthony Locicero, Associate Editor10.04.18
Leanne Ford, the interior designer behind the HGTV home renovation show “Restored by the Fords,” is joining her passion for color and design with paint and color expertise from PPG.
The partnership will give homeowners the confidence they need to tackle do-it-yourself (DIY) projects at home – starting with selecting the perfect white paint – by making their combined design and color know-how accessible to everyone.
Coatings World: How did this collaboration come about? Was Pittsburgh [PPG's HQ and Ford's hometown] a common denominator?
Ford: "For me, paint is my secret weapon. I’m always experimenting with how paint can transform a space, so when I was able to connect with PPG, it was such a natural fit. By combining my passion for color and design with PPG’s extensive expertise in paint and color, I knew we’d be able to create something special.
"The hometown tie to Pittsburgh is definitely a bonus. Working with a nationally recognized brand like PPG that has such strong local ties to Pittsburgh has really hit home for me – literally! Being able to collaborate with a brand that I grew up knowing has been a fantastic experience."
CW: What do you hope is the result of the collaboration?
Ford: "Our goal is to help homeowners feel more confident in selecting paint colors that are perfect for their own space. We want to empower consumers to tackle DIY projects at home and see for themselves just how much paint can transform any room. One of the mantras I live by is 'design for all,' and by working with PPG to curate specific color palettes and provide styling tips for each, we’re making the design process easier than ever for the most experienced interior designers and first-time DIYers alike."
CW: How often do you use PPG paints for your show ["Restored by the Fords," which also stars her brother, Steve]?
Ford: "We use a wide variety of products from great U.S. companies like PPG and others. You’ll have to tune in for the season premiere in early 2019 to learn more about exactly what products we used throughout season two of Restored by the Fords!"
CW: In keeping with the “white on white” aesthetic, how important was it to find the right white hues from PPG?
Ford: "As I was selecting the perfect white palette, it was extremely important to choose purposeful hues that can be used to create an emotional connection within a space. It’s really about giving everyone the confidence to use paint and color fearlessly in their homes to create spaces that they’re proud of. For me, this all starts with picking the perfect white paint. Often times, people get overwhelmed by the number of whites there are to choose from, and I wanted to simplify this. The colors in the palette – Pure White, which is PPG TIMELESS® out-of-the-can white, no tinting needed; Natural White; and White On White – allow homeowners to make an intentional choice to envelop the spaces they cherish most."
CW: What is it about white that makes it a color of choice?
Ford: "White is such a timeless color that I think will always be in style. It works perfectly with so many different textures, and I love pairing it with wood tones, brick, metal and natural elements especially. And while white is a powerful and versatile hue, it’s also a very livable color, fitting so well in so many different spaces. For me, white is the silence between the cords. That breath of fresh air and relaxation that we all crave after a long day."
CW: What are the best places – be it indoor or outdoor – for white paint?
Ford: "White is a great color choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces, and I’m not just saying that because it’s my signature hue! Although picking the best white paint may seem daunting with so many options to choose from, the subtle differences between the shades can make a huge difference when you apply it to your walls.
"For example, my living room has a lot of windows, so I went with Pure White, the PPG Timeless out-of-the-can option because its true white tone plays off of the natural lighting to draw attention to each architectural detail in the space. It looks amazing on exposed brick and I love it paired with marble and greenery for a crisp, refreshing look.
"If you want to make a [certain] space feel more like a cozy retreat, a softer white is definitely your best option. I love the idea of PPG Natural White in a bedroom or personal space, especially when paired with warm lighting and lots of layers or texture.
"Smaller rooms, like a dining room, for example, are great for bright, airy tones of white, like PPG White on White. Cooler whites like this can make a space feel more spacious, giving off more of a formal vibe.
"For the exterior of a home, I love how white looks on different textures, like brick, but that said, I don’t think there’s a place that white doesn’t work! My husband and I recently bought a new home in the Pittsburgh area, and the entire exterior from top to bottom is being painted in PPG Pure White. We hope to eventually grow ivy and wisteria up the white brick exterior. Similarly to using this specific hue in rooms with lots of natural light, it plays so well with the natural elements around it when used on the exterior of a home."
The partnership will give homeowners the confidence they need to tackle do-it-yourself (DIY) projects at home – starting with selecting the perfect white paint – by making their combined design and color know-how accessible to everyone.
Coatings World: How did this collaboration come about? Was Pittsburgh [PPG's HQ and Ford's hometown] a common denominator?
Ford: "For me, paint is my secret weapon. I’m always experimenting with how paint can transform a space, so when I was able to connect with PPG, it was such a natural fit. By combining my passion for color and design with PPG’s extensive expertise in paint and color, I knew we’d be able to create something special.
"The hometown tie to Pittsburgh is definitely a bonus. Working with a nationally recognized brand like PPG that has such strong local ties to Pittsburgh has really hit home for me – literally! Being able to collaborate with a brand that I grew up knowing has been a fantastic experience."
CW: What do you hope is the result of the collaboration?
Ford: "Our goal is to help homeowners feel more confident in selecting paint colors that are perfect for their own space. We want to empower consumers to tackle DIY projects at home and see for themselves just how much paint can transform any room. One of the mantras I live by is 'design for all,' and by working with PPG to curate specific color palettes and provide styling tips for each, we’re making the design process easier than ever for the most experienced interior designers and first-time DIYers alike."
CW: How often do you use PPG paints for your show ["Restored by the Fords," which also stars her brother, Steve]?
Ford: "We use a wide variety of products from great U.S. companies like PPG and others. You’ll have to tune in for the season premiere in early 2019 to learn more about exactly what products we used throughout season two of Restored by the Fords!"
CW: In keeping with the “white on white” aesthetic, how important was it to find the right white hues from PPG?
Ford: "As I was selecting the perfect white palette, it was extremely important to choose purposeful hues that can be used to create an emotional connection within a space. It’s really about giving everyone the confidence to use paint and color fearlessly in their homes to create spaces that they’re proud of. For me, this all starts with picking the perfect white paint. Often times, people get overwhelmed by the number of whites there are to choose from, and I wanted to simplify this. The colors in the palette – Pure White, which is PPG TIMELESS® out-of-the-can white, no tinting needed; Natural White; and White On White – allow homeowners to make an intentional choice to envelop the spaces they cherish most."
CW: What is it about white that makes it a color of choice?
Ford: "White is such a timeless color that I think will always be in style. It works perfectly with so many different textures, and I love pairing it with wood tones, brick, metal and natural elements especially. And while white is a powerful and versatile hue, it’s also a very livable color, fitting so well in so many different spaces. For me, white is the silence between the cords. That breath of fresh air and relaxation that we all crave after a long day."
CW: What are the best places – be it indoor or outdoor – for white paint?
Ford: "White is a great color choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces, and I’m not just saying that because it’s my signature hue! Although picking the best white paint may seem daunting with so many options to choose from, the subtle differences between the shades can make a huge difference when you apply it to your walls.
"For example, my living room has a lot of windows, so I went with Pure White, the PPG Timeless out-of-the-can option because its true white tone plays off of the natural lighting to draw attention to each architectural detail in the space. It looks amazing on exposed brick and I love it paired with marble and greenery for a crisp, refreshing look.
"If you want to make a [certain] space feel more like a cozy retreat, a softer white is definitely your best option. I love the idea of PPG Natural White in a bedroom or personal space, especially when paired with warm lighting and lots of layers or texture.
"Smaller rooms, like a dining room, for example, are great for bright, airy tones of white, like PPG White on White. Cooler whites like this can make a space feel more spacious, giving off more of a formal vibe.
"For the exterior of a home, I love how white looks on different textures, like brick, but that said, I don’t think there’s a place that white doesn’t work! My husband and I recently bought a new home in the Pittsburgh area, and the entire exterior from top to bottom is being painted in PPG Pure White. We hope to eventually grow ivy and wisteria up the white brick exterior. Similarly to using this specific hue in rooms with lots of natural light, it plays so well with the natural elements around it when used on the exterior of a home."
