Domicil Design

Time for Change...

2011-09-21T19:30:00.003-04:00

Wow, once again I get myself to my blog page because I feel like I haven't added anything new in awhile...and WHAM, I face the reality that a whole year has gone by in a blip of time.

Facebook changes today...love them or hate them. The verdict is out for me but I don't "dislike" it as much as I did the AM. And I would like to see the "dislike" button added back to the features.

Social media can create social change, one person at a time. My goal between now and Nov 6th is to try to inact some type of tidal social wave. Why would I pick nov 6th, you may ask? That is when we go off Daylight Savings time, another shift in our biological frame and a good time to enact change in our world.

We'll see what happens but I hope you join me for the wave...it may be a good ride for a change!

And just so you have something pretty to look at, here is a link into my Etsy store!

The Importance of Setting a Table...

2010-09-27T19:35:00.005-04:00

Normally I would put my own spin on the ideas that float around the ole "WWW" but here is a good reason to decorate your tables on a daily basis. I hope your kitchens are a cozy spot for family meal time...if not, you know who to contact!
****

The Importance of
Setting a Nice Table
By Leanne Ely, C.N.C.

Dear Friends,

Setting a nice table is often overlooked but its importance should not be minimized. Having a nice table setting affects your enjoyment of the meal which can even affect how well you digest your food. After putting in the effort involved in thoughtful menu planning and healthy cooking, don't tarnish the meal by having a disorganized presentation or worse, eating in the living room or in front of computers and televisions.

This is a time where you can either go it alone, or you can call in the children and husband to help with the table setting. This means silverware positioned properly around the plate and matching or complimentary glasses and everything in its place. Not only will this make dinner more enjoyable and relaxing, it will teach your children manners and the proper way to do things in a civilized society. Believe it or not, being able to eat politely and practice good conversational skills is something your children need to learn as eating dinner with an employer or even on a job interview could be in their future.

Little touches can really add to the mood of the meal. A nice centerpiece can add to the atmosphere. You can choose something that matches the room or go with a theme that is appropriate for the season. This shows your family that you care about making mealtime special for them. Children can help out by making center pieces during craft time. Sometimes it's the smallest touches that work quietly to make a big difference in overall mood.

Sitting down to eat a meal calmly is very important for digestion. It's not healthy to bounce up and down from the table to grab forgotten spoons or napkins. Try to anticipate the needs of your diners as well as the meal itself by setting out appropriate utensils and condiments in advance. Perhaps create a checklist for children who are setting the table so nothing is forgotten.

If you have some extra time, a cute vegetable garnish like a radish rose or carrot curls is a great way to make the plate look prettier while sneaking in some extra nutrition. By taking the time to set a nice table before the meal begins, you can ensure that everyone is able to sit down and enjoy their meal in peace.

Love,
Leanne, Your Dinner Diva

Saving Your Dinner since 2001, http://savingdinner.com

WANT TO USE MY ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE?
You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:

The Arrival of Fall...

2010-09-21T09:29:00.005-04:00

Before summer is over, I had to get one last project in that is pure summer fun. While in Germany, they were having a quarterly event where you can throw out unwanted items. It happened to be the day I showed up in town. I got a few items to convert into storage units but found these deck chairs in need of new covers, and I added the pillows for extra comfort. Check out my Facebook album for more "Treasures found in Germany"...

To signal the fall season, Domicil design will be a vendor at the Dover Apple Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct 2nd. We will have samples on display, pillows and table runners for sale (in time for holiday entertaining) and we will have a "Needlepoint Pillow Raffle. Come and say "Hi" and enjoy a few apples and a beautiful fall day!

Painting Season is Here!

2010-06-04T12:34:00.007-04:00

Summer is almost here and the smell of paint is in the air...well, at least it is at my house. Did you know that paint is the least expensive and most dramatic change you can make to your interior? My foyer went from a deep, dramatic red (loved it but it has been here for 11 years!) to an elegant gray with off-white trim and crown molding. One wall will be a focal point because it will be papered with "grass cloth". My design is to have an architecturally rich but coastal/relaxed space with a neutral palette but plenty of contrast and texture!

I have a designer deck of colors from Sherwin-Williams that allows you to see the color in a larger swatch. You can also visit their site to play with the on-line color studio.

New & Old World Design

2010-05-12T11:39:00.006-04:00

I am spending the week in Germany and spent an afternoon in Mainz. Churches are usually a fascinating place to visit and see the history of people evident through the decor and statues of these magnificent structures. The juxtaposition of old and new world meeting was striking in these two stained glass windows in Mainz Cathedral. I love to mix old and new in interiors to produce a room that is blended and able to move forward without looking dated.

Inspired Pillow With Style!

2010-04-26T19:03:00.003-04:00

Inspiration can come from many places. The website "www.etsy" has many home made items that support the home based craft industry. This pillow caught my eye...it may show up on my Mother's Day "Wish List" with the appropriate initial.

Go to www.etsy.com for more eye candy.

Time Flies...

2010-04-21T17:48:00.002-04:00

Wow, so many ways to stay connected I forget how much time has passed since my last entry. Well to keep you all up to date, I am still in NH and planning some interactive and "real" ways for social networking. I feel like time flies by so fast sometimes that we forget that we need to get together, face-to-face, to really stay connected.

Stay tuned for an opportunity for some real social networking with an educational and inspiring theme. If you do not get my Newsletter via "Constant Contact" then please forward your email so I can add you to the distribution list. I will be using this newsletter for most of my weekly news and events update and I hope to stay connected with you, too!

Happy Spring and watch out for those pesky 'black' flies!
Judi Turner

We are still here and in business...

2009-09-15T12:08:00.004-04:00

The current status of the relocation is that both kids are successfully engaged in their prospective schools in Germany and Canada. I am splitting my time between them and the dogs who are with the house, furniture waiting for the house to sell.

In the meantime, I am quickly filling up my time in the USA with slipcover jobs. I love slipcovers and hope to continue to fabricate them both here and eventually in Germany after the move. Please note my new phone numbers and contact information!

New Look for Your Furniture!

We are currently booking slipcover jobs for this fall. If you are interested in a slipcover, please call for yardage and labor estimates...603-743-4948 or 603-767-0707(cell). We drape on-site so your furniture never leaves your space. You will love the custom, fitted slipcover for your furniture. We can also refurbish old and worn cushions with new filler material or foam. Fall is our busiest season so call soon if you would like work completed for the holidays!

Rochester Opera House Install Complete!

2009-08-19T20:23:00.003-04:00

We picked one of the hottest days of the summer to complete this project but the Rochester Opera House is air conditioned and it was cooler than outside!

The job finished out great...and I should say "just as I imagined it would!" thanks to a great group of colleagues from the WCAA.

Soft Valances were added to the standard pinch pleat valances to provide maximum light control. We also used some of our professional tricks to make sure that function and style were both achieved in this project. We were able to complete this project with all donated materials, supplies, labor and talent. In an economic time when everything is getting 'under valued' we put a valuable, quality job in to our community.

The fabric used on the arched valances were left from a commercial job many years ago. You can see how perfectly the design enhances the stencil work on the walls. It was as if the fabric was waiting to be used for this historic project and I'm proud to have helped make it happen!

If you live in the local area, please visit this historic theatre and check out their programs for the upcoming season. We know you will have a pleasurable experience due in part to our efforts in reducing the light leaks, enhancing the aesthetic space and keeping some community attention on this gem!

Domicil Design Receives 2009 Best of Dover Award

2009-08-17T13:11:00.001-04:00

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Domicil Design has been selected for the 2009 Best of Dover Award in the Interior Designers category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Rochester Opera House Installation "SOON"

2009-08-11T16:47:00.002-04:00

Hello,
The local NH Seacoast Chapter of WCAA has completed it's second work day and we are now ready for the installation. I am including a picture that shows some light leaks around the treatments as they are now and I hope to show the 'after' pictures soon to show how window treatments can solve this problem and enhance the window. I can't wait to see the arched swag treatments installed. I have had 7 yards of fabric in my work room left over from a commercial job many years ago. You will see how this fabric was meant to be created and used in this theatre.

Rochester Opera House

2009-07-29T09:19:00.001-04:00

Soon after moving to New Hampshire, I was asked to get involved in a restoration project in Rochester, NH. At the time they had a space that had pigeons roosting in the eves and water leaks everywhere, but many hours later with both professional and volunteer hours, they had a space that they could use for entertainment, once again.

To make the stage visable for the audience, I was involved in several stages of window treatments that ultimately resulted in Velvet, Blackout Pinch Pleat panels. Howerver, light leaks were still a problem and for the past 8 years the problem was soved with duct tape.

Even with all the changes taking place professionally and personally this year, I accepted to position of President for the local Window Covering Association of America (WCAA). Out of the need to eliminate some of the work room material I had in my studio, I was reminded and inspired by one large piece of "Contract/Commercial" fabric, of the work I had done with the Opera House. I drew up a sketch and formed an "Outreach Committee" to solicite the help of the chapter and the collective professional knowledge of our local industry. My time in NH is subject to change at the whim of the housing market and the chapter committed to take on this project.

And the process begins...
Julie Wood, Mary Ellen O'Donnel and myself begin pattern making and cutting for 12 Arched Swag Valances.

Slipcover for Summer Comfort

2009-07-28T22:03:00.003-04:00

Summer is a great time to think about putting natural fibers in your home and on your furniture. The heat of summer brings out the scratchy feel in synthetic fabrics so think about a nice light cover in a natural fiber and you will feel more comfortable in the summer heat. Natural fibers can also be easy to clean. Look at our link to Greenhouse fabrics and check out Homespun fabrics for on-line sources for natural fiber fabrics.

2008-11-04T14:42:00.002-05:00

Our Autumn Open House, on October 26th, was a great day to meet with friends and share some discussions about custom pillow inserts. We showcased 7 different blends and had a chance to feel the differences. We also shared some pillow styles and terminology for the endless options available when you order a custom pillow.

Our door prize raffle winners are...drum role, please...
"The Home Decor Basic- Table Runner" - Mary Else
Acorn Motif Salt & Pepper Shaker's - Geri Spears & Kendra Weller
A Hand-made, Floral Needlepoint pillow - Lisa Harling

If you missed this event, feel free to contact me for some information on pillow forms and styles.

Please check out the last slide show of current "Pillows For Sale". Contact Domicildesign to purchase any of these already-made custom pillows.

New Look for Your Furniture!

2008-08-28T17:14:00.007-04:00

2008-08-10T12:07:00.000-04:00

Sofa Slipcovered in cotton, floral fabric. No skirt, contoured back detailing.

2008-08-10T11:49:00.001-04:00

Armchair slipcover in white, cotton twill fabric

Who we are...

2008-08-10T11:42:00.000-04:00

Domicil design is an interior design business specializing in custom window treatments, blinds and slipcovers. We started in business in 1993 and continue to offer custom service in residential and commercial projects. Please contact us for questions or comments.