Glow Sticks: The Shapely “Moderne” Candelabrum by Dunes and Duchess


dunes duchess moderne candelabrum

Photo by Scott M. Lacey

In the age of the light-emitting diode, there’s something wonderfully old-fashioned about a flickering candelabrum. Dunes and Duchess—a home-accessories line started in 2010 by photographer Michael Partenio and stylist/editor Stacy Kunstel—recasts the romantic relic for the modern era with a shocking coat of citrusy paint. Stiletto heels inspired the sharply tapered candle cups of the art deco–esque design, which Kunstel envisions in a minimalist setting. “It’s sleek, almost slippery,” she says, likening it to the Tulip work of Eero Saarinen. The couple lives on a lake in Danbury, Connecticut, but retreats to the historical captain’s home they’re renovating on Martha’s Vineyard when they want to dream up ideas for new turned-leg tables and lamps. Each item conceived on the island is handcrafted back in western Connecticut, far from the dunes, but still stirred by the sea.

Dunes and Duchess ”Moderne” Maple Candelabrum, $609, Hudson, 12 Union Park St., Boston, 617-292-0900, hudsonboston.com.