50 FOCUS
Interview Leanne
Armstrong, Black Ivy Design
challenge and when faced with issues, like low ceilings and limited space, it really pushes us to think outside of box. We had so much fun layering and playing around with light and shadows. We specified tiles on fireplace and pillars and loved how these reflect light. We had to get creative on back-end items such as AC and ventilation to avoid the main areas, which certainly was a challenge.
Lighting plays such a critical role in the Hush experience. Can you talk us through the development of the layered lighting scheme and how it influenced the mood of the space?
We wanted to create light and dark to give space personality. We used fluted glass, lamp shades with tassels to create movement and effects with light. We initially started off with more wall lights but gradually decreased to add intrigue.
Texture is also a defining feature of Hush’s interior. How did you curate the tactile palette, and why was it so important to the overall concept?
We wanted texture at every turn to evoke emotion. We had repetition of cold mosaic tile on the bar, fireplace and pillars, contrasting against soft velvets, chenille and woven fabrics. We designed bespoke tub chairs with the idea that guests would sink into seats when they sat down and wouldn’t want to move for the evening, increasing dwell time and spend. This concept – complemented by the lighting – creates a warm and inviting space.
You have woven art deco elements subtly throughout the scheme – from lighting to furniture detailing. How did you avoid pastiche while still honouring the era?
Leanne Armstrong, founder of Black Ivy Design, shares how texture, lighting and art deco flourishes were carefully layered to transform a basement bar into a rich, immersive hospitality experience…
Te brief for Hush was to evoke the glamour of the 1920s while maintaining a contemporary edge. How did you interpret that balance through your material and design choices?
We chose curved art deco shapes/lines and mirrored this through the bar, fixed seating, and created booths with curved structures, and incorporated art deco-inspired wall coverings and glass sconces. We also specified a chenille Arte wall covering adjacent to the bar, which complemented the space beautifully and is a wow effect as guests approach the bar.
We also wanted artwork to reflect the time of the 1920s. We purposely kept all fabrics deep, luxurious textures – in plain colours so artwork really stood out and took centre stage. We wanted a luxurious feel and chose deep reds and navies, keeping lightning atmospheric and reminiscent, and reflective of the speakeasy-era of hidden bars.
Te basement setting came with clear spatial constraints – particularly the low ceilings. How did those limitations shape your design strategy? As a designer, I have to embrace limitations. We love a
Tis was something we were very conscious of as this can be a fine line. We wanted to create a unique space that both gave a nod to the era but in a quirky way that never imitated it. Tis was filtered in subtly by weaving in beautiful wall coverings and fabrics by Divine Savages, Anna Hayman and House of Hackney, who are renowned for its stylised art deco designs. Using velvet and tassel pendants gave perfect art deco nods and complemented the design without being too cliché.
Hospitality clients are increasingly asking for ‘experiential spaces’. How do you define that in design terms – and how do you deliver it without sacrificing function or longevity?
There are many speakeasies but none that offer quite the experience of Hush. Guests are having fewer nights out but when they do venture out, they want to make most of it. Adding in focal points, tactile surfaces, relaxed atmospheres, they want to be wowed by powerful scenes.
It’s not always just design. Service, delivery and menu all play a part too. If all these touchpoints can meet, it’s sure to be a success. We focus more on delivering guest experiences through truly human- centric design. We love how a space influences human behaviour – we always start our design process by asking ‘how do we want guests to feel in this space?’, ‘how do we want guests to interact in this space?’, and ‘what experiences do we want to have?’ Function must always come first – anything can be designed around what client and guests require as a basic need. We always start with that a basis and build around that – and then that’s when the real magic happens.
PHOTOS: STEVIE CAMPBELL CREATIVE
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