Interior studio Black Ivy Design has unveiled its latest project, Hush, a moody, velvet-clad members’ club in Warwickshire that reimagines the indulgence of the Roaring Twenties through a modern, material-focused lens.
Located in a basement space on the banks of the River Avon, the bar is the latest venture from Leam Properties. Conceived as a hidden retreat, Hush is designed to offer guests an immersive journey into a bygone era – with a contemporary twist.
Image credit: Stevie Campbell Creative
“The client envisioned a space that would capture the spirit of the 1920s, but with the refinement and comfort of today,” says Leanne Armstrong, Founder and Creative Director of Black Ivy Design. “We wanted every detail to feel intentional, every element to tell a story.”
The interior is rich with period references, drawing on art deco forms and palettes without leaning into pastiche. Deep navy, oxblood red, and antique gold create a cinematic warmth, while chenille wallcoverings, fluted glass and velvet furnishings evoke the elegance of vintage cocktail lounges.
“The result is a space that feels intimate yet spectacular,”Armstrong continued. “It had to feel luxurious, yes – but also cocooning and welcoming.”
Despite its glamorous appearance, the transformation of the basement space came with significant challenges. Low ceilings and proximity to the river created constraints that the design team used to their advantage, introducing a layered lighting strategy that adds drama and depth.
Image credit: Stevie Campbell Creative
Lighting plays a central role in establishing Hush’s atmospheric interior. Armstrong describes it as “the backbone of the mood.” A combination of hidden LED strips, soft-glow uplights, and custom pendants were chosen to bring a sense of rhythm to the space.
Statement pieces from Anna Hayman Designs punctuate the ceiling, casting diffuse glows that play against golden table lamps and subtly shimmer across the fluted surfaces. The result is a low-lit, theatrical ambiance – a quiet nod to the speakeasies of the 1920s.
> Since you’re here, why not read our editor’s pick of Minotti’s 2025 collection?
Main image credit: Stevie Campbell Creative
