Hush – a speakeasy reimagined

Nestled in a basement by the River Avon, Hush exudes the glamour and intrigue of a bygone era. As well as a stylish bar, it has been designed as an immersive hospitality experience. From the moment guests descend into the low-lit, velvet-lined space, they are transported to an era of jazz-filled nights and clandestine gatherings. The design’s art deco inspiration is clear, but it is elevated with a contemporary sensibility that feels fresh and inviting.

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,” discussed Leanne Armstrong, Founder and Creative Director of Black Ivy Design. “We wanted every detail to feel intentional, every element to tell a story, and the result is a space that feels intimate yet spectacular.”

The transformation of the basement space was no small feat. Its low ceilings and riverside location presented challenges, but these constraints sparked creativity. Over nine months, the team reimagined the space, crafting a venue that feels atmospheric and entirely transformative.

Image credit: Stevie Campbell Creative

“We couldn’t be more delighted with the interior design by Black Ivy Design – it truly feels like stepping back in time. Leanne and her team brought our vision to life with remarkable precision, creating a space that is as sophisticated as it is timeless. Every detail captures the essence of our members’ club, striking the perfect balance between style and comfort. We are incredibly proud to call this space our home.” – Leam Properties.

Image credit: Stevie Campbell Creative

Central to Hush’s allure is its lighting design, a carefully orchestrated element that enhances the club’s ambiance. The low ceilings, initially seen as a limitation, informed a layered lighting scheme that creates depth and drama. A mix of uplights, hidden LED strips, wall sconces, and statement pendants work together to cast a warm, inviting glow.

The pendants, sourced from Anna Hayman Designs, are a standout feature. Their soft radiance complements the golden tones of table lamps, while fluted glass fixtures ripple light across the space, nodding subtly to the art deco aesthetic. The warm white palette envelops guests in an almost cinematic atmosphere, where time seems to slow.

“The lighting became the backbone of the mood,” Armstrong explains. “We wanted guests to feel cocooned, like they’ve stepped into another world.”

Beyond the lighting, texture plays a leading role in the design. Walls and furnishings are draped in velvet, while deep reds and navy blues create a rich, enveloping palette. Art deco-inspired patterns are woven into the space, from the upholstery to subtle details on the furniture. Chenille wallcoverings and fluted accents add depth and refinement, making every surface a tactile delight.

Image credit: Stevie Campbell Creative

Since its soft opening, Hush has quickly become a talking point for locals and visitors alike, heralding in a new design chapter for Warwickshire. More than just a venue, it’s a sanctuary – a place where thoughtful design, carefully curated lighting, and luxurious materials converge to create an atmosphere that is both timeless and undeniably now. For its members, Hush is already proving to be a sanctuary of warmth, texture and light – a glowing homage to the magic of the 1920s.

Who is Black Ivy Design?

Black Ivy Design is a leading interior design studio known for its expertise in hospitality design and its ability to create modern, functional, and aesthetically striking spaces. Founded by Leanne Armstrong, and shortlisted for The Brit List 2024, the studio specialises in crafting interiors that reflect the identity of each client and building while pushing creative boundaries in material use, lighting and FF&E.

Main image credit: Stevie Campbell Creative