DESIGNING FOR THE BIG SCREEN: BEHIND THE SCENES WITH RIDGEWAY AND BLACK BAG
When Pinewood Studios meets high-end kitchen design, the results are truly showstopping. That’s exactly what happened when Ridgeway Interiors was asked to collaborate on the kitchen set for Black Bag, the stylish new thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender.
As a kitchen company that prides itself on creating beautiful, functional, and story-driven spaces, this project was a unique opportunity to merge film magic with real-world craftsmanship. The kitchen wasn’t just a backdrop – it became a character in itself, reflecting the tension, elegance, and intimacy of the film’s central couple.
Photo: Claudette Barius / Focus Features © 2025. Used with permission.
We caught up with the Oscar-nominated set decorator Anna Lynch-Robinson to hear about her vision and experience working with our Designer Jim and the Ridgeway team.
Q&A with Anna Lynch-Robinson
Q: What role did the kitchen set play in Black Bag, and how did it support the story?
A: The kitchen played a key role in setting up one of the main story points of the movie. With a lot of tight shots, its quality needed to be immediately obvious to reflect the high standards of its occupants.
Q: What made you choose Ridgeway Interiors for the project?
A: It felt important that the sleek design of the kitchen harmoniously juxtaposed the traditional feel of the rest of the house. Something Ridgeway Interiors is incredibly adept at.
Q: What were some key design choices that brought the set to life?
A: The intimate breakfast bar, just big enough for two to comfortably sit at, was a key element that helped illustrate the intimacy and also the tension between our main couple.
Photo: Claudette Barius / Focus Features © 2025. Used with permission.
Q: The kitchen was fully functional for the actors. Why was this important?
A: Being a keen and highly experienced cook was an incredibly important facet of Michael Fassbender’s character. Therefore, it made sense for him to have free rein in a fully functioning kitchen.
Q: How well did the design process work between your team and Ridgeway’s?
A: From start to finish, the collaborative process was a joy. Made incredibly easy by the high level of knowledge and experience of the Ridgeway team.
Q: What was your favourite detail from the kitchen design?
A: The amount of open storage. This really helped showcase our main couple’s eclectic and unique collection of curated objects. It made the kitchen feel like a very considered and elegant space.
Q: Would you recommend Ridgeway for other creative projects?
A: Without a doubt! I’m looking forward to our next opportunity for creative collaboration.
Photo: Claudette Barius / Focus Features © 2025. Used with permission.
Whether it’s for a blockbuster movie or your family’s forever home, we believe a kitchen should tell a story. If you're looking for a space that’s built to perform, designed to impress, and crafted with care, we’re ready to bring your vision to life – on or off the screen.
Inspired by this project? Book a free design consultation and let your space tell its own story.
All photos by Claudette Barius / Focus Features © 2025. Used with permission.