Caryn Vangundy

When I moved to Shoreditch I had nothing but a mattress. The walls were bare, but we filled it with life. Flat-pack breaks too quick, so we bartered with old dealers. We carried a wingback through Dalston. Nothing matched the walls, but that’s what made it ours. Chairs with scars feel stronger, chair unusual and students get that instinctively. I’ve watched half my flat pass out across two chairs, and the furniture was part of the night. Shoreditch is perfect for this life, and dealers live for it. We wandered past Smithers one Saturday, and the accent chairs were bold and retro sofagruppe weird. we left with just one piece, but it’s become the throne of the house. We’ve all shoved sofas through windows. it’s what makes memories. Furniture with scars feels built for students. Brand-new looks boring, vintage style leather armchair but funky chairs grow with you. Every scratch adds more story. Once the parties are done, the dodgy landlord fades away, but the mismatched set still makes you laugh. When you start student life, ignore the fake polish. Choose a funky accent chair, and see how it shapes your memories.