This week we caught up with French graphic artist Malika Favre, whose distinctive Pop Art-inspired works have established her as one of the UK’s most sought-after and collected graphic artists.

Earlier this year Malika purchased an apartment through The Modern House on the top floor of one of Hackney’s most sought-after warehouse conversions, King Edward’s Road. Formerly a 1920s clothing factory, the Art Deco building near London Fields has now been converted into 89 apartments.

Having studied in Paris, Malika moved to the UK in 2004 to pursue her career as an illustrator. She joined the multidisciplinary studio Airside in 2006 working as a designer and illustrator, and directing animation projects. In 2011, Malika launched her own business as an independent artist. Alongside developing a body of highly-acclaimed personal work, Malika’s graphic design clients have included Vogue, Penguin and the Fashion Council.

Having now settled into her new apartment, where she lives and works, Malika shares her personal design preferences, and tells us more about how her work is influenced by her surroundings.

What inspired your interest in modern art and design?
I guess my upbringing and family have a lot to do with my early fascination for art and beauty. As a child I was constantly drawing and my mother was probably my biggest supporter. She loved objects and colour and always carefully curated the house decor and every single object in the house – to a point where it was difficult for her to cope with my teenage posters and ripped jeans. My fascination for interior design and architecture came quite recently. Living in London is not always the easiest place to get a flat you can call your own but as soon as I moved in by myself a couple of years ago I realised I could now decide on every single object in the house, from a cutlery set to what goes on my walls. It was amazing to finally be able to live in a space that felt very personal.

Does living in a modern house inspire your creative practice?
When looking for a flat, I knew that I was going to be picky about the type of space I wanted. Working from home can prove tricky and I felt I needed a big open space with plenty of light so my brain could breathe a bit.

What really got me in my current flat was the ceiling height and the gigantic shelving system. I imagine it would be daunting for some people to have to fill so many shelves but for me it was totally exciting. I have so many objects I love and I can now work surrounded by them.

If we could arrange a house swap for you, is there a house or apartment block in the UK that you’d go for?
I just love the brutalist Barbican architecture. And if I lived there I would hang out in the Barbican Centre’s tropical Conservatory during the day for inspiration!

Tell us about the house you grew up in.
I grew up in a small flat in the suburbs of Paris. It was much smaller than my flat now, which feels strange as I still picture it from my child’s eyes, I guess. The space was very limited for four people and my parents were sleeping in the living room so me and my brother could each have our own room. But the lack of space didn’t really bother me as my mum would decorate it beautifully and make each room feel very special. It was cosy and warm and it felt like home.

Is there an artist or designer whose work you’re particularly excited by at the moment?
Currently I am obsessed by Hedwig Bollhagen’s Bauhaus-inspired ceramics which are being re-edited in Germany and are simply perfect. I also love the work of Bullenberg, another German collective doing beautiful oak furniture and I currently have my eye on their colour block dining table. Finally I am a big fan of Darkroom London: the physical shop unfortunately closed its doors earlier in the year but I saw they released a gorgeous tile collaboration with Bert & May just last week.

Who are you following on Instagram?
The people I just mentioned above! Plus a selection of interior designers, artists, illustrators and photographers for inspiration.