Easy like Sunday morning

Domenica Formulations is changing the way we approach home care, one aesthetically-pleasing bottle at a time.

By PENELOPE PELECAS

My ideal day off is usually centred around cleaning, so when I came across Brisbane-based home care brand, Domenica (Italian for ‘Sunday’), I knew I had to learn more.

Domenica offers a new approach to home care with premium scented cleaning products ranging from laundry liquid to surface spray. Not only do they smell divine – some would even say like a ‘boujee hotel’ – but they’re also made from quality ingredients and 100 per cent recycled plastic. Oh, and did I mention they look fabulous too?

Leah O’Connor launched Domenica in mid2021 after struggling to find cleaning products that didn’t smell like lime, came in fluorescent packaging, or used harsh chemicals.

“For most people, our homes are our biggest asset, they are our sanctuary and a reflection of who we are,” Leah says. “I thought it was ironic that the products we were using to clean our homes were actually our ‘dirty secrets’, kept hidden in cupboards and out of sight.”

“So, I wanted to create a brand that was not only personal to me, but paid homage to the home care rituals passed down to me, used quality ingredients, and was aesthetically pleasing – a sink side ‘objet d’art’.”

Leah spent a lot of time with her grandparents growing up and credits them to her success. “They took great pride in their home; you could eat off any surface,” she recalls. “My grandmother had lots of little rituals for making people feel at home in her house. I always felt cared for and comfortable; when I think of unconditional love, she comes to mind. The kind of feeling I hope people have when they come into our home now.”

As for the brand’s signature scent,

‘boscosa’, which is made up of notes of sandalwood, cedar, papyrus, leather, amber, and violet flowers, Leah says it was inspired by a trip to New York City with her husband.

“We stayed at a beautiful little boutique hotel in Soho, and they had scented all of the common areas. That is the fragrance we have recreated with boscosa. Now I hope it conjures up special memories of ‘home’ for our family and friends.”

The rest of the year is looking pretty busy for this mum-of-one (soon to be two!), who is working with a European fragrance house on new scents, as well as exploring the possibility of introducing body wash and candles, and if they smell anything like their existing range, I know I can’t wait!

One sentence to introduce yourself…

I’m a mother, a wife, a homebody, a cooking and interiors enthusiast, a bit of a hopeless romantic, and I’m obnoxiously punctual (except when it comes texting, apologies to anyone currently waiting on a response from me!).

What’s your signature scent? Goes without saying Domenica’s boscosa fragrance, but personally I do love Grand Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

What’s on your vanity?

ILIA Multi-Stick, Saie Dew Blush, Saie Glowy Super Gel, Go-To Very Luxe Face Cream, and L’Oréal True Match Foundation. You never leave home without… Lucas’ Papaw Ointment.

On Sunday, you’ll find me… With my little family. We usually spend the morning together, then my husband will entertain our one-year-old daughter, while I do some cleaning and make one of our favourite meals – my signature chermoula chicken is on high rotation.