This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive commission for purchases made through these links. Price at time of publish date may change.
After 24 seasons of America’s Next Top Model, an Emmy-winning talk show, roles in films like Life Size and Coyote Ugly, plus her success as a supermodel, it’s safe to say Tyra Banks has “smized” her way into becoming a household name. But off the runway, Tyra is also proud of her longstanding friendship with her childhood best friend Marisa. The two have been there for one another through thick and thin since they were 12 years old, and on Celebrity IOU this week, Tyra wants to give back to her in a very special way. She saw how much Marisa has gone through recently after she lost her mom, and Tyra knows Marisa deserves something truly special that won’t just make her feel loved—it’ll change her whole life.
“My memories are of her just being my super best friend in the eighth grade,” Tyra says. “Being inseparable, and feeling such a strong connection with this amazing LA homegirl that talks like the coolest surfer in the world.”
“We just always have that kind of friendship—everything that’s important in our lives, the other one knows about,” Marisa says. “In this world, to have people that you can talk to so honestly and openly and genuinely, it’s truly a blessing.”
Tyra lives in Australia right now, and Marisa is in Los Angeles. But no matter the distance, their friendship is something they both hold close to their hearts. “Whenever I see her, it’s as if we never left,” Tyra says. They haven’t seen each other in three whole years—so, needless to say, when Tyra surprised Marisa at her house with Drew and Jonathan, Marisa was nothing short of shocked! Her 101-year-old house is a gorgeous build, but functionally, it needs a lot of work. The front door doesn’t fully open or close, and she has to shimmy behind the refrigerator to get to her laundry room. Tyra was emotional when she saw the way Marisa has had to live—her heat doesn’t work, she’s had warped floors for years, and it’s something she’s had to deal with every day.
“For her heat to not work all the time? I’m thinking, ‘This is my friend, I grew up with her. And it’s like, her heat is not working? And how come I didn’t know that?’ This is shelter, this is what everybody deserves and not everybody has,” Tyra says.
Before & Afters
New Flooring, Lighting, and Ambiance
First thing’s first: We needed to fix that old, warped floor. It wasn’t just a cosmetic issue—it was a structural problem with huge consequences if left unfixed. Beautiful new statement lighting and new window treatments bring in light and make the space feel comfortable and cozy. They also installed a ductless HVAC system for functional heating and cooling that actually works the way it’s supposed to.
Spanish-Style Archways and Designer Dining
The Bros and Tyra decided to separate each space with gorgeous Spanish archways that provide that extra bit of character Marisa loves and fit the house style. Alongside this, they added in a beautiful china display for all of Marisa’s favorite dishware, photographs, and decor. They also included a standout round dining table with comfortable rattan-back seating for friends, family, and guests.
Adding Character and Contrast
Marisa’s home is a gorgeous Craftsman, but it was lacking a lot of the character and beauty that comes with that style of house. So, Drew, Jonathan, and Tyra decided to infuse it back in—with high contrast cabinetry that beautifully complements the Calacatta marble and unlacquered brass fixtures, and a charming custom stained glass.
Organization Meets Beauty and Flow
Some of the main issues in Marisa’s kitchen were the lack of cabinetry and the standalone appliances taking up the very limited counter space. They had to get rid of one of the windows to make it work, but it was a game-changer to have those floor-to-ceiling cabinets for all of Marisa’s cooking supplies. Plus, by adding in that glass door into the backyard, they were able to bring in better natural light and a more functional layout for her laundry room and kitchen.
Shop the Look
Check out the decor, furniture, and more seen in this episode–and get it for yourself!
Click here to see all of the items featured in this episode!
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Room | Item Type | Product Name | Company | Product Code / Sku |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Living Room | EXTERIOR DOOR | 3 Panel Shaker Smooth Skin Exterior Fiberglass Door | TRIMLITE | DRS3F |
| 2 | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Living Room | ENTRY SET | Rustic Modern Rectangular Monolithic Tubular Entry Set Medium Bronze - Round Knob | EMTEK | |
| 3 | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Living Room | HINGE STOP | Pivot Hinge Stop Medium Bronze | EMTEK | |
| 4 | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Living Room | DIGITAL TV ART | Driven | BENSON COBB | |
| 5 | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Laundry | EXTERIOR DOOR | SMOOTH SKIN EXTERIOR FIBERGLASS DOOR | TRIMLITE | DRS10 |
| 6 | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Laundry | INDOOR CASSETTE Q09 | 40MCCAQ One-Way Cassette Indoor Unit | CARRIER | 40MCCAQ09XA3 |
| 7 | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Laundry | CABINETRY | Elegant Shaker Collection Finish: Black | PARRIOTT WOOD | |
| 8 | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Laundry | DOOR KNOB / LEVER | Sandcast Rectangular Keyed 5-1/2" C-to-C Sideplate Lock Medium Bronze - Bronze Round Knob | EMTEK | |
| 9 | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Laundry | DOOR STOP | Classic Door Stops Medium BronzE - 4" | EMTEK | |
| 10 | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Kelly K. | 30/07/2025 05:41 PM | Dining | SHELVES | Canyon Sandstone China Display | DREW & JONATHAN HOME |
Joel McHale Surprises Blanca With a Stunning First Floor Reno
This one has a lot of laughs and one beautiful reveal.
Read More
