Blog & Social

See celebrity guest Steve Ford on the Main Stage!

Friday, March 1st at 6 pm

Saturday, March 2nd  at 11 am

Steve Ford is a proud Pittsburgh, PA native, known for his work on such hit HGTV network shows including Restored by the Fords, Home Again with the Fords, A Very Brady Renovation, Rock the Block, and the Property Brothers’ Brother vs. Brother. Steve is also the host of the YouTube series Stuffed with Steve Ford, where he stops along Pennsylvania's rich culinary trail to showcase the state’s agriculture and food history and artisans.

Steve had a knack for creative carpentry at a young age, and put that inventiveness to good use as an adult. A licensed contractor and man of many talents, he takes on the most unconventional design challenges. His diverse portfolio includes store design, displays, and set design for a number of national retail brands, and his designs and construction work have been prominently featured in magazines including The Pioneer Woman Magazine, This Old House, Domino, People and Country Living. Steve is also a co-author of the book Work in Progress: Unconventional Thoughts on Designing an Extraordinary Life.

In addition to his professional pursuits and working in his massive woodworking workshop, Steve is an avid outdoorsman and passionate snowboarder. He and wife Andrea have an adorable (and very busy) toddler son, Jack.

Steve shared some of his design aesthetic with us:

What home gadget or tool should every homeowner own?

A tape measure, because every project starts with one.

Are you a plant fanatic, or is your green thumb lacking?

I am a plant fanatic; plants make spaces feel more alive and are therapeutic. You can never have too many!

What’s your favorite HGTV or Magnolia Network series? 

Restored by The Fords, and Home Again with The Fords. I was fortunate to make those shows with my younger sister Leanne.

What’s the most underrated tool in your toolbox?

The razorblade.

Best home purchase for under $100?

Le Creuset French Press and Hot Water kettle.

What is one project you tell people to NOT do as a DIY?

Any plumbing or electrical work. Hire a professional for these, because if you do something wrong, the consequences could be dire.

What’s your favorite paint color?

Black paint for moody spaces.

What’s one tip for a big impact in landscaping or curb appeal?

Well-manicured lots. Think fresh cut grass, gardens…

What do you recommend as a rule of thumb for mixing patterns or materials (such as metals) in design and décor projects?

Don’t overdo it, stick to just three or four. You don’t want your space to be too busy.

What is your favorite type of music to listen to when you’re working?

I have a work playlist with a variety of music that is my go-to.

What’s your next home project?

New hardwood floors in the cabin.

What home trends are you loving? What styles do you think will emerge in the future?

The use of earth tones and natural colors.

Which HGTV / DIY Network star would you most like to work with and why?

Hilton Carter. I think we could design and style some cool city spaces.

What do you enjoy about being at a home show?

Seeing new products and finding new materials.

What’s in your bag?

Headphones

What projects are you currently working on?

The Cabin Project… Making my dream cabin for my family. The Carnival Project… I am turning a commercial warehouse into a living space.

What is an outdated home trend you hope doesn’t come back?

Wall signs with quotes.

When you design a room, what is the most important interior design advice you give?

My advice is to first ask, “What can we do to make the space more relaxing and inviting?”