Characterful loft apartment

You could be forgiven for assuming an NYC loft apartment belonging to a top stylist would be too aspirational for us lesser home-making mortals. But Lili Diallo's Brooklyn pad is refreshingly uncontrived and homely. The brave mix of bold flair alongside quirky shabby chic suggests a distinct personality. 'It's taken four years to get it how I want it,' admits Lili, who originally hails from Paris. 'I wasn't used to such a big space. You have to be patient and experiment. That's why people hire designers!'

Lili has lived in New York for 11 years and moved to her current apartment in Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) five years ago. Why NYC in the first place? 'I came here on vacation, and met my now ex-husband,' she explains. 'This loft seemed ideal. My work means I'm always running around Manhattan, but I didn't want to live in the heart of it – it's too touristy. I can see it from my window, so I'm close enough!' Lili also enjoys a prime view of the river as it joins the ocean, and the famed Manhattan skyline. 'The area is neighbourly, real and relaxed,' she says. 'Brooklyn in general has more of a European, bohemian feel.'

So what style is she drawn to? 'I'm not totally into modern or classic,' she says, although she admits to loving white furniture and white lacquer in particular. 'It's clean and reflective,' she says. 'I'm also keen on the Swedish Gustavian style – sensuous lines in greys and blues. But there are things I like from every period.'

Take a tour around Lili's warm, vibrant and characterful loft filled with colourful treasures.