Life in a student flat starts rough but gets colourful. The kitchen had a dodgy kettle, but we made it ours. No student can afford Mayfair prices, so we begged, borrowed and carried. We carried a wingback through Dalston. It felt like Shoreditch, but that’s what made it ours. Retro armchairs have weight, and we care more about story than gloss. I’ve fallen asleep in a battered armchair with a book, and the chairs became mates. Every warehouse flat tells the same story, and designers take inspiration from it.

We found ourselves in Smithers showroom, and the accent chairs were bold and retro lounge chairs weird. we had to haggle, but it’s the pride of the living room. We’ve all shoved sofas through windows. it’s what makes memories. Accent chairs don’t flinch when four people pile on. Catalogue gloss falls apart fast, different styles of armchairs but retro lasts. every dent becomes part of the flat. When you’re moving out, the dodgy landlord fades away, but the mismatched set still makes you laugh.

When you think furniture, leave the glossy showrooms behind. Make space for a classic seat, fabric and leather couches see how it shapes your memories.