Amanda Malson launched her interior design company in 2017 and has since worked on popular commercial and restaurant spaces throughout Orange County, including Jan’s Health Bar and Coffee Dose. For one of her more recent projects, Costa Mesa’s Eat Chow, she was inspired to blend a reimagined American diner with local surf culture.
“We combined nostalgia with a sense of place, creating something that feels both timeless and specific to Newport and Costa Mesa—familiar, layered, and subtly unexpected,” Malson says.
With only nine days to renovate, Malson strategically executed each detail without any delay.
1. Wood Paneling
“We used wood paneling to evoke an old-school diner with subtle nautical influence.”
2. Art
“The art celebrates local surf culture, with each wall representing a different decade from the ’70s to early 2000s.”
3. Sconces
“We doubled up on sconces to create stronger visual impact and softer, more even lighting. Layered lighting like this adds depth and keeps the space from feeling flat.”
4. Chairs
“Bentwood chairs bring classic cafe and diner heritage into the space. They’re timeless, durable, and visually lightweight, helping balance heavier elements while reinforcing the nostalgic tone.”
5. Lamp
“Adding a lamp introduces a softer, more residential layer of light. It creates warmth and intimacy, helping the space feel more inviting and less overtly commercial.”
6. Flooring
“A black and white check floor is timeless. It brings contrast, energy, and character while grounding the space in classic diner tradition without feeling outdated.”
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