Inside Lifestory: Edinburgh’s Home for Useful, Beautiful Things
Lifestory is a New Town shop focused on practical, well-made design. Influenced by Scandinavia and Japan, it brings together useful objects, independent thinking, and a clear sense of purpose.
Just off Broughton Street, in a quieter corner of Edinburgh’s New Town, sits a shop that feels deliberate in all the right ways. The light is natural. The furniture is simple. Everything in the space serves a purpose. You don’t need to know much about Scandinavian or Japanese design to appreciate Lifestory—but if you do, you’ll recognise the influence right away.
Susan Doherty opened the shop to bring something different to the city. Her background in law and hospitality, paired with years of interest in interiors and digital retail, gave her the tools to create a place that’s both calm and practical. Lifestory is not about trends. It’s about useful, lasting things—from homeware to jewellery, books, ceramics, and everyday items chosen for their design and function.
What stands out is how naturally the shop fits into its surroundings. It’s part of the neighbourhood, but it also brings something new to it. Customers come in to browse, to talk, or just to pick up something small without any pressure. It’s independent in the real sense of the word—not just locally owned, but shaped by someone with a clear idea of what matters.
We asked Susan to share how she spends time in the city and what’s good close by. Her answers are as straightforward as the shop itself.
How would you spend a rainy day in the city?
Edinburgh is blessed with some of the finest galleries you'll ever visit. From The Portrait Gallery just up the road from us, to smaller spaces like &Gallery and The Ingleby Gallery which feature diverse artists and frequently changing exhibitions. Follow that up with a coffee or matcha at The Milkman and watch the world go by.
Where is your go-to coffee shop in the area?
Our neighbourhood has great independent cafés like Fortitude, Artisan Roast and Bearded Baker. Recently, the owners of Spry Wine opened a gorgeous café called Ante in the unit underneath, which adds something new to our area, its interior and menu reflects a considered, minimal aesthetic which we love!
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