Meet the mastermind behind the magic
Jo Annah Kornak started her creative journey working in public relations and visual merchandising for fashion brands including Gucci, Armani, and Loro Piana. It was an unexpected encounter with HOLLY HUNT’s founder, Holly, while Jo Annah was sourcing furniture for a national window design campaign that changed her career instantly. “This initial encounter led to a pivotal opportunity when Holly hired me to consult on showroom architecture and product development,” explains Jo Annah. “I connected with Holly’s dedication to excellence and was soon fully immersed in creating spaces that reflected our commitment to quality and innovative design.”
And the rest is history…
Please tell us about your journey with Holly Hunt.
In 2005, I was appointed Creative Director, a role that allowed me to further influence the direction of the brand. My responsibilities have since expanded, and I am currently overseeing Showroom Architecture & Design, Product Development, and Marketing as Senior Vice President/Executive Creative Director. Throughout my tenure, I have had the privilege of building and designing 16 HOLLY HUNT showrooms, each one a testament to our ethos of unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless elegance. This journey has been a rewarding blend of creativity, collaboration, and continuous growth, shaping HOLLY HUNT into the design powerhouse it is today.
Please talk us through the latest collections.
We have three brands that make up the HOLLY HUNT wallcovering portfolio, with each playing a specific role. HOLLY HUNT Walls is more foundational, with a curated selection of materials, textures, and colors. Carlisle & Co has a range of patterns, from classic to modern. And ASSEMBLAGE is all handmade and bespoke, so truly art for your walls. All three launched new collections recently. HOLLY HUNT Walls has a Spring 2024 collection with a range of designs—from woven textiles to performance vinyl to a large-scale geometric mural—that take inspiration from the majestic landscapes and intricate textures found in arid ecosystems around the world. Carlisle & Co also introduced new patterns for spring, with five designs.
ASSEMBLAGE’s latest collection is Euclid, which is guided by the principle of finding order in nature and reflects the brand’s core tenet of honoring the Earth through design and the use of rare and precious materials. Three new patterns make up this collection, each inspired by natural phenomena, from limestone formations to fossilized coral.
All of our collections are designed to offer versatility, allowing designers to create environments that range from contemporary to classic.
What does craftsmanship mean to you?
Craftsmanship is the heart and soul of what we do at HOLLY HUNT. It represents a commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and a passion for creating pieces that are both beautiful and enduring. For me, craftsmanship is also about balancing traditional techniques with innovation.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Inspiration comes from many places—nature, art, architecture, and even everyday moments. Travel and experiencing different cultures are also profound influences. Additionally, I find inspiration in the collaborative process with our artisans and designers, whose skills and creativity continually push the boundaries of what we can achieve.
Have you always loved wallpaper? How do you use it, when it comes to interiors—in certain rooms or all rooms, on singular walls or all walls, in colour drenching or clashing etc.
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for wallpaper and its transformative power in interiors. Wallpaper can dramatically change the mood and feel of a space. I believe in using it thoughtfully—sometimes to create a striking focal point on a single wall and other times to envelop an entire room for a more immersive experience. I enjoy experimenting with different approaches, whether it’s colour drenching for a cohesive look or mixing patterns for a more dynamic and eclectic feel.
Do you have any preferred wallpaper styles? Plain silks, wood veneer, grass cloths, chinoiserie etc.
All styles have their unique charm and appeal. Plain silks bring a sense of luxury and sophistication, while grass cloths add an organic, textured element to interiors. Chinoiserie designs are timeless and elegant, providing a touch of classic beauty. Ultimately, the choice of style depends on the context of the space and the desired feeling.
Please describe the Holly Hunt brand in three words.
Heritage. Timeless. Innovative.
Do you think there are any rules when it comes to interiors?
I believe that while there are guiding principles in design, such as balance, proportion, and harmony, the most compelling interiors often come from breaking the rules and embracing creativity. Interiors should reflect personal style and comfort, so I encourage designers to trust their instincts and take risks. The best spaces are those that bring harmony and evoke emotion.
We often refer to ‘trends’—do you think they exist in interiors?
Trends do exist in interiors, but they should not be the sole driving force behind design decisions. While it’s important to be aware of current trends and innovations, timeless design that resonates on a personal level always has more lasting value. At HOLLY HUNT, we strive to create offerings that transcend trends so they remain relevant and beautiful for years to come.
Are you a fan of investing in pieces that last?
Absolutely. Investing in high-quality, well-crafted pieces is always worthwhile. These pieces not only bring enduring beauty to a space but also become cherished items that can be passed down through generations. That’s a big part of how we approach sustainability—creating products that stand the test of time both in terms of style and durability.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue exploring new materials and techniques, pioneering new concepts, and expanding our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our clients. We have several exciting projects and collaborations in the pipeline that will further elevate the HOLLY HUNT portfolio. Our goal is to keep innovating while staying true to our heritage of quality and craftsmanship, ensuring that every new collection brings fresh inspiration and exceptional design.
For more information, visit HOLLY HUNT.
