Front Porch Sanctuary

Before

Gioconda Aviles has four boys — Julien, Christian, Aidan and Dylan — and nowhere to rest after a busy day. To give something back to their mother who does so much, the boys decide to surprise her with a front porch makeover.

After

They enlist the help of host Susie Coelho, designer Brian Toffoli and the Outer Spaces team to transform their messy front porch into a serene and colorful country sanctuary that is unmistakably Gioconda. A grand entrance to the home is created with fresh paint that highlights the door panels and large matching topiaries in colorful pots.

Before

Giaconda has been given a lot of furniture and outdoor accessories over time, but some of the pieces have seen better days. She also needs a more inviting seating arrangement for her kids and company.

After

Billowy fabric panels define the porch while the freshly painted furniture softened with pillows and blankets is arranged to spark conversation. A planter full of herbs will yield homegrown tea leaves.

ceiling fan (Orchard Supply Hardware)