Interior designer and Block judge Darren Palmer has ventured into the world of fragrance with the launch of his own candle collection. Building on his reputation for accessible luxury and timeless design, Darren has collaborated with a prestigious fragrance house and local manufacturer to create the line of candles that not only look stylish but also smell great. And the passion project has been been a team effort with husband Olivier Duvillard, who has a background in fragrance.
Read on for a special double discount for Interiors Addict readers!
Celebrated for his design skills and long-time role as a judge on The Block, Darren’s latest project marks another effort by him to democratise good design. Sold under the ‘Darren Palmer Home’ brand, the candles have been designed to engage the senses with sight, touch, sound and scent. From the uniquely designed votives to the extra-crackling wood wick and laser-etched, eco-friendly concrete vessels and lids, every element has been carefully considered.
“This is truly a passion project for us,” says Olivier. “With my background in fragrance (where I started my journey in cosmetics) and product development, we took 18 months to craft and create the collection. The fragrances were developed with a boutique perfume house and are personal fragrance quality with very complex and sophisticated scents that are meant to evolve as the candle burns through, to take you on a journey. The manufacturer is an artisan expert candle maker and is amazing to work with. His knowledge of and passion for candle making is so inspiring and contagious.”
He added that Darren wanted the custom made votives (jars and lids) to stand alone as beautiful decor objects and reflect his aesthetic, with laser etching of the logo and name.
Hand poured in Sydney, the range is made from natural coconut soy wax – a renewable and eco-friendly choice. The candles are vegan and cruelty-free with packaging made from 80% post-consumer paper waste and 20% FSC certified virgin pulp, with vegetable based inks and biodegradable coatings.
While Darren has had a line of candles in Myer in the past, this new collection has seen him involved in every little detail. “The creative process that goes into crafting them was really something we both loved,” he says.
It’s a Vibe
This candle weaves together an eclectic mix of scents designed to bring an uplifting energy into every corner of your home with notes of lemon, bergamot, and green leaves. A whisper of smoky incense (patchouli) adds a layer of mystery while Cedarwood, Musk, and Amber ground the scent. It’s Darren and Olivier’s Byron Bay (where they have a holiday home) experience in a candle. “We wanted to recreate that eclectic and rich scent when you walk into a crystal shop with deep notes of smoky incense and patchouli, paired with light fresh notes, spices and woods,” Olivier says.
Happy Hour
Happy Hour bursts open with the tropical zest of guava and the sweetness of lychee. Its heart notes reveal a fresh blend of Kaffir lime and lemongrass while a complex base of oud offers a rich, woody resonance and depth. Olivier says it’s based on the feeling they had enjoying sunset cocktails by the beach in Noosa.
St. Sultry
Infused with bergamot and hints of warm spices, St. Sultry features the rich and smoky essence of leather, amber and aromatic bay leaf. This scent is anchored by woody patchouli and earthy vetiver. It’s based on Darren and Olivier’s experience having a drink in a St. Kilda wine bar one evening.
Skinny Dip
This scent is designed to awaken the senses with bright bergamot and invigorating eucalyptus. Sea salt adds a a coastal feel while the base is anchored with sandalwood, ambergris and driftwood. It’s inspired by the the Bondi coastal walk in the morning, near their home.
Double discount for our readers!
Enter the code INTERIORSADDICT at checkout to receive an exclusive 10% discount off Candles and Duo Sets.
But there’s more! If you sign up to Darren’s email database on the website, you’ll get a code for an additional 10% off your order (making it more than 20% off!). And yes, you can use both codes together. Happy shopping!
