--- title: "Deborah Vanderzel Designs — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/deborah-vanderzel-designs-pfvwus-pf~126175084 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~126175084.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Deborah Vanderzel Designs" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/b003943d00e482d3_1778-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "802 Cypress Drive, Vista, California 92084, United States" latitude: 33.2131 longitude: -117.2243 phone: "(760) 716-8028" website: http://www.deborahvanderzel.com rating: 5 review_count: 18 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 135 last_updated: 2026-09-05 --- # Deborah Vanderzel Designs Original Houzz profile: [Deborah Vanderzel Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/deborah-vanderzel-designs-pfvwus-pf~126175084) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Vista, CA - **Serves:** Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Bonsall - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (18 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2014–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves Best of Houzz - Interior designs that represent what you love and who you are. I live and work in the North San Diego Area and have over 25 years experience in residential and commercial interior design. I am a Certified Interior Designer (CID) which ensures a high standard of knowledge of interior design, architecture, building codes and my adherence to professional ethics and business procedures. I believe we are born with certain gifts and talents and we thrive when we tap these as our profession. I am thriving and I love my profession. My clients benefit from this because I never tire of my job. Each space I encounter has a new story to be told and I work diligently to leave you happy and satisfied with the new interior design we have created. Helping you define your style, incorporating your personality and treasured possessions to realize your perfect space is what it’s all about. Let’s tell your story. ### Services Provided - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Color Consulting - Space Planning - Kids Bedroom Design - Floor Plans ### Areas Served - Oceanside - Escondido - Carlsbad - Vista - San Marcos - Bonsall ### Typical Job Cost $5,000 - 35,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Deborah Vanderzel Designs | | Address | 802 Cypress Drive, Vista, California 92084, United States | | Phone | (760) 716-8028 | | Website | http://www.deborahvanderzel.com | | License Number | \#6611 | | Followers on Houzz | 135 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Deborah-Vanderzel-Designs/191707140974473 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/DebVanderzel - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/deborah-vanderzel/25/78b/283 - Blog — http://deborahvanderzel.me/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Deborah Vanderzel Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/deborah-vanderzel-designs-pfvwus-pf~126175084) - **Website:** http://www.deborahvanderzel.com - **Phone:** (760) 716-8028 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Certified Interior Designer - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2014–2022), for Service. **Affiliations** - [CCIDC, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ccidc-inc-pfvwus-pf~1385158534) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 18 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Greg Haap, Dec. 2025** > We cannot thank Deborah enough for the amazing help she gave us in transforming our kitchen and family room. From our initial consultation - to our many design sessions and all the way through construction until the last drop of paint was applied - she was professional - responsive and right there every step of the way. > > She took the time to listen and really understand our vision our needs and our lifestyle before recommending any ideas. Once she knew exactly what we had in mind she took our outdated and cramped kitchen and family room area and turned it into an open - modern and true gathering space. From the cabinets to counters to windows to colors to flooring to lighting - Deborah nailed every single detail. > > The visuals she created gave us exactly what we needed to help make our final decisions and really get a feel for the end design of entire space. She accounted for every square inch and her attention to detail was amazing. > > If you're looking for design expertise - vision and dedication - we highly recommend Deborah. > > Greg and Cathy **★★★★★ — sabrina1027, Dec. 2021** > We have had the absolute pleasure of working with Deborah!! > She is so talented and has a wonderful design eye. We bought a house that was a 1980's time capsule and was a complete renovation. The task was a bit daunting and we had no idea where to begin. > Deborah came out in the early stages to help with the kitchen, painting a flooring ideas. It was such a wonderful and fun experience. She made the entire process fun and stress free. > She had a great way to help us chose the paint colors and we were able to narrow it down to the colors we ended up loving, in just a couple of hours!! > I loved her responses when I would throw out an obviously ridiculous idea....she would say, "well anything is possible........" I then knew I had gone to far in my design ideas! You could almost hear her thinking "stay in your lane sister" Haha > Once we got the house put back together we had her come out to help with hanging our art work, picking of rugs and accent pieces of furniture. > I have never been a Pinterest user but that was very helpful, either she would put things up for my perusal, or I would put something up for her approval....it was a wonderful give and take of ideas, and a really enjoyable experience. > We then had her back to help design our primary bathroom and once again she took the stress and mayhem out of choosing tiles and accent pieces. > She was even able to take her design ideas and incorporate them around our 4 dog family. So our house looks like it was done by a professional yet it is totally user friendly! > Deborah is not only very professional, but fun to work with, and her prices are very affordable. In fact we plan on inviting her back to help decorate our main bedroom and I am looking forward to working with her at the beginning of the year! > The photo is of the wall she put together with all of our pieces, which had I been left to my own devices I would have had one piece scattered everywhere! > So look no further for your design needs, you will not regret it **★★★★★ — Stacy Ingham, Dec. 2020** > Deborah is great! I own a small condo that had never been updated or upgraded since it was first built in the early 90's, so I needed an overhaul of my entire home. I had absolutely no experience with something like this so I needed someone who could not only help me with design choices, but could also set me up with a contractor. I had met with other designers who didn't want to listen to what I wanted, would make outrageously expensive suggestions, or had contractors that would be no call/no show. Then I met Deborah. She was warm, friendly, kind, considerate, and a lovely person who listened to what I wanted instead of trying force her ideas on me. And her contractor recommendation was fantastic. I was a little embarrassed about the condition of my home but she never once made me feel embarrassed about it! And she worked on a contracted basis, not an hourly basis, which made it so much easier for me. > > I highly recommend Deborah, it was an absolute pleasure working with her. **Comment from Deborah Vanderzel Designs:** > Thank you Stacy, it was a delight to collaborate with you and transform your condo. It is truly a reflection of you. **★★★★★ — Peggy Johnson, Jan. 2019** > After I had an extensive remodel of my home, I knew I would need a designer to advise me on which furniture, art pieces and accessories to keep, what pieces needed to go and what needed to be purchased in order to transform my acquired living and dining room furniture into a contemporary design that matched my new space. > > Deborah Vanderzel was the perfect choice for my designer. She was highly recommended by a friend, and I was pleased to find Deborah to be the complete package: She is talented, knowledgeable, easy to work with, reasonably priced, fair and honest. > > She is open about sharing her knowledge; working with her felt like a college-level class in the Basics of Interior Design. She not only gave advice, but would explain me why. She explained about the use of color throughout the room—how to draw on the tones in the artwork to bring out the color in the new rug or the artwork on the far wall. She showed me possibilities on furniture arrangements that worked best with my golf course view—things I never would have thought of. > > Shopping with her was another great learning experience: She taught me to visualize each piece of furniture as to the color, size and impact on the designs we had already selected. > > I have gotten numerous compliments on my interior design. Working as a team: she listened to what I wanted, and together using her knowledge and talent, we created just the look I wanted. Each time I walk into my living area, I am still thrilled at my beautiful home. **★★★★★ — Connie Ferguson, Aug. 2018** > If you want a decorator who’s priorities are to find out what her client LOVES & > wants and each piece of your furniture you already have to look the best possible, > Deborah Vanderzel is the one for you. I don’t like decorating, but she made the > process seem easy, and I really enjoyed it: all I had to do is tell her what I liked > and didn’t like. She is a joyful, very kind, & patient soul who has an extraordinary > creative side; she thinks outside the box! I moved from out of state, & my > furniture looks better now the way she placed it than it did in the house it was > bought for! > I am delighted with the results of working with Deborah and give her my highest recommendation. **★★★★★ — Eileen Hayden, March 2017** > Deborah worked with me for several days as we combined two households of stuff. She turned my living space into an absolute gem. She really knows design and is able to create balance and harmony. I highly recommend her because of her skill in design as well as her professionalism and work ethics. **★★★★★ — ARTHUR BALOG, Nov. 2016** > Deborah does a great job and is very easy and fun to work with. She works towards what you want and not what she thinks you should have. Deborah gives alternatives to make having choices fun and interesting and does not push for quick decisions. She is also very aware of your budget for the project. Deborah allows whatever of her time that the project requires and is never pushy. High kudos for Deborah. **★★★★★ — Lois McCollough, July 2016** > This was my first time to hire an interior designer. I did not have a large budget for the redecorating of our extra bedroom, in a 1940's beach cottage but I did have a lot of wants to put into this small space. Deborah helped me transform my very boring, under utilized space into a beautiful, functional place that I so enjoy. > > Deborah and I met, we went over my initial ideas, signed the contract and very quickly she responded with several excellent ideas. Then life happens.....My husband was not healing from a recent major back surgery (lots of pain) and there were times when I could not think or make decisions regarding this project at all. So, weeks would pass and I would finally decide on the bed, then months for me to decide on the design for the bookcase.... and all the while Deborah was extremely patient and understanding. Deborah would meet with me when I was available, and kept me moving forward inch by inch. > > I still have a small extra bedroom, but I love it!! I have a two beds for my daughters when they come to visit, a bookcase for my books, a desk that functions for work and creativity, a spot for sewing and a cozy place to curl up and read or take a nap!! > > Other reasons I enjoyed working with Deborah, she was always on time, she was able to incorporate lots of design elements that I love in a eye pleasing manner (coastal, antique, romantic, shabby chic, funky) and always had a smile. **★★★★★ — denise50andfab, Sept. 2015** > I met Deborah Vanderzel at a friend’s home several months ago. When it came time to do some redecorating at my home, I decided to call her. I live in a modest tract home that has been remodeled several times. We have done two room additions and a major kitchen remodel. When we discussed the scope of the work I wanted done, she e-mailed me a proposal with a contract. I told her I wanted new furniture, wall art, accents and window treatments for the family and living rooms. I also shared that I wanted to decorate in a coastal theme, while keeping flooring and dining room furniture. She then introduced me to Pinterest. She taught me how to set up my own board and she set up boards on her Pinterest for my rooms. She updated these boards often with ideas and suggestions for me to consider. > We didn’t have a budget per se, but I needed to be very cost conscious. Deborah and I spent a great deal of time shopping for the furniture. We finally decided on fabrics and color themes for the rooms. Deborah suggested paint colors, which we agreed upon. She recommended plantations shutters. They are absolutely gorgeous. She made some suggestions for some contractor work, which turned out beautifully. For example, she thought of tiling over the brick on our fireplace, with fantastic results. She also proposed a chair rail in the foyer with an accent color under it, which looks very elegant. She also presented the idea of floating shelves in a nook next to the fireplace, where a heavy bookcase was previously. The floating shelves are just marvelous. We also shopped on line and at discount retailers for home accents and wall art many times. Deborah spent many hours at our home helping me hang items up and picking out things. She was always in touch with me via e-mail, text or phone calls. Some e-mails suggested furniture layouts or changes. > She has made many great suggestions, but would always defer to me for approval of all purchases. We are not completely finished with my project, but almost. Deborah has been a wonderful, professional, positive and beautiful person to work with. I would wholeheartedly recommend her to my friends. **★★★★★ — dougdag, Aug. 2015** > My wife and I hired Deb to help with our dining/living room design and decorating. She had great ideas and was most helpful in giving us choices so we could then agree on what we wanted. She was hands on in a good way, meeting us when we went couch shopping and when we put all our paintings up (very challenging, high wall, a lot of pictures to be hung). Bottom line, she listens, is creative, fun to work with and we loved the final results. The best example of how satisfied is that we are working together again as we remodel a guest room and the family room! **★★★★★ — Roberto Rodriguez, Aug. 2015** > Working with Deborah has been a total pleasure. My girlfriend and I have a condo where we have lived for quite a few years, but it looked like her stuff and my stuff in one room without any harmony or a sense of cohesive style. Deborah met with us on a few occasions, got a sense of who we were and has really helped us develop a cohesive space where we can feel at home together. The project is in progress and has a taken more time than expected, and while it's not ideal, Deborah has accommodated our schedule. She has helped us get out of our respective ruts but worked with us to encompass our personalities and our comfort in the design. > > I'm excited to share more as our project gets closer to completion. **★★★★★ — angelastengler, April 2014** > Deborah worked with me to create a comfortable yet elegant family room. She is patient, listened to my concerns, and was always available when I had a question. She is very sensitive to the client's likes and dislikes. I want to hire her again to create a relaxing front patio escape! ## Selected projects - [Nautical Guest](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nautical-guest-pj-vj~3117699) - Location: Oceanside, CA - Photos: 4 - [Scenic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/scenic-pj-vj~2904909) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: Bright and chic with a nod to British colonial style, - [Ocean Hills](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ocean-hills-pj-vj~2904956) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Freeman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/freeman-pj-vj~2904866) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Follette](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/follette-pj-vj~2189251) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Transitional Blue and white decor - [Oceanside Coastal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oceanside-coastal-pj-vj~1510098) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: complete refresh of family room. we tiled over the old brick fireplace, added some floating shelves to the nook, new paint color, new furnishings, art and accessories. cheerful and beachy! - [Harbor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harbor-pj-vj~2112105) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Darling rental beach condo. The colors of summer were the inspiration for the interior design. Our goal was to lift the spirits of the guests even on a foggy day. - [by the sea](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/by-the-sea-pj-vj~1510107) - Location: Oceanside, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: refresh of the living/dining area fresh paint, plantation shutters, new sea life art work, new sofa, chair and accessories. lovely - [Carlsbad Alicante](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carlsbad-alicante-pj-vj~468279) - Location: Carlsbad, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: new move in, built-in media cabinet, new furniture and window treatments - [Monte Vista](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/monte-vista-pj-vj~447063) - Location: Vista, CA - Photos: 1 - Description: Refresh of existing space. Sourcing furniture and accessories from other areas of the home to create a completely different look for the entry, living room, dressing area and home office bookshelves. - [Independance](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/independance-pj-vj~2060777) - Location: Vista, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: A quick master refresh, client wanted to keep existing furnishings but brighten up the space. We chose a calm palette and played light accessories against the dark furniture. There are new accessories for the mantle and built-in bookcase, new bedding and additional textures were introduced through; art, pillows, area rug, and throws, Cozy! - [Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/landscape-pj-vj~239423) - Location: Vista, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: Created a circular secret garden where family can sit on boulders around the fire. - [Golf Course Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/golf-course-bungalow-pj-vj~166689) - Location: San Marcos, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: refresh of living and dining area new furniture combined with existing new stone for fireplace window treatments and art - [Twin Oak Flip](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/twin-oak-flip-pj-vj~211967) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: new exterior color scheme, new front porch deck, gravel path quick refresh on the interior painted kitchen cabinets white, added marble countertops, new appliances, cleaned the wood floors and fresh white paint throughout sold in 1 week [See all 14 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/deborah-vanderzel-designs-pfvwus-pf~126175084) ## Community Q&A **Q: Kitchen counter and backsplash** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hello: When we moved in the only part of the house that was remodeled was the kitchen. We love the cabinets--they are custom birch, and the appliances and apron sink are fine, too. All we have done so far are add the island lights and the walnut butcher block top for the island. We have had some leaking where the sink is and some of the granite is discolored. But to be truthful, I am just not a fan of the granite or the granite backsplash. I was thinking of Silestone Yukon Blanco for the countertops. http://www.silestoneusa.com/colors/color/yukon-blanco/ What are your thoughts here? Or, if anyone knows a similar solid-colored, creamier white (not white white), might you suggest? We are kind of stuck with the floor, because I just don't have the energy for that now. We also have a cement sub floor so removing tile is impossible--I would just tile over it (in the future!) As well, here is the tile I love for the back splash. http://www.annsacks.com/products/tile-stone-mosaic/chinois-field-tile\#/chinois-hua The 9x9 size is not ideal, nor is the price, especially considering I am the one laying the tile backsplash and make mistakes. Any other suggestions? Finally, we will upgrade the cabinet hardware and stools But I haven't even thought of that. The rest of the house was pretty much in shambles and we have been tackling one project at a time, but mostly our home is contemporary. Thank you for looking and for any suggestions you may have! Sorry for all the photos, but wanted to give an overall idea of layout. A: Hi, I like your choice for the counter top, and Ann Sacks tile is fabulous - I caution you with the Hua it has so much movement it may be too much with the rest of the clean lines you already have - take a closer look at the toad skin it has good texture - Good Luck **Q: Kitchen nook; cozy-up with furniture & window treatments?** *(in Design Dilemma)* I'd love some ideas from you Houzzers as to how to "cozy up" this nook with the right furniture, window treatment, and colors. Please jump in! I'm not sure how to work with the area under the window- from the floor to the bottom of the woodwork is 25". BTW, the light in this picture below shows everything as much more yellowish than it is in person. This wall is 13.5 feet. The wall / bar area- as I turn to my left- color is truer here. 11.5 feet from the window wall to the lip of the bar. WWYD with this space? Below is the wall on the other side of the window. This wall is 5ft 4". Door leads to the LR area. Can't wait to hear your ideas! A: these floor plans are accurate with your dimensions- you have more space than you realize! - you can have storage and a chill spot - Have fun creating this space with what you love! **Q: Side table or stack of books?** *(in Design Dilemma)* What type of side table would your place next to this chair? Does the floor lamp sit okay behind the chair? Pillow, blanket or pillow and blanket with chair? All comments are most appreciated. Thank you. A: I think a more solid piece next to the recliner the lamp provides organic interest perhaps something like this Frog rain drum accent side table from Pottery Barn and in regard to the pillow and blanket...let the recliner be what it is...don't try to add things to cover it up. **Q: Small bathroom on a budget** *(in Design Dilemma)* Please help with ideas to make my tiny bathroom special! I plan on replacing the vanity and using a Quartz top , removing the shower doors and repainting the walls. Can anyone suggest a color for the vanity and top, as well as a wall color and shower curtain? Should I consider having the tiles reglazed to white instead of the present biscuit color? I would really appreciate some ideas that would look great and suit my limited budget. A: high contrast - black and white can work with many design styles - lose the toothbrush holder, the glass holder and some of the back splash and install a good sized framed vertical mirror. Good luck and have fun with it! **Q: Clueless guy** *(in Design Dilemma)* Ok here's the basics. Bought my first place and am clueless on paint for the main rooms. Has a nice crown molding and beautiful wood floors and darker wood trim/windows/mantle. Living room and dining room which is separated by an arch. Both rooms seem to have ample light and are both white currently I'm so lost on what colors I can use that aren't the typical boring earthy tan that you see with all this wood. Any suggestions or opinions would help. Thanks. A: I would recommend calling an interior designer. You are going to receive many ideas from houzers - but ultimately it's your new place and you want to do it right. Colors translate differently in the actual environment. A pro will help you to make informed decisions and help you create your perfect space, saving you time and money. **Q: BATHROOM HELP NEEDED** *(in Design Dilemma)* looking for ideas to update this late 80's bathroom... on a budget A: If you are working with what you have - use the colors that you see white and black, walls white match the wall tile, paint the vanity cabinet black, find a graphic black & white shower curtain, use black towels, find a vertical piece of art that has black, white and a bit of brown (to tie in the window frame color) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-05.*