Restaurants | Transform Your Space — Get Inspired

Interior Design: Helen Gifford
Miracle Restaurant Photo Credit: Madison Fender
HelenBilt Photo Credit: Kirstin Boncher

Location: MiracleSagHarbor.com

RESTAURANT LIGHTING DESIGN

MIRACLE

When we took over the building for Miracle, it had been a traditional French bistro. I’m from London, and I love the pub culture there, especially its more glamorous side. A good pub is open to the whole community. It still feels special to sit down and stay awhile. That’s what I wanted for the design.

We painted the entire restaurant in Farrow and Ball Dunn, which gave the small room real richness. Then we softened it with glass. Most of the light fixtures come from my handblown glass line, and they make a simple restaurant on Main Street in Sag Harbor Village feel like more of an experience.

My go to is an ice cold martini, shaken, with a twist and olives on the side. It pairs perfectly with our seafood plateau or the steak tartare.

Modern chandelier with exposed filament bulbs hanging in a room with reflective surfaces and dark decor.

Elegant restaurant dining area with black leather booth, wooden chairs, and tables set with glasses, napkins, and candles, near large windows with natural light.

Bar shelf with various liquor bottles, empty glassware including wine and champagne glasses, and a small black figurine, with decorative metallic ceiling in the background.

Close-up of a metallic pendant light hanging from a ceiling with ornate, decorative ceiling tiles in an interior space.

Interior of a restaurant bar with a light blue counter, wooden bar stools, and a shelf of various liquor bottles behind the bar.

Close-up of illuminated filament light bulbs in glass tubes, arranged in a modern chandelier, with a blurred background of a ceiling and windows.

An elegant dining area with wooden chairs, black tables, and glassware. The background features a wall of wine bottles and contemporary light fixtures, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.

Close-up of decorative glass candle holders with lit candles inside, hung from a ceiling with ornate decor and warm lighting in the background.

Interior of a restaurant with a stone wall, decorative wine bottle dividers, and tables set for dining.

Close-up of two illuminated filament light bulbs encased in clear glass fixtures mounted on a modern metallic fixture, with a blurry background of a window and outdoor scenery.

Close-up of a bar with hanging pendant lights, shelves with liquor bottles, and glassware in the background.

Interior of a bar with a light blue counter, wooden bar stools with red cushions, shelves with alcohol bottles behind the counter, and a decorative pressed metal ceiling. Adjacent dining area has tables, chairs, and large windows.

Close-up of modern pendant lights with glass covers hanging from the ceiling in a dimly lit interior space.

A cozy restaurant booth with a black leather, tufted backrest and a dark wooden table set with white napkins, glasses, forks, and salt and pepper shakers, illuminated by soft natural light from a nearby window.

A bar with a decorative silver ceiling, featuring liquor bottles on shelves, wine bottles stored horizontally on racks, and a long counter with candle lights and stools with wooden legs and red cushioned seats.

Interior of a restaurant with decorative walls made of gray bricks. Two black metal racks display multiple black bottles. The word 'miracle' is written on the wall between the racks. Part of a dining table and chairs are visible in the foreground.

Bar counter with a variety of liquor bottles, glasses, and wine bottles, with bar stools in front and artwork on the wall behind.

A bar shelf filled with various bottles of alcohol, wine glasses, and decanters. The ceiling has ornate decorative panels, and the shelf has a modern, metallic design.

Interior of a restaurant with a bar area in the background. The restaurant has wooden chairs and tables set with napkins and glasses. The ceiling has decorative tin tiles and there are large windows allowing natural light to enter.

RESTAURANT LIGHTING DESIGN

FRESNO

Interior Design: Helen Gifford
Photo Credit: Doug Young + Eric Striffler + Kirstin Boncher

Location: Fresno.com

For Fresno’s 20th anniversary, we gave the restaurant a makeover. We painted it in Farrow and Ball Hopper Head, all the way up to the beams. Then we floated more than 20 Urchin chandeliers from my eponymous line beneath the pitched ceiling, which makes the room feel even taller. It kept its speakeasy feel.

I usually choose something from our wine list, which is extensive and serious, to go with the cod or whatever local catch has come in from Montauk.