Design Battle: Studio for a Couple with a Cat

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

Designers' briefRoom19 sq. min a 40 sq. m studioOwnersCold couple with a cat,enjoy hosting guestsWishesLiving room and bedroomin one roomRoom layout of 19 sq. m in a single-room apartment of 40.3 sq. m in a panel house series P-44T

Marina Pod'yacheva's solution

Marina Pod'yachevadesignerArchitect and studio leader NewArchForm

About the layout

We presented our characters as a young creative couple who loves old Hollywood films, and maybe even works in the film industry.

Instead of a bed, there's a podium with storage and a mattress. If needed, the sleeping area can be easily isolated with a foldable glass partition. Next to the podium is a workspace with bookshelves. The sofa-bed will accommodate guests who are sitting around, and the bar on the balcony will let you host real cocktail parties.

There are different lighting scenarios in the room: powerful track ceiling lights for general illumination, backlighting for the bookcase and shelves — to create a romantic atmosphere or watch movies, wall sconces near the headboard — for reading before sleep, and blinking outdoor sign lights — for evening with friends. A particularly striking effect can be achieved by turning on the lights behind closed curtains of a glass cube.

About the stylistic solution

We wanted to create a space where it's comfortable and convenient to live. Loft was chosen not by chance. It attracted us not only for its timelessness but also for the possibility of easily changing the interior without losing the overall style. You can replace the sofa, dresser, hang different curtains or spotlights on tracks, repaint the walls — and the space will adapt to your mood.

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

You will need:

Decorative tiles, Leroy Merlin

Light fixture, Leroy Merlin

Matching paint, Leroy Merlin

Solid wood planks, Leroy Merlin

Rug, Leroy Merlin

Wood, Leroy Merlin

Velvet curtain, Leroy Merlin

Decorative cushion, Leroy Merlin

Maria Lazich's solution

Maria LazichdesignerGeneral Director of MaryArt Design Studio in Moscow

About the layout

The room has several zones: living area and bedroom, workspace, storage systems. For sleeping, a comfortable foldable sofa was chosen: when unfolded, it becomes a standard 160×200 cm bed. This solution saves space but also 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, this becomes the only place for storing belongings. The TV area is combined with the desk. The result is a spacious yet functional space.

About the stylistic solution

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

The base color palette is light and unobtrusive. Part of the wall was painted in a dark water tone, complemented by strips one shade lighter. The accent wall adds dynamism to the space, just like bright 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

Picture, Leroy Merlin

Decorative cushion, Leroy Merlin

Cover: design project by Alexandra Ermilova