Have a favorite chair (or two) you’d love to reimagine? Let’s talk about what’s possible!
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Our last installation of 2025 was a satisfying one: a pair of matching slipcovers for a mountain lodge retreat. The client was ready for a change, moving from well-loved reds to smooth, cool blues for a lighter, fresher feel—and the transformation was instant. Slipcovers are a simple, elegant way to refresh a room, shift a color palette, or breathe new life into much-loved older pieces. In this case, these two chairs look ready for many more years of use—and we’d say they’ve gotten a well-deserved new lease on life.
Have a favorite chair (or two) you’d love to reimagine? Let’s talk about what’s possible!
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In late November, a customer reached out to see if we could make new cushions for two heritage pieces of furniture—two armchairs and a loveseat crafted from the end of a bed. We settled on a lovely light-colored fabric that would still be reasonably child-proof, and then went to work. We decided the new cushions needed to be thicker than the originals so they would be properly scaled to the furniture. To achieve that, we used a thicker foam core, added a polyfill wrap for comfort and softness, and finished the cushions with zippers and piping for a clean, tailored look. The results were delightful—and as an added bonus, everything was completed just in time for Christmas! Don’t let a well-loved piece of furniture fade away. With new cushions, it can gain fresh life, color, and function. Reach out and let’s chat about what’s possible.
We recently had the pleasure of updating an apartment at the RiverWoods Retirement Community in Durham, NH. The space already had plenty going for it—beautiful natural light and a comfortable, welcoming layout—but the homeowner felt it could use just a touch more warmth and color. Our solution was a set of custom valances for both the dining area and the living room. To tie everything together, she revisited a fabric she’d loved years ago and had originally used for a throw pillow. Bringing that fabric back into the room added just the right pop of color while still feeling familiar and personal. The result is a space that feels brighter, cozier, and more complete—proof that even a small update can make a big difference. We think it was a lovely addition, and it was a joy to help bring a bit more color into an already beautiful home.
Whether it’s a subtle refresh or a bold change, we’re always happy to help bring your vision to life. Contact us to learn more. We recently wrapped up an installation at the Pease Tradeport in Portsmouth that earned a superlative in our shop: the biggest seat cushions we’ve ever made. These generous curved window benches were one of the final elements in a full office makeover designed by Office Interiors of Dover, NH, and they made quite a finish. Because of the sweeping curves, this wasn’t a “measure once, cut once” situation. Each bench was carefully templated on site using paper patterns, which came back to the shop with us for the real fun. We cut and laminated layers of foam to match the arch perfectly, shaped everything by hand, and wrapped it all in batting to soften the edges and smooth the lines. From there, we sewed and fitted the finished covers, creating cushions that are as comfortable as they are substantial. It’s always satisfying to see a project come together—especially when it pushes our scale a little further than usual. These benches are built for real use, and we love being part of spaces that invite people to sit down, settle in, and stay awhile.
We teased this project in our last newsletter, and now we finally get to share more of the fun details. This rambling vintage Seacoast cape was a treat from start to finish. The homeowner brought in a Minneapolis-based design firm to guide the overall vision—and they, in turn, brought us in to fabricate and install a whole collection of custom window treatments and one very cool bench cushion. The house quickly became a showcase of the range of work we love to do. We started right at the stairwell, where a striking window got a luxurious treatment layered with a rich fabric and an insulating "English bump" lining that adds both depth and warmth. A classic Kirsch rod with beautiful finials completed the look, tying everything together with a hint of old-school elegance. In the kitchen, we built a set of shaped cordless Roman shades designed to echo the cut-wood detail above the bank of six windows (photo at top). The result feels timeless and intentional, with soft light control and a silhouette that just fits the architecture. We also worked in a playful nod to the stairwell treatment by adding tassels—a little detail that makes the whole space feel cohesive. Even the laundry room got its moment with a tidy cordless woven wood shade that instantly elevated the space without overwhelming it. And then came the pièce de résistance: a fully custom bench cushion for the newly built breakfast nook. (Yes, the one we snuck into the last newsletter!) Bold fabric, beautifully tailored shapes, and marine cushion snaps to keep the back cushions securely in place—it all came together even better than we’d hoped. All in all, this project highlighted the full spectrum of interior décor work we can take on, from technical fabrication to thoughtful design details. It was a joy to bring this home’s personality to life, and we’re incredibly proud of how everything turned out.
Roman shades can be a beautiful and functional solution for bedroom window treatments — combining everyday practicality with timeless style. Practical Perfection Roman shades can be crafted with blackout linings or layered fabrics to suit your needs. Whether you’re creating the perfect environment for kids’ nap times or looking to block out early morning light, blackout options make restful sleep easy. They can also add a layer of thermal insulation — especially valuable in older homes with drafty windows — helping maintain comfort year-round. Creatively Elegant Beyond their practicality, Roman shades offer endless creative possibilities. With nearly infinite fabric options, you can design shades that truly reflect your style. Because Roman shades display the face fabric beautifully both raised and lowered, they contribute to the room’s design at all times. Patterns, textures, and colors can tie together your décor and create a cohesive, polished look. In the master bedroom of this Seacoast home, the chosen fabrics perfectly complement the trim color, carpet, and bedspread — tying the entire room together in a soft, coordinated palette. When lowered, the shades block light completely, adding to the cozy, restful atmosphere.
Is there a room in your home that could use the beauty and functionality of Roman shades? Contact us today — we’d love to help you design your own perfect set! Sometimes the best design choice is the one that ties everything together. For a recent project, our client wanted window treatments for two side-by-side Dining Room windows. Rather than dressing each separately, we chose a single elegant rod with sparkling Kirsch finials to unify the space. Four panels—two per window—frame the light beautifully while giving the room a sense of balance. Because we had already completed Roman shades in the kitchen and entryway with a favorite Premier Prints fabric, we carried the same textile into this design. Striped accents of the fabric trim the panels, creating a subtle thread of continuity throughout the home. To add just a touch of personality, we finished each panel with a charming button embellishment. The end result? A crisp, coordinated treatment that feels both fresh and timeless. The customer will move the rug away from the wall to let the panels hang fully. The bubbly finials really do feel like they’re raising a glass in celebration of this cheerful Dining Room makeover!
At Domicil Design, cordless Roman shades are one of our specialties, and we love sharing recent projects to spark inspiration for your own home. We recently installed twelve custom Roman shades in a local residence, all made with a stunning upholstery fabric chosen by the client. One of the unique challenges with Romans is aligning patterns across multiple windows—and this project truly highlights that skill, especially in the five-shade bay window. The finished shades bring warmth and elegance to each room while offering practical benefits: they’re child-safe and easy to operate with a discreet hem grip. We couldn’t be happier with how beautifully they came together! Thinking Roman shades might be the right fit? Let’s explore the possibilities together.
Four generations later, still sitting pretty. This summer, we had the privilege of working on a very special project: a nearly 100-year-old wicker chair that’s been passed down through four generations of one family. Our client was updating the color scheme in her coastal home, and while most of the room’s furniture needed just fresh cushions, this heirloom chair called for something more. Beneath its fabric exterior, the cushion had a full upholstered seat built on wood and metal framing—an old-fashioned level of craftsmanship rarely seen today. We carefully stripped away two layers of fabric from decades past, then restored the structure itself by re-gluing cracked wood joints and reinforcing them with metal brackets. Once the frame was sturdy again, we added new batting for comfort, created a fresh back cushion, and upholstered everything in the same beautiful fabric used on the matching wicker couch. The result is a timeless ensemble that blends seamlessly with the room’s new look while honoring a beloved heirloom. With a refreshed style and reinforced frame, this chair is ready to carry family stories well into the next generation. Have a piece you’d love to see refreshed? Let’s bring it back to life.
From Blackout Panel to Custom Roman Shade Every so often, we get the chance to work on a project that’s a little out of the ordinary. In this case, a designer came to us with pre-made, name brand blackout panels that their client wanted installed in a summer home. Four of the panels would hang as-is on floor-length windows, but the client had a special request for the fifth: could it be transformed into a Roman shade for a recessed alcove window? The designer—new to Domicil Design—found us through an online search and reached out to see if this could be done. Their wish list was clear: reuse the original lining and interlining so the shade would match the other panels for light-blocking performance, add a decorative border, and make it a manually operated cordless style. We were happy to say “yes” to all of it—even starting from a pre-made panel. This was a long-distance project from start to finish. We never visited the home (not our usual process), and the designer provided all the measurements. Once complete, we shipped the finished shade to the designer for installation. Both the designer and client were delighted with the result, and now there’s talk of adding that same decorative border to the other panels in the home. A perfect example of how we can create beautiful, functional window treatments from just about any fabric—pre-made or not! Have a tricky window project? Let’s make it happen—contact us today!
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