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 bartered with old dealers. Someone even nabbed a table from outside a pub. The colours clashed, but that’s what made it home. Funky retro seating has character, and it fits our lifestyle. I’ve watched half my flat pass out across two chairs, and the sofa was another character in the story.

East London is built on mix and mess, retro style armchair and shops in the area thrive on it. We found ourselves in Smithers showroom, and the accent chairs were bold and weird. we were broke students, but it’s become the throne of the house. We’ve all dragged furniture through rain. it’s what makes memories. statement armchairs don’t mind if you fall asleep in them. Catalogue gloss falls apart fast, but old sofas age into character. Every scratch adds more story. Looking back after twelve months, the dodgy landlord fades away, but you remember the sofa.

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