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Creating a Safe Gathering Space Within a Polynesian-Inspired Home

March 29, 2020
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The Fifita family has generously opened their home to dozens of friends and family members in Hawthorne, California. To transform their small house into a space that better allows them to continue caring for others, the design team reinvents their floorplan, adds more square footage and updates the backyard as an extension of the home.

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Meet the Fifita Family

Brian and Lisa Fifita stand alongside the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition design team, host Jesse Tyler Ferguson and two of their five children outside their California home. The family has worked hard to accommodate friends and family from the community in an effort to create a safe space. After suffering the loss of a loved one due to gang violence, the family leaned onto their native Tongonese values to foster a welcoming, loving and helpful culture among their children and their friends. Recipients of a local Parents Hero Award, the family has made a big impact in their community, but the condition of their home had fallen by the wayside.

In making repairs and upgrades, the team hopes to make it easier for the family to continue to give back, and offer their home and property as a safe space for others. It's time to see the modern Polynesian dream house for yourself!

MEET THE DESIGNERS

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Curb Appeal, Before

The Fifita's former home sustained roof and gutter damage over the years, and lacked privacy from their neighbors. The team sought to update the appearance of the brick and stucco facade, add architectural details, improve the landscaping and add security to allow the family and visitors to feel comfortable. This small 820-square-foot home was about to be transformed into a 1,600-square-foot tropical oasis.

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Photo: Casey Durkin
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Curb Appeal, After

From the road, the Fifita's new home appears more guarded due to the new, modern fence and gate. Tall tropical plants peer over the fence and smaller plants adorn the sidewalk to breathe life into the front yard.

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Photo: Casey Durkin
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Curb Appeal, After

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