Design Battle: Studio for a Couple with a Cat

Working with Leroy Merlin, we asked Marina Pod'yacheva and Maria Lazich to develop furniture arrangement options for a room in a panel studio—so that it's comfortable to rest with a book or in front of the TV and sleep. Which designer do you think did better?

Designers' brief: Room 19 sq. m in a 40 sq. m studio Owners Cold couple with a cat, love hosting guestsPreferences Living room and bedroom in one roomRoom layout of 19 sq. m in a single-room apartment of 40.3 sq. m in a panel house of series P-44T

Marina Pod'yacheva's solution

Marina Pod'yacheva, designer, Interior Architect, Studio NewArchForm head

Regarding layout

We portrayed the characters as a young creative couple who loves old Hollywood films, and perhaps works in the film industry.

Instead of a bed, there is a podium with storage and a mattress. If needed, the sleeping area can be easily isolated with a folding glass partition. Next to the podium is a workspace with bookshelves. A sofa-bed will accommodate guests who have been sitting long, and a bar on the balcony will allow hosting real cocktail parties.

The room has various lighting scenarios: powerful track ceiling lights for general lighting, backlighting for the bookcase and shelves—ideal for a romantic atmosphere or watching movies, wall sconces near the headboard for reading before sleep, and blinking outdoor sign lights for evening with friends. A particularly special effect can be achieved by turning on the lights behind closed curtains of a glass cube.

Styling approach

We wanted to create a space that feels cozy and comfortable to live in. Loft was chosen not by accident. Not only the spirit of the era attracted us, but also the possibility to easily change the interior without losing overall style. You can replace the sofa, dresser, hang different curtains or spotlights on tracks, repaint the walls—space adapts to your mood.

For the fluffy pet, a cat, we provided a universal shelf—a construction made of several sections. If the cat's claws touch the leather sofa, the style of the ‘old’ American loft becomes even more emphasized. Looking at this interior, one wants to put a vinyl record in the turntable, dim the lights, and spend the evening as cozy as possible.

You will need:

Decorative tile, Leroy Merlin

Lighting fixture, Leroy Merlin

Matching paint, Leroy Merlin

Solid wood planks, Leroy Merlin

Rug, Leroy Merlin

Wood, Leroy Merlin

Valance curtain, Leroy Merlin

Decorative pillow, Leroy Merlin

Maria Lazich's solution

Maria Lazich, designer, General Director of MaryArt Design Studio in Moscow

Regarding layout

The room has several zones: living area and bedroom, workspace, storage systems. A comfortable fold-out sofa was chosen as a sleeping place: when unfolded, it becomes a standard 160×200 cm bed. This solution saves space but allows combining two zones and not occupying useful area.

One of the walls is taken up by a spacious wardrobe-closet. It’s impossible to do without it, as in a single-room apartment, it becomes the only place for storing belongings. The TV zone is combined with the desk area. The result is a spacious yet functional space.

Styling approach

As is often the case, the idea for interior design comes from one bright detail. Here, it was a Leroy Merlin poster with a ship. Around it gathered an interior with nautical motifs.

The basic color palette is light and unobtrusive. Part of the wall is painted in dark water color, complemented by strips one shade lighter. The accent wall adds dynamism to the space, just like vibrant details: a chair, sofa cushions, and curtains.

You will need:

Rug, Leroy Merlin

Chandelier, Leroy Merlin

Ceiling light, Leroy Merlin

Decorative mirror, Leroy Merlin

Wardrobe door, Leroy Merlin

Curtain, Leroy Merlin

Painting, Leroy Merlin

Decorative pillow, Leroy Merlin

Cover: Design project by Alexandra Ermilova