--- title: "Design Intervention — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/design-intervention-pfvwus-pf~915324332 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~915324332.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Design Intervention" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/dca30de9045965ac_7117-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Laguna Beach, California 92651, United States" phone: "(949) 280-8875" website: http://designinter.com rating: 4.8 review_count: 29 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 371 last_updated: 2026-08-22 --- # Design Intervention Original Houzz profile: [Design Intervention](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/design-intervention-pfvwus-pf~915324332) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Laguna Beach, CA - **Serves:** Irvine, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Corona del Mar, Capistrano Beach, East Irvine, Newport Coast - **Houzz rating:** 4.8 out of 5 (29 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2016–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Online consultation - 37 years in business Design Intervention & IA Construction were born out of a passion for design and customization of a home to be specific to each individual client. Every person and family is unique. The way each of us uses our home and desires to use our space is very different .Using an artistic eye for aesthetically pleasing design with the best and most sustainable building standards to achieve a living space that reflects all that our client’s desire within their budget. Our goal is to have their home reflect the vision that they have locked in their “minds eye”. All of our projects are unique, we strive to have each project be a work of art created specifically for that client, not a cookie cutter approach. The clients that we work with are chosen to be a good fit for our process and very often hire us to do project after project. We are honored and humbled by the many repeat clients we have had over our 30 years in business. It is truly a partnership when working on something as personal and important as the home that you live in! ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - New Home Construction - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Design - Home Extensions - Bathroom Design - Architectural Design - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Building Design - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Architectural Drawings - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Floor Plans - Universal Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Green Building - Laundry Room Design - Porch Design & Construction - Sustainable Design - Sunroom Design & Construction - Space Planning - Lighting Design - Deck Design - Drafting - Foundation Construction - Staircase Design - Rooftop Deck Installation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Construction Drawings - Custom Cabinets - Custom Homes - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Irvine - Costa Mesa - Newport Beach - Laguna Niguel - San Clemente - Aliso Viejo - Dana Point - Laguna Hills - Laguna Beach - Laguna Woods - Corona del Mar - Capistrano Beach - East Irvine - Newport Coast ### Typical Job Cost $150,000 - 10,000,000 Each job is very specific to the client's needs. Detailed budgets that give line item detail of all aspects of the project are produced prior to work being performed. There are no surprises. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Design Intervention | | Address | Laguna Beach, California 92651, United States | | Phone | (949) 280-8875 | | Website | http://designinter.com | | License Number | B-354284 | | Followers on Houzz | 371 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Design-Intervention/141535535896415 - X (Twitter) — twitter.com/@designinter1 - Blog — http://www.designinter.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Design Intervention](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/design-intervention-pfvwus-pf~915324332) - **Website:** http://designinter.com - **Phone:** (949) 280-8875 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - California Council for Interior Design Certification, State of California General Contractor - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2016–2022), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 — 29 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Chris N, Nov. 2021** > We received excellent renovation work to a Condo in Little Italy, San Diego. Design Intervention was able to provide reasonably priced top of the line improvements to modernize our space. **Comment from Design Intervention:** > It was a pleasure to work with you and your partner. Enjoy your new home! > Design Intervention **★★★★★ — Lanai Doors, April 2019** > I greatly enjoyed working with Kirk – he’s easy going, confident, and concise (not to mention talented, I mean look at these remodel pictures!). He was direct in explaining his project needs, knew which of our products he wanted, and was timely with administrative needs. He was easy to reach with questions and updates, and kept in touch with me throughout the process. Kirk is a pleasure to work with, and I’m eager to partner with him on future projects. **Comment from Design Intervention:** > Carol, > Thank you for your kind words. The doors look great and we will surely use them again in future projects. **★★★★★ — HomeScapes Home Staging San Diego, March 2019** > We had the pleasure of working with Design Intervention on a home they remodeled in San Diego. This project is one of our favorites! The design and attention that Design Intervention put into this project completely reinvented the space adding elegant, contemporary touches with high-end finishes. The end result is a warm and inviting living space that is appealing both inside and out. The owners were great to work with and we look forward to the opportunity to work with them again in the future! **Comment from Design Intervention:** > Judy, > Thank you for your kind words. We look forward to using your services on our next project! **★★★★★ — David Ramsay, Nov. 2018** > So where do I start with the wonderful comments from friends and family or how wonderful and helpful the workers were or the inspiring thoughts, designs and equipment Kirk brought to the project. This was a “labor of love” for my wife to have a 1960 one level house that had not really been worked on since it was built and with Kirk turn it into the “HOUSE”! > > We all know the joys of construction, and this time lucky enough we did not have to live in house while construction however the professionalism, knowledge, skills and dedication of the all the craftsmen who worked this project was top class. They were there when they said they would be, were flexible to changes in plans as we went through this journey. > > The variety of choice (within budget) that was brought to us offered us the ability to meet our dreams but also be practical and value for cost. Kirk was always aware of our style and needs however would help as look at alternatives, which would enhance our thoughts! > > In the end we have a “HOME” which inside and outside receives many positive comments from friends, family and the neighborhood. The project was completed within budget and time even though we added and altered as we went along. > > So in closing thank you Kirk as we now decorate the home for the Holidays 2018 and look forward to many more **Comment from Design Intervention:** > David, > It was a pleasure to work with you on your beautiful home. I hope you enjoy it for years to come. > Best, > Kirk **★★★★★ — Guy, Nov. 2017** > Top-notch work from start to finish! Although I had some other architect draw my original kitchen remodel plans, Kirk helped me make revisions for accuracy and to satisfy the City of Irvine Planning Department. When it came time to select cabinets, counter tops and floors, we traveled together to various vendors to examine samples and coordinate colors. His design expertise and tips were invaluable. His construction workers, Saul and Jose, spent every day of the 8-week project on my kitchen and no other project. They did it all--demo, plumbing, electrical, structural, installing cabinets, laying floors, painting and finishing. Their skills were unmatched. They worked efficiently and courteously. They completed the project on schedule. I enjoyed having them in my home the entire time. Note that if you have absolute color preferences, you'll need to be clear about them with Kirk because his design eye, as expert as it is, may not always match yours. If I had another remodel project to do I would only call on Kirk. **Comment from Design Intervention:** > Guy, > Thank you for your kind words. It was our pleasure to work with you on your beautiful new kitchen. I hope that it will bring you great enjoyment throughout the years to come. > Warmest Regards, > Kirk **★★★★★ — Terry Corwin, June 2017** > Kirk is an excellent architect, designer and contractor. I feel fortunate a friend recommended him, and after interviewing many others, we chose him! He knows a lot of about a lot of things - from lighting to carpet and everything in between, he seems to know it all! What you don't usually find (unfortunately) is when a contractor really, really cares about the project turning out just right - down to every little detail. This goes not only for Kirk, but Saul, too - his main man. Usually a remodel is a nightmare, runs over budget and over schedule, but I am happy to say we are moving back in right on time into our beautiful newly remodeled home! I highly recommend Kirk! **Comment from Design Intervention:** > Terry & Clay, > It has been a pleasure to work with both of you. I hope the two of you enjoy your home for years to come! > > Regards, > Kirk Nelson **★★★★ — Cindy, March 2017** > We hired Design Intervention to be our contractor for our home remodel. The project started out as a medium remodel, but we ended up doing pretty much the entire house. Kirk Nelson and his team are honest, reliable, diligent and friendly. **Comment from Design Intervention:** > Cindy, > It was a pleasure working with you and John. Your home is a true reflection of the two of you now. > Regards, > Kirk **★★★★★ — Remcon Design Build, Aug. 2016** > Thank you Kirk and Design Intervention. > > We had a great experience working with you on a nice project in san Diego. > You were easy to work with and very knowledgeable. I feel i learned from you a lot. > > We look forward to work with you in the future **Comment from Design Intervention:** > It was a pleasure to have you guys to work on the project. The house looks beautiful! If we buy another house in SD I'm sure we will give you a call! > Kirk Nelson **★★★★★ — HU-159363, July 2016** > Kirk came onto my project after things with my first GC went south. If it weren't for Kirk my restaurant might have never been built. I owe him a great deal of gratitude. My place looks amazing! In all the chaos to get it to where it is today Kirk was always dependable and resourceful. **Comment from Design Intervention:** > Brian, > Thank you so much for allowing me to assist you on such a great project. The restaurant looks great and I'm sure you will have much success! > Regards, > > Kirk Nelson **★★★★★ — Rebekah Wilcox, May 2016** > Phenomenal customer service with creativity and an attention to detail in like any other. What ever you want done design intervention has the right perspective and outside the box thinking to get you the end product you desire. **Comment from Design Intervention:** > Rebekah, > Thanks so much for your kind words! We look forward to working with you on your next project! **★★★★★ — shotputsmith, May 2016** > Right after our remodel was complete we had a neighborhood party. Everyone wanted to know who our designer was. I have recommended DI to all my neighbors. They did such a wonderful job keeping everything and everyone on time. Thank you again Design Intervention! **Comment from Design Intervention:** > MIke, > It was a pleasure to work with you! Glad you are enjoying your beautiful new space. **★ — ac72, May 2016** > I hired Kirk Nelson of Design Intervention to design a 2nd floor home addition. > > My personal opinion, is I like to: > 1\) Have a designer that is available to meet on weekends, or after work hours, if my work schedule precludes week days during working hours. > 2\) Deal with a designer who does not go through the design concept phase. Issue an invoice. Then only after the invoice is paid, demand payment of "additional work" which was anticipated from the very first meeting, and included in the concept design phase. > 3\) work with a designer who does not submit plans to Building and Planning approval without a) my approval b) without providing me a copy of the plans that he is approving (industry standard is an architect provides client with full set of plans and has the client sign the plans before they are submitted for planning approval. Apparently Design Intervention does not follow industry norms in this respect. They seem to believe that the property owner should not have the opportunity to review the full set of plans or keep a copy of what's being submitted. They also appear to be very resistant to having a qualified architect review plans, since my experience was that when I asked for full set of plans for review by a qualified architect, Kirk Nelson would not provide.) > 3\) deal with a designer who does not receive rejected Building Department Plan corrections, but claim to me that plans are approved, and demand 100% payment. > 4\) Be in a contract with a designer who gets my review and approval, before he re-submits plans for approval. Instead of one who leaves 15 (yes 15!) of the original corrections un-corrected, and expects me to pay for the printing and expenses costs. > 5\) work with a designer who does not then falsely claim a second time that building approval is completed and demand full payment a second time. > 6\) does not refuse to meet with a qualified architect to review plans before payment is made. > 7\) does not provide a payment schedule in a contract, and then refuse to complete the project until 90% payment is made. > 8\) does not claim that a contract payment basis is percentage complete, when the document has a clear set of payment schedule steps and payments, and % complete is not specified on the contract. > 9\) does submit expenses for printing costs, without the requisit receipts or itemization to validate the expenses are valid. > 10\) does not have a 3 week schedule for work to be completed, and still, a year later, be holding the project up due to unprofessional demands for payment before work is complete. > 11\) deal with qualified architects, rather than a person who apparently did an architecture degree, but for what ever reason, never did get qualified as an architect. > > When I have consulted with qualified architects about my experience, and the professional conduct of Kirk Nelson and Design Intervention, the reaction has been very interesting to hear. > > If you enter into an agreement with a contractor, it is always a good idea to get a construction lawyer to carefully write the performance and payment schedule terms. > My personal opinion is that in the case of Kirk Nelson and Design Intervention, after a year of trying to get a simple addition designed, is it is probably better not to enter into an agreement in the first place. But that's just my personal opinion. At the end of the day it is up to the client to decide what type of contractor they want to work with... ## Selected projects - [Dana Point Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dana-point-home-pj-vj~6307434) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - [Ocean Beach San Diego Remodel/Multigenerational Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ocean-beach-san-diego-remodel-multigenerational-home-pj-vj~2573447) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 86 - Description: Complete interior remodel with additional master suite and guest house/studio addition. - [North Laguna Beach Ocean View Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-laguna-beach-ocean-view-contemporary-pj-vj~2679338) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 109 - [Laguna Beach Contemporary Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laguna-beach-contemporary-kitchen-pj-vj~1570665) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 33 - Description: Coastal room addition and contemporary kitchen relocation - [Laguna Beach Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laguna-beach-bungalow-pj-vj~770828) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 28 - Description: Laguna Beach Home that was updated to reflect the client's taste for clean lines and warmth. - [Outdoor living space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-living-space-pj-vj~2062569) - Location: Fall City, WA - Photos: 5 - [Manhattan Beach Contemporary sleek and sexy LA beach house](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/manhattan-beach-contemporary-sleek-and-sexy-la-beach-house-pj-vj~898717) - Location: Manhattan Beach, CA - Photos: 77 - Description: Sleek and sexy LA midcentury modern beach house done in contemporary style with muted soft grey/taupe palette throughout the home. Elegant landscaping and outdoor lighting set the dramatic stage for this spectacular home. - [North Laguna Beach Ocean View Condo total remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-laguna-beach-ocean-view-condo-total-remodel-pj-vj~1847333) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: Beautiful Ocean view condominium total remodel - [Newport Beach Canyon Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newport-beach-canyon-home-remodel-pj-vj~770542) - Location: Newport Beach, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: Beautiful home overlooking the golf course that was completely remodeled to reflect the owners sophisticated transitional style and desire to entertain. - [Newport Beach on the Bay](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newport-beach-on-the-bay-pj-vj~987791) - Location: Newport Beach, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: A complete remodel and second story addition to a Newport Beach back bay home.The home was done in a sophisticated transitional style to reflect the owners sense of style and grace. A home that was made for entertaining. - [Laguna Beach remodel and expansion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laguna-beach-remodel-and-expansion-pj-vj~770805) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: This 75 year old home was brought to life by turning a 1400 sq. ft. weekend cottage into a beautiful 3600 sq. ft. artistic masterpiece. Every room has artistic details to discover that are specific to the clients aesthetic. Some of the most exotic finishes were used in this project from African Babinga wood to Russian Volka Blue granite and many more. Truly a one-of-a-kind home. - [Dana Point Monarch Beach 2 story Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dana-point-monarch-beach-2-story-home-pj-vj~964333) - Location: Dana Point, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: Beautiful 2 story complete remodel of a 3200 sq. foot beach home. Changing the style from 70's tract home to a current transitional style sophisticated home for clients that love to entertain. - [Nellie Gail California Exterior remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nellie-gail-california-exterior-remodel-pj-vj~872758) - Location: Laguna Hills, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Updating a tract home to give it the custom look and feel of a new home. - [San Clemente Outdoor Ocean View Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-clemente-outdoor-ocean-view-space-pj-vj~872766) - Location: San Clemente, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: Large outdoor patio that was not being used turned into the families favorite place to entertain and gather for al fresco dining. Beautiful Sunbrella curtains make enclosing the space for movie night easy. - [Mini Mansion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mini-mansion-pj-vj~1833830) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 8 - [Florida Fantasy home on the water](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/florida-fantasy-home-on-the-water-pj-vj~900973) - Location: Fort Myers Beach, FL - Photos: 4 - [Laguna Beach-Sunset Beach Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laguna-beach-sunset-beach-remodel-pj-vj~1014061) - Location: Laguna Beach, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: A Southern California Beach home that has a Victorian exterior but clients wanted a very contemporary interior with minimal fuss. - [Sunny Hills Fullerton Mediterranean Villa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunny-hills-fullerton-mediterranean-villa-pj-vj~770833) - Location: Fullerton, CA - Photos: 21 - Description: The client wanted to expand this older home and completely remodel inside and out and re-slandscaped to achieve a large miditerranean villa with outdoor recreation and a separate mancave. - [Carmel Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carmel-cottage-pj-vj~966464) - Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA - Photos: 14 - [Costa Mesa Corporate retreat Condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/costa-mesa-corporate-retreat-condo-pj-vj~1092082) - Location: Costa Mesa, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Corporate water front condo for executive retreats. Done in classic beige, black and taupe colors. [See all 26 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/design-intervention-pfvwus-pf~915324332) ## Ideabooks - [Outdoor patio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/167784698/list/outdoor-patio) — 10 ideas - [Wine storage/ Aster](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/166815644/list/wine-storage-aster) — 4 ideas - [Forever house bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165994675/list/forever-house-bathrooms) — 8 ideas - [Unit 1 Glam ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/164164560/list/unit-1-glam-ideas) — 1 idea - [3700 3rd Bohemian items](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/164144266/list/3700-3rd-bohemian-items) — 2 ideas - [3700 3rd Vanity lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/163783830/list/3700-3rd-vanity-lighting) — 21 ideas - [3700 3rd Avenue Wallpaper ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/163783410/list/3700-3rd-avenue-wallpaper-ideas) — 20 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107394945/list/wish-list) — 7 ideas - [Forever house exterior materials](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/158254056/list/forever-house-exterior-materials) — 26 ideas - [Forever house](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/137527752/list/forever-house) — 161 ideas - [Cottage style exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121517183/list/cottage-style-exteriors) — 16 ideas - [High rise condo](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/131677161/list/high-rise-condo) — 7 ideas - [bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51297651/list/bathroom) — 3 ideas - [Santa Monica kitchen ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107738855/list/santa-monica-kitchen-ideas) — 49 ideas - [desks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/103791422/list/desks) — 1 idea - [Laundry rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/94002540/list/laundry-rooms) — 2 ideas - [bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54818455/list/bathrooms) — 26 ideas - [fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54819864/list/fireplaces) — 10 ideas - [Contemporary Rustic](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/61935113/list/contemporary-rustic) — 59 ideas - [Doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63514106/list/doors) — 43 ideas [See all 28 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/cubbiesmom) ## Community Q&A **Q: Can you tell me the brand and model of your ceiling fan?** *(in Photo Questions)* I really like it! A: Richard- I contacted the client who is a very organized person and keeps all info on her products. She says we purchased it at Lamps Plus and it was called "Modern Fan Company Velo Ceiling Fan", hope that is helpful. **Q: hobbnobbinrobin** *(in Photo Questions)* lonely room. what is that was color? A: Sherwin Williams Tawny Taupe. **Q: How large can a piece of glass be and supported by spigots** *(in Photo Questions)* I have a 105” opening under a covered patio that I want to install glass windbreak. It would be supported on. Cement patio base on bottom and the sides are house posts with 4 2”x4” posts in corners covered in plywood and fascia A: Depends on the thickness of the glass and the height of the glass and the anchoring device. Manufacturer of the anchoring device usually dictates the other two. **Q: Beige Walls, Warm Brown Trim. Grey Carpeting?** *(in Design Dilemma)* Need some general guidance about carpeting color vis a vis wall color. We need new carpeting in our hallway and bedrooms. Currently we have a neutral beige, sort of an oatmeal color, as I like to call it. The walls in the bedrooms are beige, and the wood trim and doors throughout the house (a 70’s ranch) is a warm, medium brown. Though beige is a safe choice, we’re drawn to some of the greys we’re seeing. Can grey carpeting work with a generally beige environment? What, at minimum, would we need to do to incorporate it? Notes: \- Repainting all the walls is not on the list right now. \- In the living room/dining room and the family room, the carpeting is beige. Would introduction of a grey cause a disconnect? \- We like carpeting because it’s soft, warm and quiet. Though hardwood floors are beautiful, we are not pursuing them. I’m not committed to beige or grey at this point. It might be that we’re tired of beige and grey is something new and different. But I can happily live with beige if grey creates too many conflicts. Photo notes: The hallway looks more yellow than it actually is because of the lighting. Photos show hallway and part of entryway. To the right of the picture with the yellow matte is the family room (beige carpeting); to the left of the picture is the living room/dining room (beige carpeting). The little smidgen you see to the right in the first photo is a recently remodeled bathroom done in...yes!...grey, greige, and white. A: anagurka, my apologies. You can do the same exercise using carpet samples to give you the look you are going for. I always caution clients that going "safe"in using all neutrals may not give you the updated look you are going for. I imagine all one basic color of food on a plate, cauliflower, mashed potatoes, and chicken....... Gray would not be a disconnect. In the photo of a clients home that we did in Manhattan Beach below, they originally wanted just "white" and "gray" When they began to look at samples of just those two together they were able to be coached to seeing that the "rich and sophisticated" look they wanted required some warm neutrals to give depth. You can see in the photo that there are definitely some "oatmeal shades" and beiges, but the depth of the warm gray colors give the room a much richer look. **Q: NEW LIGHT & wall color, a must!** *(in Lighting)* Bought table decor thinking it would help how I feel about my dining room- nope, just made it worse. At least now I know the top two things to change. Please suggest any and all possibilities!!! A: A lone chandelier or pendant rarely achieves adequate lighting in any room. You can hang a chandelier over a dining room table and call it a day, but try and remember to create layers of light. You want to provide general lighting as well as accent lighting. Recessed or track and monorail lighting are perfect in most dining rooms. Monorail, recessed, and track lighting allow you to feature certain architectural elements of your space as well as bring focus to your art work. This allows the room visual interest and prevents the space from feeling “flat.” If you don’t have any art to light, use wall sconces to take the place of art and add indirect lightning to the space. Last, provide lighting over the table for eating and drinking. A chandelier or light fixture that is to scale with the dining room table will light the seating area nicely. **Q: How to cutely decorate bar** *(in Home Decorating)* I have a bar under this “window sill” and I’m trying to find decor ideas to make this area more lively. Not necessarily feeling how it looks now but not sure what to do with it A: I'm not sure where that "window" opening goes to or how high it is since the picture is cut off......but if it is not a really relevant opening you could have hanging wine glass holders made for the space and then have it actually look like a real bar. The attached one give you an idea of concept but you would want them made of a material that goes with your decor. https://www.wayfair.com/kitchen-tabletop/pdp/trent-austin-design-bernardo-rustic-luxe-tiered-wall-mounted-wine-glass-rack-trnt4426.html --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-22.*