Inside Steve Ford's Urban Warehouse Home

Take a look around the 7,000-square-foot Pittsburgh warehouse Steve Ford calls home.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Photo By: Rustic White Interiors

Steve Ford's Garage

When designer Steve Ford needed help turning an abandoned warehouse in downtown Pittsburgh into a livable apartment for himself, he went straight to the source: his designer sister, Leanne Ford. Together, they transformed the space into a rugged oasis packed with classic lines and deconstructed modern architecture.

Disco Dining

Steve can entertain friends and family indoor-outdoor style thanks to this fully functional garage door. For an element of surprise, the Scandinavian farmhouse table is paired with a 24-inch diameter mirror ball.

Indoor-Outdoor

In addition to the multiple garage doors throughout the space, Steve and Leanne also made sure to install a set of French doors connecting the dining room to a lush outdoor area just off the entry. In the warmer months, the setup is ideal for entertaining friends and family.

Schoolhouse Style

It's easy to spot the vintage schoolhouse style woven into the design of Steve Ford's garage. Molded fiberglass chairs, sourced from 1960s grade schools, complement a 1970s-era chalkboard. As well, the cinderblock and brick walls are painted white — a staple feature of homes designed by sister Leanne Ford.

Cozy Corners

With over 7,000 square feet of indoor space spanning the three levels of Steve's property, there are plenty of spots to cozy-up with a book or a cup of coffee and enjoy the breeze from the Monongahela River.

Cocktails and Vinyl

An antique oak cabinet offers concealed storage below open shelving (which Steve uses to display his collection of vinyl albums). Bonus: The cabinet serves double duty as a cocktail bar for guests.

White Cinder Block

One of the most effective ways to warm up cold cinder block walls is to cover up the gray with white. Leanne Ford's masterful use of warm whites instantly gave the utility-grade elements in Steve's warehouse a chic look and feel.

Layers of Vintage

There's no shortage of personality in Steve Ford's home. A worn-in Chesterfield sofa, layers of vintage rugs and midcentury and industrial-style lighting bring a special, one-of-a-kind feel to the space.

Natural Light

Industrial casement windows made of steel flood Steve's home with plenty of natural light.

Conversation Space

There's no television in the living room of Steve's place, which is excellent for ensuring guests engage in conversation and enjoy each other's company. And just in case he is in the mood for a little television, he made sure to install a large flat screen in the corner of his bedroom, tucked away out of sight.

Lived-In Living Room

Steve's living room is the epitome of lived-in and inviting. Layers of well maintained plants and trees add lush life while the natural, organic textures of rugs, furniture and accessories bring the warmth.

Wood Burning Stove

To keep warm during winter, a wood burning stove sits in the middle of the living room adjacent to casement windows that help with ventilation.

Moody and Modern

Steve's bedroom is all about black, gray and plaster. The plaster texture of the walls introduces a soft gray while the linen duvet brings in a deep charcoal. The glossy doors, trim and the industrial wall sconces add touches of black.

A Mixed and Matched Main Bedroom

Some different design styles dominate the main bathroom: industrial, classic, '80s contemporary and midcentury modern. The grid style tile installation is a nod to the high tech look of the mid-1980s while the white globe pendant is classic 1960s. A modern sink and matching faucets contrast nicely with classic glass-paned French doors.

A Minimal Powder Room

Of all spaces in Steve's home, the powder bathroom feels the most European-inspired. The walls are covered in a plaster application and boast mounted matte black faucet and handles. An extra chunky floating concrete vanity adds architecture.

Suave Seating

A vintage leather Lafer sofa offers a place to lounge in front of the bed.

The Grand Bedroom Entrance

Natural light is abundant in Steve's bedroom thanks to a set of glass-paned French doors that delineate the bedroom from the kitchen and living room.

Airy Ceilings

From room to room, inside Steve's warehouse home, everything feels extra open and airy thanks to 12-foot tall ceilings.

A Concrete Trough Sink

The main bathroom includes a double vanity integrated into a floating, cast concrete trough sink. Matte black architectural faucets add contrast.

Stylish Storage

Occasional storage is added between the kitchen and the landing with vintage metal carts on casters. These are ideal for extra serveware, linens and pitchers needed when guests arrive.

All the Texture

In addition to adding architecture to the kitchen, the poured concrete adds rough, organic texture that blends beautifully with the other natural elements of Steve's home.

A Reading Corner

The best part about Steve's warehouse: the flexibility of its furnishings. With such an eclectic mix of vintage, custom and found pieces, it's easy to pair together different objects to create fresh looks.

Down to the Garage

Steve's main floor includes the dining room, living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Just off the kitchen is the landing down to two sets of stairs which lead to a massive garage where he tackles woodworking and auto mechanic projects.

Loft-Inspired Style

There's no shortage of space or style in Steve Ford's kitchen. Situated towards the street side of the property, the kitchen boasts two steel casement windows that tie together the black elements: a matte faucet, iron pipes and a trio of dome pendant lights designed by sister Leanne.

Plenty of Cook Space

Prep, cooking and baking are easy in Steve's kitchen thanks to an oversized island made of cast concrete and stainless steel.

An Integrated Sink

Steve and Leanne added architectural flair to the island with an undermount sink that blends seamlessly with the concrete countertop.

An Open Concept Living Space

Conversation flows easily throughout Steve's great room due to the open concept floor plan. Guests can gather around the kitchen island with plenty of space, while others mingle in the living room.

All Organic Materials

Between the roughly hewn pine planks painted white, plaster effect ceilings and walls, white painted cinder block, black steel and concrete in different finishes, Steve's home is a haven of organic textures and materials.

Thriving With Light

Owing to an abundance of direct and indirect light from the windows, Steve's home is the ideal place for potted plants and trees. Check out the fiddle leaf figs: they were potted more than two years ago.

Restored by the Fords