While You Were Out Features Ramona Couple’s Barn Makeover

Photo by Laura Calverley

by Laura Calverley

While You Were Out, a home improvement program that airs nationally on TLC, recently renovated Bernadette and Tony Gawne’s barn into a recreation room/workshop decorated in “vintage gas station” style. It was a surprise to Tony, as the premise of the show is that a homeowner sends their partner out of town for a few days while the crew works to create a new look for a certain space.

“When Tony came home, he was very surprised and excited,” said Bernadette. “All our friends and the cast were waiting inside the barn for him and when he walked in, the host shouted ‘While You Were Out, we helped your wife put this together for you.’”

Left to right: Jason Cameron, carpenter; Bernadette Gawne; Tony Gawne; Chayse Dacoda, designer; Andrew Dan-Jumbo, carpenter. Photo submitted by Bernadette and Tony Gawne

“Tony’s Self Serve” is painted outside the door of the Gawne’s barn, which is part of a home that has been in Tony’s family for three generations. Inside is a retro 50’s style chrome and red dinette set, a hanging light fixture made of actual antique gas pumps, and various period items such as an antique electric fan and motor oil cans. The crew built a new diamond-plated bar that can also be used as a workbench and hung the front end of a light blue ’77 Cadillac on the wall next to the bar. They took down half of the second floor of the barn and created a loft on one side. The barn was also newly painted inside and out.

Bernadette applied online in June and about four weeks later the show called and wanted more information such as measurements, photos of the barn and photos of the family.

“I tried to stay very flexible,” said Bernadette. “I think that’s what got us accepted. They wanted a video of the family and we sent it. We were told we’d have to get the kids and the pets out of the house for a few days, we said ‘no problem.’ It had to be a total secret from Tony and if they found out it wasn’t, they wouldn’t come.”

“An assistant producer came to look at the space and asked some questions. Three days later she called and said we’d been accepted. I was so excited,” said Bernadette. “I almost started crying.”

Bernadette arranged for Tony’s best friend to take him on a surprise golfing vacation in Scottsdale. The While You Were Out crew took over Bernadette’s life for three days. Ten cars, including the big While You Were Out trailer came. They set up tents all along the driveway for tools and equipment. Designer Chayse Dacoda and two carpenters handled the project, but there was a caterer, make-up artist, cameramen and lighting technicians, about 20 people in all. Host Evan Farmer arrived on the last day.

“Everyone was awesome,” said Bernadette. “They did a great job. They didn’t do everything, but it gives you a good head start,” says Bernadette. “Now we can personalize the space. That’s the fun part.”

While You Were Out airs weekdays on TLC at 5 p.m. The Gawne’s episode is scheduled to air in about six weeks.