Edinburgh’s Best Lifestyle Store Founder-Susan Doherty, Lifestory

Light-filled and playful, Lifestory’s store on London Street in Edinburgh’s New Town feels like you’ve walked straight into a store in Copenhagen. High ceilings, large arched windows, and natural materials create a minimalist yet cosy atmosphere. Offering a calm, welcoming space, the scent of coffee and natural candles makes you want to slow down and linger a little.

When you find a beautiful object that speaks to you, especially when it is hand-made, it becomes part of your life story. This philosophy sits at the heart of Lifestory. Susan’s vision brings authenticity, good design and every one of her handpicked products share the traits of beauty and function. Each one is a piece she would have in her home.

Lifestory is a champion of local and independent makers. An exclusive collection from Emporium Julium features beautifully handcrafted ceramics made from recycled clay and Scottish sand, sitting alongside Aku Ceramics, Borja Moronta, and SOOuK prints, all Edinburgh-based makers. These are thoughtfully curated alongside iconic Scandinavian brands such as Ferm Living, HAY, House Doctor, Lindform, Studio Arhoj and many more. The result is a carefully balanced collection of ceramics, jewellery, homewares, fragrances, stationery, and design-led gifts, many of which are reassuringly affordable.

Lifestory nurtures lasting relationships with customers and makers alike. Every detail, from beautifully wrapped purchases to handwritten thank-you notes, reflects the warmth and care behind the brand that Susan and her team have built over the last ten years. Lifestory has been featured in titles including Condé Nast Traveller and Elle Decoration and continues to grow as a place where design, community and the best kind of shopping experience come together.

We think you are Edinburgh’s Best Lifestyle Store Founder. What inspired you to open Lifestory? 

I’ve always loved the idea of a concept store-a place to go to be inspired. I first experienced this mix of coffee, retail, and makers while living in Melbourne, and of course in Stockholm and Copenhagen too. Edinburgh, with its thriving independent scene felt like the perfect place to create something similar: a space where people can shop and sip.

What do you enjoy most about running Lifestory?

I love the sense of community that Lifestory creates, both within the shop and across the neighbourhood. Working closely with local makers like jewellers and potters, showcasing their work and following their creative journeys, has led to some really good friendships-it’s a good feeling. I also really enjoy the buying side of Lifestory and discovering new makers and brands. I find them through trade fairs across Europe and Scandinavia, and uncover local makers through Instagram. Learning about the craftsmanship behind each piece makes a big difference-like with my morning cup of coffee from a favourite maker like Borja Moronta. Knowing the story behind it really adds something.

Do you have a favourite architectural style?

I’ve always been inspired by Scandinavian cities-their design feels so functional and minimal. In the Nordic aesthetic everything is so considered, and there’s a thoughtful pace to it all. Design isn’t just about objects; it’s integrated into everyday life, with attention paid to the experience of using things as much as to the things themselves. That thoughtfulness makes everything feel calm and effortless.

What does home mean to you?

For me, it’s all about being able to be 100% yourself. Surrounding yourself with your favourite people and things and putting together your own little story. The books you read, the things you cook, the objects you collect. It’s completely unique. And I love spaces with loads of light.

How do you love to spend a day off? 

It’s hard to get a day off but I live by the sea so I love to start the day with a long dog walk on the beach; then catch up with friends, have a wander and stop at a local cafe for a coffee and cake or head to Stockbridge Market.

Are there any special cafes, restaurants or food stores in Edinburgh which you can recommend? 

I really love food and the people behind the businesses and enjoy directing customers to my favourite places. Ante is a standout with its beautiful aesthetic, ever-changing menu, beautiful coffee, and cups made by local makers. Upstairs at Spry, I love sitting in the window, with its decadent nibbles, whether it’s a dark winter day with candles or on a summer afternoon. I also love The Little Chartroom and Eleanore; Artisan Roast with its kind baristas and consistent quality. Bearded Baker and Lannan are favourites too. Working on London Street and right by Broughton Street, we’re so lucky, it’s such a great independent neighbourhood. There are gift shops, grocers, florists, a butcher and fishmonger and wonderful independent businesses like Stuart Ralston’s Vinette-I love Lyla too. His nearby wine bar Vivien adds something exciting, different and fresh to the neighbourhood.

All of this makes it a great part of town to stay when visiting Edinburgh-see some of our homes in the area.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading about Edinburgh’s Best Lifestyle Store Founder, Susan Doherty. If you’d like to visit her shop, here are the details:

Lifestory | Lifestyle & Homeware
53 London Street
Edinburgh, EH3 6LX
www.lifestoryshop.com

Lifestory has a brilliant website and ship every day; locals can choose free click and collect.

The store is open 7 days and located on London Street, New Town. It’s just 5 minutes walk from Waverley Station and 10 minutes walk to Stockbridge.

If you’d like to share someone you think is a leader in their field in Edinburgh for a future Dickins blog, please comment below. Thank you!