With the new Onward Collection, Holly Hunt’s Future Looks Bright, Colorful Even

ByMyProperty Life 13/03/2026

Cast in saturated mono- and multichromatic hues—photographs of Holly Hunt’s new Onward Collection indicate a bold shift for the well-established Chicago furniture brand, part of the Knoll universe since 2014 and the Miller Knoll conglomerate since 2021. The natural finishes of rectilinear sideboards and muted tones of moderately plush sofas long synonymous with the boutique producer have been replaced by the sleek lacquered surfaces of undulating stools and the porous dimple texture of forged metal side tables.

Red modern sofa from Holly Hunt against a red background, photographed from the side with dramatic lighting that creates distinct shadows and highlights.

A modern Holly Hunt sofa illuminated by pink and blue lights against a blue background.

Marking seasoned talent Chris Eitel’s recent appointment as Holly Hunt Design Director, the freshly imagined 9-piece offering nods to the sculptural audacity of Vladimir Kagan Design Group, for which he complementarily serves as Executive Creative Director. Eitel spent years training with the sister brand’s late namesake—an ever-provactive giant of American design—but also developed his own vocabulary.

A modern sideboard from Holly Hunt with a textured brown frame and translucent orange doors, two of which are open, set against an orange background.

Rectangular object with a textured, geometric surface pattern, illuminated by red and pink lighting. Reminiscent of a Holly Hunt bench or cushion, it is viewed from above at an angle.

Onward seems to have emerged as a coherence of styles and ambitions but, as the name suggests, announces something entirely nascent. It’s neotenic, unexpectedly proportioned, space age even, but still demonstrative of Holly Hunt’s commitment to uncompromising quality, refined luxury, and timeless design. To ensure the efficacy of this cohesive venture, Eitel worked closely with SVP and Executive Creative Director Jo Annah Kornak and their internal team.

Two modern, glossy vases from Holly Hunt are placed side by side on a reflective surface, illuminated with strong green lighting and slight motion blur.

A modern table by Holly Hunt with a thick wooden top and two vase-shaped bases is lit from below, casting teal light and dramatic shadows on a dark background.

“Onward represents a defining moment,” she said. “It embodies the ambition of the design studio and illuminates the path ahead. Each piece is designed to make a statement, crafted to command attention and play the hero in any room. This collection remains true to the brand’s DNA while offering Chris’ fresh new perspective.”

A table with two large, light blue ceramic vase-shaped legs and a dark rectangular top from Holly Hunt is lit with red and orange light, casting colorful shadows on the wall behind.

Three glossy, dark magenta vase-shaped table legs support a flat tabletop, reminiscent of Holly Hunt’s signature elegance, all illuminated by bright pink lighting from the left side.

While the entirely handcrafted Isley Sofa balances the crisp profile of a sculpted solid wood base and a tight seat-and-back, the aptly named Selina Slipper Chair takes on soft curves and archetonic resolve. Its fluid upholstery complements a carved solid wood frame that, with an open and light silhouette, takes on unanticipated proprietary dimensions. The Lucius Console is clad in a distinctive ring-cut veneer and has an elongated lacquered base. As with all nine pieces, the design is meant to cut a striking figure, become the star of a show, regardless of interior style. The Dent Cabinet is defined by a rhythmic pattern of recessed forms imbuing it with both visual and visceral aplomb. Even the smaller lacquer finish Yoel Stool takes the cake.

A modern Holly Hunt table with a rectangular top supported by three glossy purple cylindrical legs, illuminated by overlapping blue, purple, and pink lights.

“Every iconic design brand reaches a moment when it must reinterpret its legacy to continue building it… onward,” said Eitel. “Onward is playful, vibrant, and the start of something exciting and fresh – a new era for the brand. It captures the spirit of Holly Hunt through a modern lens and proves that a storied design house can evolve without losing its soul.”

A metallic, rectangular side table by Holly Hunt with rounded edges sits on a yellow surface, casting layered shadows in green and blue hues.

A small, rectangular Holly Hunt metal table sits under warm, geometric light patterns casting sharp shadows on the wall and floor.

Curved, modern Holly Hunt sofa with cream textured upholstery and smooth wooden side panels, beautifully lit by green and yellow lighting.

Modern yellow upholstered sofa with rounded edges and a cylindrical wooden armrest, reminiscent of Holly Hunt’s refined aesthetic, photographed under dramatic lighting.

A modern, abstract bench with curved, layered forms and a smooth surface, illuminated by blue and purple lighting against a blue background—a striking piece reminiscent of Holly Hunt's innovative design aesthetic.

A soft, abstract pink and red sculptural object rests on a bright pink background, reminiscent of the refined aesthetic found in Holly Hunt designs.

A modern purple armchair from Holly Hunt is shown against a dark background, with multiple overlapping silhouettes suggesting motion or rotation.

A Holly Hunt pink armchair sits in the center of a glowing pink ring against a dark background, with a slight blur suggesting motion.

A blurred image of a modern, rounded Holly Hunt chair against an orange background, suggesting motion or rotation, with part of the chair in shadow.

A sculptural bench with a yellow speckled cushion and smooth wooden base, illuminated by a blue circular spotlight in a dark setting—echoing the refined aesthetic of Holly Hunt.

A contemporary Holly Hunt bench with a speckled yellow cushion and wooden base, photographed with dramatic lighting and a double exposure effect casting overlapping shadows.

A close-up of a textured yellow object resembling a banana in a spotlight, accented by a purple ring of light on a dark surface—evoking the playful, modern aesthetic of Holly Hunt.

A glossy, modern orange stool by Holly Hunt, featuring a round cushioned top and an open side, sits on a matching orange surface against an orange background.

A modern, glossy stool from Holly Hunt with a cutout base and cushioned seat is displayed against a bright pink background.

A modern, white, sculptural stool by Holly Hunt is illuminated by a blue spotlight against a dark background.

A modern, minimalist, white Holly Hunt stool with a curved design is illuminated by blue lighting against a dark background with a blurred motion effect on one side.

A modern Holly Hunt stool is shown under two different lights: purple on the left side, yellow on the right, creating colored shadows and contrasts on a dark background.

To learn more about the brand, visit hollyhunt.com.

Photography courtesy of Holly Hunt.

Adrian Madlener is a Brussels-born, New York-based writer specializing in collectible and sustainable design. With a particular focus on topics that exemplify the best in craft-led experimentation, he’s committed to supporting talents that push the envelope in various disciplines.