Prints by Toulouse-Lautrec, Kawase Hasui and the occasional Tesco bouquet: how decorating a student flat becomes an act of self-portraiture
The walls of Murano have seen it all over the years. I remember my first year addiction to blue tack and poster sales, the freshers attempt to mask any sign of the person before’s hand-me-down stains. I remember the endless reels of fairy lights and Ikea’s finest as I attempted to make my new four walls a piece of home.
However now, as I sit writing this with the days of Murano far, far behind me, my cozy Finnieston flat is the perfect reflection of my boyfriend and I. As a Literature student who’s in love with a future lawyer, our bookshelf is an interesting blend of Fyodor Dostoevsky, Jacqueline Harpman and Gillian Anderson’s Want, all arranged amongst our collection of vintage photobooth pics. The ugly poster I bought on my first day at uni has since been replaced with my boyfriend’s love for Japanese art and now our flat displays multiple works of Kawase Hasui. Our favourite is his 1928 print ‘Setting Sun, Ichinokura’, that sits upon our beautiful wooden fireplace. However, our character shines through in our favourite charity shop finds and the ‘ey up duck’ poster that serves our flat some Northern charm – a reminder of our homes back in Manchester.
The most notable artwork in the flat would be our prints by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Gifted to us by the previous tennant, the 1893 ‘Jane Avril’ print in particular resonates with us. A vibrant display of Paris’ nightlife, Toulouse-Lautrec’s portrayal of the Jardin de Paris show reminds us of our own student nightlife. Whilst our first year dates in Berkeley Suite have since been replaced with late night library sessions (in true fourth year style), the movement and charisma of Jane Avril issues our flat memories of dancing the night away in (the since closed) Broadcast. Although, I must admit crawling down Sauchiehall street is far less glamorous than Jane Avril’s Parisian endeavours but nonetheless she sits happily amongst pictures of some of our favourite drunken memories.
Or perhaps you can learn all you need to know about us through the collection of performative crap that clutters our coffee table. Like most students, our coffee table hosts multiple packs of cards, a random lighter someone left in my handbag one night in Big Slope, and food wrappers from the evening’s sweet treat. My personal favourite, however, is my ‘Luncheon’ magazine – an independent, biannual cultural serving of fashion, food and art. Despite being bought as inspo for my dissertation, the magazine has since sat unread amongst a collection of other aspirational works I am yet to devour.
My absolute staple to any student flat has to be creating your very own jungle. Fill every space with as many plants as possible. It’s the oldest trick in the book for creating a calming yet inviting atmosphere and it works perfectly in our flat. If you’re in need of a plant that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, check out Plantique on Dumbarton Road. Or, if you are feeling particularly boujee, why not hit up Blooms Glasgow. Inviting nature into your home creates serenity and calmness which is an essential for every student, especially on the lead up to finals. Our flat houses many plants, most of them gifted by family for Christmas’ and birthdays, as well as our autumnal squash and pumpkin collection (much despised by my boyfriend). And of course – flowers, flowers, flowers! Whether they are from Tesco’s reduced section or thoughtfully gifted by best friends or partners, flowers brighten up any room and instantly create a happy space.
So, how does your student home mirror your life? Have you also mastered the art of hiding mould with the works of your favourite artist? Or, maybe you’re still figuring it out. Either way, student living can be tough but being able to create a relaxing and comfortable space is essential as the winter months encroach upon us.
Image Credit: Madie Blackbourn
