Our Exclusive Q&A with Leanne Ford

CRATE AND BARREL: When we first met you, you said you’d been dreaming of doing your own furniture collection for a long time, and you thought we would be the perfect partner. Why?

LEANNE: I’m all about livability in a modern way, which is the impression I’ve always had of Crate and Barrel. When I started sending sketches and ideas to your team, we were all on the same page, and I could tell this was gonna be a great match.

C&B: Let’s talk white. You’re famous for using a lot of it, and it always looks amazing. But what’s the secret to living with it?

LEANNE: You don’t have to be as careful as you think. Take the white sofa in this collection. We designed it to be like your favorite T-shirt. It’s slouchy and relaxed, and the slipcovers can be thrown in the wash. I say relax and enjoy the natural wear of things.

C&B: You’ve told us you love to sleep.

LEANNE: Yes, it’s how I keep up with this crazy life and have a good time while doing it. I would say, no matter what I’m doing, I can pretty much promise you that I’d rather be sleeping!

C&B: What makes this bedding collection perfect for someone who shares your affection for good shut-eye?

LEANNE: The bedding is meant to be simple and relaxed. Neutrals give your eye a sense of calm. We did not use any patterns for this line. Super soft, breezy and crisp fabrics that look even better a little rumpled were the most important part of the bedding line for me. When the quality of the materials is this good, it looks beautiful no matter what. There’s no pressure to make your bed perfectly—or at all for that matter.

C&B: You see so many decor objects in your line of work. How do you decide what makes it into a client’s home, or your own home?

LEANNE: Whether it’s a vase, or a pillow, or a candle, or a basket...it has to have interest and soul. It should look like it could tell a good story. And the lines are important—I like simple things with a sense of proportion, yet slightly off-balance. I also really want to make sure pieces have the right mix of beauty and purposefulness. They should have a use in the space, and if they can have more than one, then all the better! For instance, we designed the small bud vases to also live well as candlestick holders.

C&B: How does being from Pittsburgh shape your sense of style?

LEANNE: It’s an industrial town with a ton of history, grit and soul. It’s a melting pot of cultures, styles and people. You can see that in the architecture. I grew up with every style of home and building around me, all while being able to walk out my door and go play in the woods. Looking back, I think the proximity to nature influenced me more than I realized.

C&B: Your look is easy to spot but hard to describe. Can you put it into words?

LEANNE: Mediterranean Disco? Rock ’n’ Roll Church? Happy Chic? I have a hard time describing it myself. My style is never one thing. It’s never one aesthetic. It’s many inspirations, many lives, many cities, many memories—all living together to create a feeling. Does that make sense?

C&B: Sounds like it’s a little bit of everything you love.

LEANNE: That’s true. One thing that’s always consistent is it’s all about easy minimalism. That, and it’s always evolving.

C&B: Who is the person in your life who has informed your sense of style and love of design the most, and how?

LEANNE: I mean, I guess if I really dive into that question, it would have to be my mom! Even though our style has never been similar, she always had the house beautifully decorated and it was always very well put together. I think I appreciated and noticed that, and wanted to do the same in my own home. Of course, if you saw the state of construction we are living in right now, you would see that I’m not always doing the best job at that.

C&B: What is your favorite place to travel to (for vacation or otherwise) and what speaks to you about that place?

LEANNE: I love going to summer camp in Pennsylvania with my entire family. We’ve been going since I was a newborn! Being among family, trees and the lake is so good for the soul. I see bits of “camp” style coming through in everything I design. Even my love of using natural woods. My other favorite travel thing is driving out to Palm Desert from Los Angeles. The air and view feel amazing. And I’m pretty convinced that all music just sounds better on that drive.

C&B: How has your approach to form and function changed since having your daughter? Have you noticed your aesthetic evolving in any ways that may be influenced by the presence of a little one in the house?

LEANNE: Ha, yeah, I actually need things to function now. And be safe. I never cared much about that before. Oops. Now, more than ever, I appreciate when form and function live seamlessly together. It’s harder to do than you think!

C&B: What’s your favorite thing to wear and why?

LEANNE: My husband’s T-shirts. He has a brand for men called Buck Mason, and I’m always stealing them. They are my go-to. Those, overalls and my Doc Martens, and I’m a happy girl. And when it’s time to be “fancy,” I throw on bell-bottoms and heels with that same T-shirt. I like to think high heels help me get away with my messy hair.

C&B: What do you cook really well?

LEANNE: Nothing! I wish I could. But I can make a good-looking cheese tray and a great martini!

C&B: What kind of music do you play when you want to feel inspired?

LEANNE: Singer-songwriter, folk/country, anything with great lyrics! Gregory Alan Isakov, Paul Simon, Josh Ritter, JJ Cale, Bruce Springsteen all seem to be on permanent rotation around here.

C&B: Where and when do you feel the most at home?

LEANNE: In the past, it’s always been on the road—windows down, with music on. But now as we have our little family, we are really happy just hanging around our pretty house together. So I guess, my answer is…home!

Style Speed Round

My go-to paint colors are: PPG Timeless® Pure White. It’s the perfect white. I promise!

I never compromise on: Style. Don’t just do what’s easiest. Do what you think is special!

I’m always looking for: Gorgeous and unique chairs.

I couldn’t function without: Creating.

My secret for making a room feel good is: Ambience—put all of your lights on a dimmer. Or light candles! You would be surprised what you can get away with in good lighting.

My design and style icons are: Axel Vervoordt and Annie Hall.

I have to live in a place that’s: Interesting but easy livin’.

True or false: I always make my bed: False! But when you have such pretty bedding, you don’t need to—it just looks great thrown in a pile. (At least I think so…)

I want people in the spaces I design to feel: Comfortable enough to relax and throw their feet up.

I cut down on clutter by: Keeping a consistent color story. If it doesn’t match my color story, no matter how much I love it, it’s not coming home with me.

My secret non-B&W color crush is: I love any and all dusty earthy colors. Basically any color that you would find on a puppy dog.

My favorite instant room refresh is: New furniture! Am I right?!

I don’t believe in: Trends. I say ignore everyone. If you love it, do it!

I always swear by: I don’t swear, actually! ;) So...nothin’!