They weren’t looking to have a design studio. However, a space just appeared out of thin air one day and the next thing they knew they were signing a lease to open on Bank Street in New Milford. 

“It probably helped that the space is less than five minutes from our workshop, between two favorite restaurants, and across the street from the handsome art deco movie theater. In our 13 years of business we have bounced from town to town either outgrowing our space or having to move because our building sold. Our goal over the past year has been to root ourselves to New Milford, the town where we had our first workshop, but we had no plans to hang a shingle in the main shopping area downtown,” shares Stacy Kunstel, co-founder of Dunes & Duchess, a custom lighting and furniture maker.

The design studio is intended to be a beautiful setting  for their clients away from the noise and dust of the workshop. Open by chance and by appointment, it is filled with beds, dining tables, sconces, lamps, and accessories all made in New Milford. “We’ve added favorite artists, vintage items, and pieces that compliment our esthetic, including woven leather bags by Lance Wovens and wool throws woven by women in Tunisia from Scents and Feel. It’s also given us the opportunity to try new things such as our collection of tiny candleholders, wooden cutting boards, and lacquered art pieces.”

Dunes and Duchess will have a grand opening this spring and hope to host events at the new location in the coming year.—Dunesandduchess.com