There’s No Place Like DOMUS

By Marina Rybak

Every time I find myself above 42nd street and west of Eighth Avenue, I remind myself to go out of my way to stop by Domus (“home” in Latin). This eclectic home-décor and gift shop is nestled at 413 W 44th street between 9th and 10th avenue, right in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, NYC.

The experience of visiting this splash of local color always brightens my day and inspires my soul. Beloved in the neighborhood, it is a store with a global reach. Upon entering it you step into the “Wonderland” with a conscience.
The store owners Nicki Lindheimer and Luisa Cerutti opened their doors more than ten years ago to feature the artisans from all over the globe and showcase “a world of extraordinary hand-crafted products created in equitable and sustainable environments”.

Guided by the principle “that each of us can help make the world a better place”, they partner with the artisans directly, establishing the win-win business model in a socially responsible way.

Every January Luisa and Nicki set out on the monthly trip to seek out something unique and unusual, working with the indigenous communities worldwide. By being personally engaged with the artists and craftsmen, they develop original products, found only in their store and eliminate inflated markups at the same time.

When I am in the store, I feel so welcomed. Artistically speaking I am happily overwhelmed with the vibrant spectrum of patterns, textures, interesting objects and the intimate stories they tell.  And when I gift myself or someone else, I know that not only do I enrich my world with something beautiful, I pick up  “good karma” that comes with the purchase as well.