Although Holly Hunt sold the eponymous luxury home furnishings business she founded 31 years ago, the 68-year-old is still CEO and remains as driven to sell the best of the best as when she opened a showroom in the Merchandise Mart in 1983. “We will keep doing what we’re doing and more of it,” says Hunt, who plans to open another showroom in London this fall. Some of the most exquisite pieces from her collection—plus a handful of Hunt’s favorite personal possessions—come together in dramatic fashion in her historic Gold Coast co-op.
Necklace
“This lariat from Mexico City will look even nicer with a little tarnish.”
De Kooning painting
“It’s also painted on the back, but this is the better side.”
Christian Lacroix plate
($79, christian-lacroix.com)
“I like the primitive pattern.”
Alison Berger floor lamp
($8,650, Holly Hunt, Merchandise Mart)
“This creates wonderful ambiance.”
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
($30, Barnes & Noble, 1130 N. State St.)
“I love the quote, ‘Perhaps coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.’ ”
Orchids
(from $7.99, Orchids by Hausermann, 2N134 Addison Rd., Villa Park)
“Orchids live so long and look beautiful.”
Gene Summers chairs
($13,900, Holly Hunt)
“Gene worked with Mies van der Rohe before becoming an artist.”
Bronze horse statues by Salvador Dominguez
(from $1,680, Holly Hunt)
“These would look beautiful on any tabletop.”
Maison Ullens jacket
($2,500, maisonullens.com)
“I’ve lost some weight and I look good in it.”