This October, the Independent Hotel Show London 2025 will welcome VIPs to a Members Lounge transformed into an atmospheric speakeasy by Black Ivy Design…
Tasked with aligning to the Independent Hotel Show‘s 2025 theme, ‘Redefining Luxury’, Black Ivy Design Founder Leanne Armstrong and her team have reimagined the Independent Hotel Show London’s 2025 Members Lounge as a space that balances sophistication with intimacy, amid a bustling show floor, showcasing the potential of modern hospitality design.
Black Ivy Design’s Philosophy
“Our vision was to create an environment that feels curated, layered and personal,” said Leanne. “For us, redefining luxury means moving away from overstatement and towards authenticity – spaces that stay with you, not just visually but subconsciously.”
Image credit: Black Ivy Design
“We always ask: how can we design boldly and differently, in ways that connect people and spark conversation? That’s where ideas like our ‘kitchen table’ concept come in – communal, collaborative dining-like areas with dramatic centrepieces that draw people together, whether around a campfire-inspired feature or something equally unexpected.”
The design draws inspiration from Black Ivy Design’s recently completed private members’ bar, Hush, which was recently shortlisted for The Brit List Awards’ Best in Bar or Restaurant Design 2025. Plush textures, rich colour palettes, and striking lighting have been used to create a sense of drama and intimacy throughout the Members Lounge.
Creating atmosphere
The Members Lounge embraces the glamour and indulgence of a ‘70s speakeasy, combining bold character with refined exclusivity. Materials and finishes were carefully chosen not only for their visual impact but for the tactile experience and the mood they create when guests step inside.
Image credit: Black Ivy Design
“Every detail has been curated to immerse guests in a sensory-driven environment that redefines the very idea of a hospitality lounge and luxury itself,” Leanne added. From the interplay of light and shadow to the layering of textures and tones, the Members Lounge has been designed as a complete experience – inviting guests to slow down, connect, and enjoy a moment of escapism within the energy of the show.
Sustainability meets luxury
In collaboration with leading suppliers recognised for their ESG credentials, such as Silentnight who have provided the lounge’s bed bases, Black Ivy Design has crafted a Members Lounge that balances indulgence with responsibility. Every element has been designed and specified with a second life in mind, ensuring the space can be repurposed beyond the show. The result is a luxurious environment that champions sustainability, reflecting a modern design ethos where beauty, impact, and longevity coexist.
Collaboration
The Members Lounge comes to life thanks to partnerships with renowned suppliers, each selected for craftsmanship, quality, and innovation. The furniture, for example, was supplied by Lounge and Linger – the same company that outfits film and television productions with statement-making pieces. These collaborations highlight how thoughtful sourcing can enhance both the design narrative and sustainability of luxury hospitality interiors.
Image credit: Black Ivy Design
Narrative-driven design
The Members Lounge embodies Black Ivy Design’s philosophy that hotel design should create narrative-driven spaces where functionality, comfort, and emotional resonance coexist. By pushing boundaries through bold forms, immersive textures, and social design elements, the studio demonstrates how hospitality interiors can leave a lasting impression.
Black Ivy Design’s Members Lounge at the Independent Hotel Show London 2025 exemplifies how luxury hotel design can combine narrative, comfort, and emotional resonance. By experimenting with bold forms, immersive textures, and social design elements, the studio demonstrates that hospitality interiors can leave a lasting impression – redefining what it means to experience luxury in a modern hotel setting. We, here at Hotel Designs, can’t wait to sink into the space!
Main image credit: Black Ivy Design
