Just another thought, consider in your landscaping (if you can) planting a copse of white silver birch (paper) Betula Papyrifera far away and uplighting. That way you will have a focual point that leads the eye outwards even when in winter nights.

I have done similar in the past with an internal door (it was one with stained glass at the top, a bargain even if it didn't fit) If you are handy with a plane then it should be possible. I would recommend stripping all the paint off the door before you start. When you add the wood strips use a good external quality wood glue and sash cramp them to the door. I would recommend that you go slightly oversize and plane down rather than try for an exact fit straight away. Once you have got it to size, drill and screw through the strip and into the door for additional strength, also making sure that any hinge and lock screws go far enough to get into the original door. A decent external filler over the joins sanded down and then paint.

I'm sorry to hear about the budget issues you are experiencing with your home extension. It can be tough to figure out the best course of action when plans don't go as expected. My advice would be to consult with a financial expert who can help you make a plan and determine the best option for your situation. It may be worth looking into Mortgage Advisor Derby, as they can provide advice and support with mortgage transfers and other financial matters. Best of luck to you. I hope you were successful in finding a solution that works for you!

What style is your room? and does the bar sit in line with the table ie the bottom section running across the table - or does it cut across it width ways? If it were me - I would use the cable lights and wrap them around the bar and hang pendants off them to make a feature. But then we have a semi industrial style so we wouldn't mind the bar. You can still do the same thing though but have less industrial shades on of course. It just depends where the bar sits over the table. Picture of the room and table would help..