Explore the Ideal Home Show Speakeasy… and how to create your own
If you visited the Ideal Home Show 2025 a few weeks back, you will have definitely stopped off at the iconic speakeasy.
Part of The Ideal Home installation, it was a must-see feature of the show – designed by super-talented interior styling duo @stylemakerstv, Laurie Davidson and Aurelien Farjon.
We chatted with them to get the lowdown on creating the space, how they pulled it off, and top tips on how you can recreate something similar in your own home…
What was the inspiration behind the hidden speakeasy at Ideal Home Show?
“We were tasked with creating a ‘secret’ room that would appeal to adults – somewhere to retreat to after dinner with family and friends.
“We loved the idea that, as part of that, it would have a bar area.
“The idea of the room being ‘secret’ (accessed behind a mirror in the kitchen) led to us thinking about a speakeasy – historically a hidden bar with plenty of entertainment and a sultry, moody colour scheme.
“Adding in the dance floor and mini stage all seemed like a natural progression and really gave it a fun, cool vibe.”
Where does the term ‘speakeasy’ actually come from?
“Speakeasies were created in the US during the prohibition era in the 1920s, where alcohol sale was prohibited.
“This meant people started creating secret bars hidden in the back of shops or in the basements of buildings.
“They could only be accessed via secret passages, and often needed a secret password to get in.
“Speakeasy-style bars have seen quite a resurgence in popularity in cities across the world in recent years.
“Younger generations are looking for ‘out of the norm’ and less mainstream destinations.
“With guest-visits highly documented on platforms like TikTok, even the most hidden away of places can become overnight sensations.
“We hope to have created a slither of the thrill to our visiting guests at Olympia this year. “
What brands did you use – and did you have any favourites?
“We used a real mix actually, with Dunelm providing most of the furniture (check out the fabulous velvet chairs and bar stools).
“We also had a beautiful red marble table from John Lewis, then a huge neon wall light from Oh So Fancy, prints from Oh My Sass and a show-stopping feature pendant light from Coldharbour Lights.
“Woodchip & Magnolia supplied the fabulous wallpaper used as the backdrop to the stage, and also for the panels on the bespoke bar.
“We used Lick’s Purple 03 Dumbo House paint to create the gorgeous deep burgundy colour, which we drenched the room with.
“The chequered flooring from Leoline gives it a dance floor effect.
“There’s a lot of smaller details in the room too, which we loved, such as the brass shelf brackets from Yester Home and the portable lamp from Lutris.”
One of our favourite elements of the speakeasy was the lighting – how did you create the desired effect?
“We wanted the room to feel cosy and snug, with low-level pools of light rather than anything too bright.
“Our first step was to go for dark purple fabric for the ‘roof’ of our room rather than the usual white.
“We then chose one absolute show-stopper of a pendant light overhead that features feathers in the colours of the room, along with a hanging chain detail to match other brass elements in the room.
“Smart ribbed glass wall lights from Dunelm went either side of the mirrored tiles behind the bar to make a feature of the shelves.
“We then chose some Art Deco-style lamps to add individual areas of soft lighting.
“We think it’s important to really look at how you want the room to feel when it comes to lighting.
“For example, in a kitchen you’re going to need it a lot lighter, but in a snug or room like this one you can afford to give it a moodier vibe.”
What is your favourite thing about a hidden room?
“I think it’s the unexpectedness of it. It taps into the child in you, where hidden dens were fun, and creates a really playful element.
“Not only that, but the fact it’s secret makes it feel like more of an escape.
“It’s somewhere to hide out after a long day or ‘wow’ friends when you’re entertaining – the more unexpected you make it the better.
“Our speakeasy was hidden behind a mirror in the Show House kitchen, but you could disguise it behind anything – a pantry, for example, or a large picture.
“The more creative you are, the better as it means you’ll have fun not just with the finished result, but the journey to creating it too.”
How can people create a speakasy in their own homes?
“We love the idea of turning a laundry room into a speakeasy.
“All you need is a disco ball, a coloured uplighter and a portable music speaker and you are good to go – ready for an impromptu boogie with your friends around the washing machine!
“But if space is limited you could just convert an alcove with some shelving in your home or a drinks cabinet/ trolley into an Art Deco moment.
“You could fill it with fabulous eye-catching and guest-teasing ornaments, like our vintage telephone (you can find lots of options on Etsy), feather boas or framed vintage records (IKEA make frames the exact size).
What were some of your favourite features at the Ideal Home Show?
“The gardens surrounding the show house were super fun, they were created by Lynne Lambourne with sustainability at the forefront.
“It featured lots of easy planting ideas, beehives and tips on how to grow your own.
“Along with a super cute garden bar, decking in sweet rose pink and pistachio green colours, a clever garden-on-a-roll idea, a grow your own polytunnel from Poly Eco – AND a pink pickle ball court!
“We also fell in love with the large modern tiki houses from Breeze House.
“You can use it as outdoor dining areas, living spaces and bars (we may have a thing for bars!).”
Top tips for a styling any room?
“We love the idea of sense-scaping, which is designing your rooms so that they feed all of your 5 senses in a positive way.”
When styling any room do remember to introduce the following:
- Tactile materials for your hand (wood grain or stone surfaces, or fabrics like boucle and wool) AND your feet (think things like jute or sisal).
- Visual tones around the room that will make you feel in the right mood for the right room. For example calming greens for the bedroom, sunny yellow for a kitchen.
- Choose the appropriate scent for each room. For example calming fragrance like lavender for the bedroom, and invigorating scents like citrus or lemongrass for a home office.
Find more from the pair at @stylemakerstv on Instagram where they will offer behind the scenes of their projects, decorating tips and presenting trends for the seasons ahead.
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