London-based designer Yinka Ilori is known for throwing the full paint box at his graphically pleasing objects and spaces. At home, he’s inspired by Aaliyah, food and the celebratory visual culture of his Nigerian family. 

What did you do last night?
I worked until 7 p.m. at my north-west London studio. I’ve been doing 12-hour days. Then I went home to do more work, listening to music. I flit between head down, making mood boards or sketching for public-realm projects, then head up, watching music videos on TV. 

What music videos are you watching right now?
I’m obsessed with old Aaliyah, Timbaland, Tweet, Missy Elliott—they remind me of my childhood in the ’90s and ’00s. I recently rewatched Aaliyah’s first film, Romeo Must Die (2000). I always wonder what the music ind...