My Biz: Domicile Decor has new vision

CEDAR RAPIDS — Although Domicile Decor still features 'fun, funky, unexpected and unique' furniture and home decor, the store's overall vision has changed.

'I want Domicile to be a place where local artists can submit and sell their works,' said Rina Jensen, who purchased the store in March 2014.

Jensen now only takes furniture on consignment from local interior design companies, as well as some of their clients. The consulting and design services Domicile Decor used to offer are gone as well.

'I'd shopped at Domicile before it went up for sale,' Jensen said, 'so I knew what it was about and I really enjoyed it. When it went up for sale, I told myself it could be interesting, so I emailed the owner and told her I was interested. It was the easiest thing ever purchasing this business.'

Once Jensen took over the building, she realized the space was not quite right for what she envisioned.

'Plus the parking just wasn't there,' she said.

She knew right away when she came across a space on Boyson Road that it would be perfect. She now features the work of eight artists at the store, and has room at the new location to feature even more.

Originally, she planned to display her own photography at the store, but that vision has changed.

'I don't care about having my work displayed in here so much now,' she said, 'because helping the artists that I've met, and watching them grow in their work is more fulfilling to me.'

The store features a different 'theme show' every month, Jensen said.

'That's how we get artists in with their work,' she said. 'We encourage artists of the same medium.'

The first theme show was titled 'New Beginnings' in conjunction with the new space and new artists.

'The first piece that was brought into the shop was done in Sharpie pen and watercolor, and it was an amazing piece,' Jensen said.

Jensen said artists of any age or experience level are welcome at Domicile Decor.

'My only requirement is that they are an Iowa artist — and living in Iowa,' she said.

• Know a company in business for more than a year that would make an ideal My Biz? Contact Francie Williamson at francie.williamson@thegazette.com

 AT A GLANCE

Owner: Rina Jensen

Company: Domicile Decor

Address: 568 Boyson Road NE, Cedar Rapids

Phone: (319) 365-1477

Website: www.domiciledecor.com