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The Beirut-born designer Racil Chalhoub launched her fashion label in 2015 with 15 pieces inspired by Yves Saint Laurent???s Le Smoking tuxedo suit.Since then, her collection has expanded to include dresses, tops and accessories, but her frame of reference has continued to centre on the elegance of the tuxedo, which she fell in love with while growing up in Paris.

She initially rented this flat in Knightsbridge when she came to London to study, then jumped at the chance to buy it when it came on to the market 12 years ago.

Now decorated in her own style, it is imbued with the same edgy femininity that characterises her fashion.She talks us through her love of colour and art, and how she has created her own safe haven.

What was it you liked about the apartment?

I believe in instinct and how you feel when you walk into a space.It was really bright and there???s a positive energy: it just felt right.The furniture was very beige and brown, until one day I woke up and thought, OK, this is the wrong side of vintage!I needed it to reflect me, as someone who likes to be surrounded by colour.

What was the biggest change you made?

I moved to Beirut for a while, but kept the flat and redesigned it.When I returned, I had accumulated more things, so I pondered whether to make my day-to-day life more comfortable by turning the second bedroom into a dressing room.It was the obvious solution.

I got a few crazy quotes for bespoke storage, so eventually I took myself to Ikea, sat at their computer and designed it exactly how I wanted, which is just perfect.

Does your work style cross over into your home?

The most obvious reflection is the use of colour.I might do a tuxedo with a contrasting lapel, and the way I dress will often be a mix of black and white with a pop of colour.

The clashes you see here are the same thing.The shell is very neutral and peaceful, but everything else is bright.I like contrasts: feminine, masculine, sexy, playful; and that???s reflected in my home, too.

Which are your favourite shades to use?

I love awkward shades like yellow, green and purple.Purple is rich and very chic; it feels fresh in the summer but gives warmth in the winter, so it???s always been a favourite of mine.

Can you tell us about your art collection?

The first piece I bought was a lightbox by a Belgian artist called Daniel Buren.There???s a Damien Hirst print because I love butterflies, and a couple of Dan Baldwins as I went through a phase of being obsessed with skulls.The hearts in the sitting room are by Mark Anton and they???re great because they???re so playful; half of them are rude and half are nice.

What???s the story behind your front door?

I became obsessed with prints of aerosol cans by the artist Mr Brainwash, so when I saw him in a hotel lobby I got talking to him, and we became friends.One day he was at my house, and I said, ???Do a little scribble somewhere.???

I had the wooden ???Enjoy??? sign on the door to remind me when I???m leaving the house to have a good day; he wrote ???life??? underneath it in his typically drippy style, so now if I ever move I have to take the door with me!

The ???What ever??? chair is amazing, can you tell us about that?

It???s by Jimmie Martin, a shop on Kensington Church Street.They customise replicas of vintage furniture.On the back is everything that???s personal to me: lyrics to my favourite songs, my blood type and my date of birth in a code.It???s all in hidden messages.

Talk us through the pink bathroom.

The mosaics are by Bisazza.The bathroom is so small and I only did the shower area, so although they were expensive I didn???t need many ??? the other half of the room is done in very affordable tiles.Investing in little details can make a big difference, and they bring light and personality to the tiny space.

Where is your favourite place to be in your home?

The first thing I do when I wake up is open my bedroom windows.It could be raining or snowing outside and I???ll still open them, then I sit and have my first hot drink of the day.I love that spot in the morning, letting the light and fresh air in.

What is it you love most about your home?

I???ve considered moving many times, mainly because I work in Notting Hill and I???d like to be closer, but there???s something about my flat that I love.

It???s a safe, cosy bubble, so different from the outside world, which can be very hectic.When I walk in, it gives me a feeling of positivity and happiness: it???s cheesy but true.You need to feel good when you go home, and be comfortable in your surroundings.

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