In an era where interiors increasingly seek to move beyond surface and into sensation, Yana Svetlova has positioned the wall as both medium and message. Trained as an interior designer and now known for her richly textured wallcoverings, her practice unfolds at the intersection of material, emotion and narrative. Linen, silk, wood veneer and gold leaf are not simply finishes in her vocabulary, but instruments through which atmosphere is composed and perceived.
Presented across international platforms from ICFF in New York to Maison & Objet in Paris, her collections reflect a practice rooted in dialogue.
Marie Claire Maison Arabia sat down with Yana Svetlova to discuss emotion as a design tool, the role of natural materials, and why the wall remains one of the most powerful yet underestimated elements of spatial storytelling.
You’ve said that “walls are not just backgrounds; they tell stories.” Can you take us back to the moment you first realised walls could be active, emotional elements in design rather than passive surfaces?
As former interior designer I strongly believe, that interior is all about emotions. And only then about colour, texture and shape. As the walls are the biggest surfaces in space , I always knew that’s a great opportunity to make them look unique . For me walls are like giant canvases where i can create and express. Wallcoverings can bring quite luxury atmosphere to the space , raping the walls in plain silk or linen. Or to make a statement wall with mural art work: flower, birds, landscape or abstract design. It depends on the experience and emotions the client want to receive in that space. Interior can impress and entertain or can to calm and envelop.
Your collections draw on nature’s raw beauty and materials as diverse as linen, silk, wood veneer and gold leaf. What attracts you to these materials, and how do you balance refinement with a sense of natural authenticity?
Nature, to me, is the supreme artist — painting new masterpieces on the canvas of time every single day. Everything created by human hands is, in one way or another, an interpretation of nature’s beauty, elegance, complexity and diversity. That is why I believe it is essential to use natural materials in our homes and interiors. Contact with these materials reconnects us to our origins. It restores a sense of grounding, offering new sources of strength and inspiration, and bringing vital energy into a space. For me, luxury is never about gloss or excess. It is about depth. A plain silk wall can feel more powerful than the most complex ornament if it holds the right energy. True elegance appears when we enhance nature, not when we overpower it.
In your view, design is about atmosphere and energy. When you begin a new collection or a bespoke project, how do you approach creating this intangible “energy” for a space?
I begin with a question: What should this space make you feel when you enter it? Before colours or sketches, I imagine the emotional scenario. Is it a sanctuary? A place of celebration? A quiet retreat? A dramatic statement? Energy is created through layers — texture, scale, rhythm, light interaction. A large botanical mural creates expansion. A delicate embroidered detail creates intimacy. A deep matte surface absorbs sound and calms the nervous system. I see wall design as choreography. Every element must move in harmony with the architecture and the human presence within it.
From ICFF in New York to Maison & Objet in Paris and MosBuild in Moscow, you’ve presented your work on major international stages. How have these encounters with different design cultures shaped your creative outlook?
Presenting my work internationally has never been only about exhibiting collections — it has been about dialogue. Whenever I enter a new region, I approach its culture with genuine curiosity and deep respect. I observe its visual language, traditions and emotional temperament, allowing them to inspire me and expand my understanding of place and identity.As a creative person, I filter these impressions through my own sensibility while remaining faithful to my aesthetic principles. What I offer is not imitation, but a personal artistic interpretation of each region — translated into texture, material and atmosphere, while preserving the integrity of my vision.
Your pieces often carry a timeless quality — simultaneously contemporary yet rooted in tradition. What role does craftsmanship play in achieving this balance?
For me, craftsmanship is the emotional foundation of timeless design. I have equal respect for innovation and modern technology, as well as for traditional artisanal techniques. Contemporary tools allow precision, flexibility and new possibilities, while craftsmanship carries cultural memory and human depth. This dual approach gives me the freedom to create very different products — from refined minimal surfaces to richly layered artistic compositions. At the heart of the brand, however, lies the inspiration of handwork. Anything that has passed through human eyes, soul and hands acquires meaning. That human presence prevents design from becoming sterile and ensures that even the most contemporary piece remains rooted in something timeless and alive.
Many designers speak about storytelling, but for you every wall itself tells a story. Could you share one project where a wall truly transformed the mood or narrative of an interior?
I dare to say that every project in which our design appears transforms both the appearance and the emotional perception of the interior. In our portfolio, there are many examples where even a single wall becomes a work of art, completely redefining the atmosphere of a space. I believe this is precisely the reason why so many designers are drawn to our brand and continue to integrate our pieces into their projects. Whether we are working on commercial interiors or private residences, the key to success lies in the level of creative freedom given to our team. One of the most striking examples is our iconic hand-painted panther at Nahatè restaurant Dubai, enhanced with embroidery in natural pearls and emerald crystals. Reflecting the bold character of the venue’s owners, it became the focal point of the restaurant — a magnetic centre that attracts thousands of guests and one of its most photographed spaces. It is a vivid example of how walls can tell a story, captivate the viewer, and invite art into everyday life.
Today’s homeowners and architects are increasingly looking for depth, character and soul in interiors. How do you see your brand answering this growing desire for meaningful design?
People are tired of visual noise. They are searching for something that resonates. Our studio creates surfaces that are not decorative additions but emotional anchors. We offer customisation, handwork, natural materials — elements that make each project deeply personal. Meaningful design begins when a space reflects the inner world of its owner. My mission is to translate that inner world into texture, scale and material.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of your studio — whether it’s new techniques, collaborations, or the evolution of wall design as a discipline?
I am constantly pushing the boundaries of my creativity: developing new techniques in embroidery and hand-painting creating the most exclusive wallcoverings in the world and are more art then just a surface. We are also expanding into three-dimensional expressions — introducing wall sculptures elements and creating art panels that move beyond flat surfaces. As we enter new regions, we meet new admirers of our work — collaborators who inspire co-creation and meaningful dialogue. But what excites me most is that creativity has no boundaries. As long as I continue to explore the world with curiosity, my brand will naturally reflect that journey. I am a deeply curious person — and that means there is still so much ahead to discover, create and reinterpret.
