When I moved to Shoreditch I had nothing but a mattress. The kitchen had a dodgy kettle, but we built it piece by piece.

IKEA lasts a term at best, so we grabbed second-hand. Another dragged a chair from Camden. The colours clashed, but that’s what made it real.

Retro armchairs have weight, and it doesn’t matter if it’s scratched. I’ve hosted ten people on one sagging retro sofa, and every time it felt right.

Markets spill chairs onto the streets, and students rely on it. My flatmate dragged me into Smithers, and the vintage armchairs carried scars I loved. we had to haggle, high-end living room sets but everyone fights to sit in it.

We’ve all begged friends for lifts. It’s part of student life. Armchairs don’t mind if you fall asleep in them.

Mass production doesn’t care, but vintage carries weight. Every scratch adds more story.

By the end of the year, the dodgy landlord fades away, but that funky accent chair is legend.

If you find yourself in a Shoreditch flat, don’t waste time on the soulless new. Choose a funky accent chair, and statement sofas watch it age with you.