Student living in East London is messy but fun. The kitchen had a dodgy kettle, leather armchair green but we filled it with life. No student can afford Mayfair prices, so we grabbed second-hand. Another dragged a chair from Camden. Everything mismatched, but that’s what made it home seating solutions. Retro armchairs have weight, and it doesn’t matter if it’s scratched. I’ve watched half my flat pass out across two chairs, and the furniture was part of the night. East London is built on mix and mess, and Smithers down in Shoreditch knows it.

One afternoon I stumbled into Smithers, and the sofas looked like they belonged in films. We couldn’t afford much, but it’s become the throne of the house. We’ve all begged friends for lifts. it’s what makes memories. Accent chairs don’t flinch when four people pile on. Flat-pack won’t last a term, but funky chairs grow with you. Every scratch adds more story. Looking back after twelve months, the stress disappears, but the mismatched set still makes you laugh.

So if you’re moving to London, ignore the fake polish. Grab a retro sofa, unusual accent chairs and see how it shapes your memories.