First look: Black Ivy Design unveils immersive VIP speakeasy for Independent Hotel Show London 2025

Posted in News, sticky-news on 30 September, 2025

Guests attending this year’s Independent Hotel Show London in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers will step into a world of indulgence as Leanne Armstrong, Founder & Creative Director at Black Ivy Design, unveils her latest creation: the Members Lounge, reimagined with touches of 1970s luxury.

Tasked with aligning with the show’s 2025 theme, “Redefining Luxury”, Armstrong and her team have transformed the Members Lounge into a space that blends exclusivity with comfort – an atmospheric retreat within the buzz of the show floor.

The design takes cues from the studio’s recently completed private members’ bar, Hush, with plush textures, rich colour palettes and striking lighting used to establish drama and intimacy.

“Our vision was to create an environment that feels curated, layered and personal,” says Armstrong. “For us, redefining luxury means moving away from overstatement and towards authenticity – spaces that stay with you, not just visually but subconsciously. 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 takes cues from the studio’s recently completed private members’ bar, Hush, with plush textures, rich colour palettes and striking lighting used to establish drama and intimacy. The scheme embraces the glamour and indulgence of a ‘70s speakeasy, balancing bold character with a sense of refined exclusivity. Materials and finishes have been chosen for how they feel and the mood they evoke when guests step inside.

The scheme embraces the glamour and indulgence of a ‘70s speakeasy, balancing bold character with a sense of refined exclusivity.

Materials and finishes have been chosen for how they feel and the mood they evoke when guests step inside.

“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,” Armstrong 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 – one that invites guests to slow down, connect and enjoy a moment of escapism within the energy of the show.

Conscious luxury
In collaboration with leading suppliers – each recognised for their strong ESG credentials – Black Ivy Design has crafted a Members Lounge that balances indulgence with responsibility. Elements have been designed and specified with a second life in mind, ensuring the space will be repurposed beyond the show. The result is an environment that reflects luxury, but also champions sustainability, embodying a modern design ethos where beauty, impact and longevity go hand in hand.

The design is an environment that reflects luxury, but also champions sustainability, embodying a modern design ethos where beauty, impact and longevity go hand in hand.

The furniture was supplied by Lounge and Linger – the same company that outfits film and television productions with statement-making furniture.

Curated in collaboration with experts
The Members Lounge has been brought to life in collaboration with renowned suppliers. Each brand was selected for its dedication to 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 furniture.

Other suppliers include:

• Lighting: Bert Frank
• Carpets: Brintons Carpets
• Voiles and velvet curtains: Bancroft Fabrics
• Curtain: Wattruss Group
• Furniture: Lounge and Linger
• Upholstery: John Lewis
• Bed bases: Silentnight Group

A space to experience
The Members Lounge embodies Black Ivy Design’s philosophy: that hotel design is about creating narrative-driven spaces where functionality, comfort and emotional resonance coexist. By pushing beyond convention – experimenting with bold forms, sensory storytelling and elements that encourage connection – the studio continues to demonstrate how hospitality design can leave a lasting impression.

The Independent Hotel Show London in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers returns to Olympia on 6^th – 7^th October.
Visit www.independenthotelshow.co.uk to register.

About 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, 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.

About Independent Hotel Show London
The Independent Hotel Show is the UK’s leading event for the boutique and independent hotel sector, bringing together industry leaders, suppliers and innovators. The 2025 edition takes place on 6^th – 7^th October at Olympia.