Praise and Feedback from Blue Heron Clients
Donna Domenicali’s professionalism, and attention to design detail is outstanding. We have worked with Donna on three complete bathroom renovations. Each bathroom was a total renovation, where she redesigned the room from the studs up. Donna meticulously prepared detailed architect-like plans in each case. Our building contractor, who is very highly sought after for upscale projects commented that he had never had the privilege to work with such carefully prepared and measured out plans. The tile installers too were astounded by the thought and planning that went into the design. The end result is a marvel to behold, because the design is intricate, yet the seamless flowing of the patterns across the different planes is really a work of art.
The first bathroom she designed in 1996 was a downstairs bathroom that we needed enlarged to add a custom whirlpool, and to make the whole area wheelchair accessible. After discussions about our needs and design preferences, she drew up floor plans, electrical and plumbing plans, room elevations and tile details. She ordered the plumbing fixtures and tile for us, and supervised the installation, and closely collaborated with our contractor.
In 2000, we once again hired Donna. This time she renovated our master bathroom and guest bathroom, and completed both in the summer of 2001. These bathrooms were limestone and marble, and involved complex tile detail, which Donna handled with exceptional skill. Once again, she gave us detailed floor plans, elevations and detailed explicit drawings for the contractor, plus again she handled purchasing the tile and plumbing fixtures for us.
Even though we were very demanding of Donna and constantly changed our minds as we came across new products we wanted incorporated, she was very patient and incorporated our numerous revisions. Donna was juggling two projects simultaneously, but she was able to keep the details straight and worked well with the contractor and subs. Donna is very detail-oriented and consistently tracked our budget, often trying to find ways to reduce spending. Her design sense is superb, plus she is very friendly and service oriented. Donna was always willing to re-think the space with us and make any changes we wanted. We most highly recommend her both for her high standards of professionalism, and her personal refined character. –WM, Highland Park, NJ
We hired Donna in January, 2000, to assist with the design of our newly purchased home in Armonk, NY. She developed and consulted on furniture and accessory placement plans, color schemes, and lighting plans. In addition, she designed the built-in cabinetry for our living room as well as the picture molding for our living room and dining room. During the spring and summer, she also designed a major renovation of our master bathroom, which included an extensive new wall and floor tile design as well as new plumbing fixtures. As part of that project, she drew detailed plans for the tile placement, estimated quantities, purchased the tile and supervised its installation. During the fall of 2001, she designed window treatments for nearly all of our rooms, including the selection of fabric. She also selected and furnished our living room and family room sofas and chairs. During the past year she has consulted on several aspects of our new pool house.
Donna’s work demonstrates a strong design sense, particularly with color. She is reliable and able to handle the many details of our projects. Her work was highly professional and demonstrated an ability to develop unique solutions to problems. She has a high level of integrity and commitment to excellence. We really enjoy working with her. –RS, Armonk, NY
In 2002, Donna designed my apartment., especially the kitchen and bathroom needed redoing. The kitchen space was very small but I wanted a lot in it. She managed to get it all in. I very much wanted a pantry and she managed to fit it conveniently into the space. I had never had one and really thought for my way of living, I needed it. She also got in a clothes washer and dryer, which made laundry tasks much easier. I could be cooking and doing laundry at the same time. Although it is a small space, I have found even two people can work in it quite easily. I love my kitchen as I do the new bathroom. Every time I go in, I feel as though I am in Italy. I even have a bidet connected to the toilet. It too is a small space but by planning she gave me a lot of storage space as well. Everyone comments on how beautiful it is. She even managed two grab bars (one is horizontal so it serves as a towel holder as well). She strongly suggested things that I had thought I could do without but now I’m glad I took her advice. One was the ceiling molding. I would never have even thought of it, and now I find it gives a beautiful finished look to the area. Doing things on my own has never worked for me. In the end, I would have wasted more money than Donna cost, as I have made mistakes before I hired her that have been very costly.
I feel comfortable and at home here. It makes me feel secure. Donna is great with space and with colors especially. The colors she chose for me are muted and complement the furniture and light so well. Needless to say, I would never have thought of so many of the ideas that I now feel I could never live without. Now, I bring all my design problems to her as I know she will solve any problems I have. –MD, Philadelphia, PA
We hired Donna Domenicali to help us plan for a wheelchair-accessible master bedroom and bath renovation. The renovation also included adding a garage with ramp, redesigning the entry area and providing additional storage space. At the beginning of the project, she spoke with us at length to determine our needs and desires for the space and then drew up an initial floor plan. After some revisions, she reviewed the plans with the contractor that we had hired. We also sought her advice as to final placement of grab bars in the shower area. Her strong space planning skills resulted in a floor plan that gained us extra storage space plus made the master bathroom easy to use and navigate around. She is very reliable, professional and easy to work with. –CP, Red Bank, NJ
To Donna, we say thanks for designing our gorgeous new, totally accessible, addition. I don’t know what we would have done without her expertise and artistic vision. When I look at what our contractor originally proposed in terms of design and lay-out and what we wound up with based on her design, I shutter to think about how things ‘might have been.’ Her expertise about issues of access, safety, and freedom of movement for Joe in his wheelchair was, in itself, worth the money we spent on her services, which by the way, were very reasonable. We particularly love the open feeling and all the closet space she incorporated. –JK, Highlands, NJ
Everyone who comes into the house marvels at the beautiful and functional lay-out. They especially ‘gasp’ with delight at the bathroom. People keep asking me who our architect was. They are surprised to hear that we didn’t use an architect but used an interior designer who specializes in accessibility. Friends have said, ‘Gee your furniture fits perfectly in here.’ I tell them that she designed it that way. Most people don’t seem to understand or appreciate what an interior designer can do for them, just as we did not originally. –CM Manasquan, NJ VNA-NJ Showhouse “Sheeps Run, ” Rumson, NJ
Donna is a master designer who goes to great lengths to understand her client’s needs, wants, and lifestyle. We are grateful for all of her expertise and insights and certainly would recommend her without reservation to anyone else. –Donna Cardillo, Sea Girt
I was daunted by the task of choosing new colors for my dining room. There were way too many things to consider; the color of the existing furniture, the colors of highly visible adjacent rooms, and the color of the floor. But not to worry! Donna Domenicali of Blue Heron Designs came to the rescue with color samples in hand and a great deal of knowledge. She took the time to understand and consider the “look and style” I wanted. And she tactfully saved me from myself when impulse was leading me in a disastrous direction. Her creative designs reflect the tastes and needs of her clients. Not only does she have a great eye for detail but she really understands space and functionality. Now I can’t imagine putting together a room without her input! –Audrey Vasey, Marlboro, NJ
Our living room went through a transformation thanks to Donna. She was able to take some abstract ideas, add her talents for color and fabric, use her creativity to suggest inexpensive updates to existing furniture and was flexible to incorporate items we felt reflected our vision for the room. The Living Room turned out great and now it’s on to the next room! –R. & M. Gabler, Monmouth County, NJ
Donna designed my new 6,000 sq. ft. home in Toms River, NJ, beginning in April, 1993. She worked with me on planning square footage requirements, room shape and layouts based on my requirements and preferences, and designed the overall shape, size and layout of the house. She drew up working floor plans that were combined with architectural plans for the contractor. She also did exterior and interior color renderings for the contractor, as well as detailed drawings of custom built-ins and decorative details. She specified all interior and exterior finishes, custom built-in units and lighting, and drew up the specifications documents for the contractor. She was also involved in overseeing tile work, upholstery work, lighting and electrical work.
Although the candidate was still earning her B.F.A. in Interior Design at the time of this project, her work was highly professional and demonstrated an ability to develop unique solutions to problems. Her plans of my house were excellent, and I am still happy with the design. She communicated well with the contractor and subcontractors, and demonstrated integrity, motivation, and strong organizational skills in all she did. –Robert Hellerson, Toms River, NJ
Donna’s design sense and understanding of our needs made a pleasure out of what could have been a difficult job. She takes the time to learn her client’s priorities and fulfills those expectations in a personable, professional manner. I have recommended Blue Heron Designs to friends and will continue to do so. I know that anyone I recommend Donna to will receive the utmost in professional design services!!! –Lynda Griffith; Sales Associate, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Little Silver, NJ
Donna has exquisite taste and style. Take one look at her portfolio and you will see her high quality of design. –Linda Coppolino; Owner, Little Hat Marketing & Design, Monmouth County, NJ