This past August I took notice of newly launched, Dunes and Duchess at the NYIGF. At that moment, I knew I wanted to further explore the brand...my interview with Stacy Kunstel of Dunes and Duchess.
Hamptontoes: What was the inspiration in the creation of Dunes and Duchess?
The Duchess:We are creative people. I'm a magazine writer/editor/stylist and my partner, Michael Partenio (the Dunes) is a professional photographer. We desired to make a company, make a product, make a life together. The result is Dunes and Duchess, a wildly romantic idea of lighting a candle, spending time with one another and doing something together for the rest of our lives.
Hamptontoes: Dunes and Duchess offers gorgeous candlelabras, striking lamps and fabulously large hurricanes. I'm eager to hear details about each product. Please share!
The Duchess: Our candlelabras are really tall, over-sized even...you can see under them without it obscuring the view of your dining companion. We offer two or four-arm candlelabras. The two-arm version being perfect for the dining table or on a fireplace mantle. As we developed the look of the candlelabra, it was brought to our attention what a striking lamp it would make. The large lamp is about 36 inches high and 20 inches wide...it looks amazing in a library or a living room. We also have a smaller version perfect for nightstands, smaller tables, offices and foyers. As for the hurricanes, it only seemed fitting to have the candlelabras outside. They look amazing in a garden, by a pool or on a deck.
Hamptontoes: Dunes and Duchess products are made in the USA! Whereabouts?
The Duchess: Our lamps and candlelabras are made in Pennsylvania and our hurricanes in New York. The candlelabras and lamps are made of solid wood that is harvested in the northeast and carries the mark from the Forest Stewardship Council.
Hamptontoes: Do you do custom colors for clients?
The Duchess: Yes, we just completed a metallic version. We can match just about any Benjamin Moore color.
Hamptontoes: Where are your products sold?
The Duchess: We're in stores in Boston, Dallas, San Francisco, Chicago and Palm Beach. Locally, we're shipping our first orders to The Drawing Room in Cos Cob, CT; Michele Varian in NY and Lillian August in Norwalk, CT. Customers can also e-mail us to order any of our products. In addition, we should be e-commerce by early November.
Hamptontoes: What a feather in your cap to have your product featured in the Shippan Designer Showhouse in Stamford, CT. What room will visitors spot your creation?
The Duchess: We are thrilled to be included in the dining room designed by Kenneth/Davis!
Hamptontoes: I adore the name Dunes and Duchess! How did the name come about?
The Duchess: I've always been called Duchy or Duchess. Dunes was a perfect fit for Micheal as he is a child of the sea. Island life is our favorite way to spend our days. Our logo, a crown and anchor, seemed fitting for how we like to live.
Hamptontoes: What is the best way to stay up to date with Dunes and Duchess?
The Duchess: We would love it if people followed our adventures on our blog at http://www.dunesandduchess.com/ or on Twitter or Facebook under Dunes and Duchess!
What a treat to interview a company that brings a deep passion to their craft. Stacy and Michael love what they do and that message is conveyed through their enthusiasm to create unique products. I walked away from our interview feeling like Dunes and Duchess represents a lifestyle...one that is about celebrating life, celebrating love, embracing family and friends...and enjoying it all with the ambiance created by a Dunes and Duchess candlelabra or lamp. What areas of your home would you use Dunes and Duchess products?
20 comments:
so fabulous! Going to check out their site now :)
Gorgeous. I haven't heard of them. I will check it out! xo
The name alone has me hooked! The shapes are fabulous...large and simple yet frenchy. It reminds me of modern art in Paris~ Beautiful product & creation!!!
XO
Such fun to read about Stacy's and Michael's inspiration for their company and I know they'll be successful with their new venture!
I am on my way to check them out right now!
Thank you.
Have a pretty day!
Kristin
What a fabulous post! These are some really gorgeous new home decor products, love the goth yet modern look of these candelabras...and that you can see under them...brilliant!
Wow gorgeous! Thanks for the introduction xx
What a romantic name and concept! Great interview.
Best,
Colleen
Good morning dearest! PURE CHIC and professionalism reside here.....oh my, you are a pro, n'est-ce pas? This is an exquisite post, and thank you so much for your visit!!!! Lovely style you have here....Anita
Beautiful - love the black ones being used outside, but mostly love that they are made in the US!!
I saved her card after meeting in NYC because it alone was a piece of art!
They do a fabulous job with their crafts and I love to see wildly creative people live out much success :)
Cheers to you as well!
XO,
Kelly
Such a wonderful interview and thanks so much for the introduction. I'm headed on over to check them out now :)
Aside from their entrepreneurial talents, the "Duchess" is also a very engaging writer on their blog. I’ve been enjoying the transformation of the small historic house they now own in Chappaquiddick that once was home to a black whaling captain in the 19th century...its history was further illuminated in a NY Times article, and they are saving it "one board at a time" from an otherwise sad fate.
What a wonderful interview with Stacy! Her candlelabras are visually stunning and what a wonderful design element to make them tall enough so that they don't block one's view at the dinner table!!
I can see the Dunes and Duchess candlelabras in several of my rooms - dining for sure...and perhaps the bedroom for some added drama!! :)
xo Elizabeth
Lisa,
We are so overwhelmed by all these wonderful comments and your fantastic post on Dunes and Duchess! Thank you so much for spreading the word on our new endeavor and the graciousness you've shown us! xoduchy
this looks gorgeous
dallas
http://dillydallas.blogspot.com
Really beautifully crafted items Lisa. I adore the candleabras!
I have a Luxurious New Giveaway on my site....Come and enter!!
Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Love the name, so romantic. Love the candlebras in white:) Have a lovely weekend!
Great interview, and some great pieces for the house, very architectural.
Have a fab weekend daaaahling.
*kisses* HH
i didn't see them at the NYIGF. Sad to have missed them- because they are gorgeous... I just wish this were a giveaway, too! :)
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