First year in London was chaos. The flat looked more squat than home, but we built it piece by piece. Flat-pack breaks too quick, so we grabbed second-hand. We carried a wingback through Dalston. The colours clashed, but that’s why it worked. Chairs with scars feel stronger, and it fits our lifestyle. I’ve fallen asleep in a battered armchair with a book, and the sofa accent chair was another character in the story. Retro furniture feels natural here, and designers take inspiration from it.

My flatmate dragged me into Smithers, and the sofas looked like they belonged in films. we were broke students, but that chair still sits in the flat. We’ve all dragged furniture through rain. it’s what makes memories. Retro sofas don’t care if you spill. Mass production doesn’t care, but vintage carries weight. Every scratch adds more story. When you’re moving out, the cracked window gets forgotten, but the mismatched set still makes you laugh.

When you think furniture, skip the flat-pack rubbish. Choose a funky accent chair, and let it carry your student nights.