I’m back again with the next Shop Local Holiday Edit feature (yay) and this week I’m heading over to Lifestory, a design destination in Edinburgh. It’s always on my ‘shop local’ list as I know the owner (Susan) creates a truly magical holiday atmosphere in the shop. It is literally bursting with Scandi lifestyle brands to lust over and local designers that are doing something extra special & extra creative.
One of the things I admire most about Lifestory is the attention to detail in finding unique products that are beautifully designed and extraordinarly well made. I could go on & on, but I know you are eager to see what I’ve found, so let’s dive in.
Gifts under £30
Pure delight, the Lindform vases
Simply put, these vases are a delight. Made by hand in Sweden, Lindform vases’ simple shapes are sure to catch the eye and the organic colours provide a sense of harmony. Influenced by Japanese design, the minimalist style marries up nicely with scandi décor vibe. The collection ranges from small bud vases to taller vases and many other shapes and sizes in-between. Available in different colours too. You’ll find it hard to buy just one.
Starting at £19.95, pictured is the Bari small vase. Available in store or on the Lifestory website. HERE
One for the kids, jigsaw puzzle by Dusen Dusen.
One for the kids and adults alike. We all love a puzzle especially on a cold winters day. Give the gift of this art puzzle by textile designer Dusen Dusen. A 100 piece puzzle is a fun family activity perfect to share a cuppa hot cocoa or a glass of wine.
Priced: £22.50 – Available on the Lifestory website. HERE
Dig in with ‘Scandi Comfort Food’ book by Trine Hahnemann
Where book worm meets foodie meets hygge. We’ve all heart about the “Art of Hygge”, the Scandinavian term for comfort. With the help of Trine Hahemann, you can give some hygge to someone’s mealtime with recipes and tips on how to bring a bit of hygge no matter where you live.
Priced: £26 – Available on the Lifestory website. HERE.
What time is it? Table clock by House Doctor
For the person who enjoys working from home or maybe just wants to be distracted (I mean surrounded) by beautiful design. That’s not a crime. Meet the ‘With Analog’ table clock by House Doctor that is simple yet elegant in a warm, cosy golden colour. After all, everyone’s home work spaces deserve a bit of love.
Priced: £29 Available on the Lifestory website HERE.
Time to ‘let go’ with Grapefruit & Bergamot scented candle by Paia Copenhagen
Danish brand Paia Copenhagen beautifully scented soy wax candle is refreshing, uplifting and deliciously made from pure essential oils. Grapefruit & Bergamot is also known to be relaxing and can help that special someone “let go” – I think we could all benefit from this candle
Priced: £29.95 – Available in the shop or on the Lifestory website. HERE.
The hottest trend of 2020 – smoked Ripple Glasses by Ferm Living
Add a touch of luxury to the everyday with Ferm Living’s mouth blown ripple glasses and carafes. Ferm Living have created a frenzy with their lustworthy glassware collection that has sparked the super hot reeded glass trend. Show someone special that you are just as cool as they are with the gift of Tumblers, Long Glasses, Wine Glasses, Champagne Saucers, Carafes,
Starting at £29 – Available in the shop or on the Lifestory website HERE.
A LITTLE BIT MORE – gifts under £60
Hit escape on the screen time with Yoro Park Jigsaw by Slowdown Studio
Know someone that hasn’t been able to jet away on an adventure or chill holiday? This Slowdown Studio jigsaw can provide a bit of an escape thanks to Australian artist Charlie Bennell. The iconic building is The Site of Reversible Destiny in Yoro Park, Japan. This 285 piece colourful puzzle can be the perfect distraction. Other designs are available too.
Priced £32 – Available in the shop or on Lifestory website HERE.
Not your ordinary candle, the colourful Pillar Candle by Hay
Say goodbye to the bland pillar candle and say Hello to Hay’s fun take on this traditional décor item. They use colour blocking and different shapes to create something entirely fresh & new. It’s certain to bring and smile and that perfect shelfie shot.
Starting at £35 – Available in the shop or on the Lifestory website HERE.
Cosy up with Sophie Home
Everyone needs another cushion. It. Is. A. Fact. This colourful and contemporary design is inspired by a visit to the Swedish countryside and 1300 photos of farm buildings. Made with 100% cotton knit, these wonderfully soft cushions are 50 x 50 and available in different designs and colours. Go to the Lifestory website for other designs and colours.
Priced: £44 – Available in the shop and on the Lifestory website HERE.
Glam it up with Margot statement earrings by Wolf & Moon
The answer to lockdown fashion? Add a touch of glam with Indie jewellery brand Wolf & Moon’s hand crafted Margot earrings. Based in Hackney, London, these lightweight earrings are made from wood and the geometric cut out links. Available in eye catching colours or a creamy eggshell with random miniature splats. The designer is Hannah Davis.
Priced: £56 – Available in the shop and on the Lifestory website HERE. Check out the website for other designs too.
This backpack might surprise you, MSN by Rains
Dealing with the elements is a part of daily life in Scotland and Rains has turned waterproof into a cool style statement. That’s a win-win. Inspired by the traditional school backpack, the MSN Bag is spacious enough to fit a laptop and so much more. Beyond the waterproof qualities, it’s the design and details that make this bag the perfect gift. Available in a range of colours and sizes.
Starting at £59 – Available in the shop or on the Lifestory website HERE.
SOMETHING EXTRA SPECIAL
Get curvy with the Vuelta Arch lamp by Ferm Living
Is it a sculpture or is it a light? Both is the answer. Made from opal glass with a ripple detail, this dimmable light is equal parts playful as it is stylish. Ferm Living are creating a perfect storm with this sexy table lamp. You will score major points with this gift!
Priced £179 – Available in the shop or on the Lifestory website HERE.
Limited Edition Holos Vessle by Viv Lee
Viv Lee’s iconic stoneware vases are a must have on any interior enthusiasts list. Perfectly blending form and function, these curvacious yet elegant vases are a real style statement. Inspired by Zen Buddhism. Available in different sizes, shapes and colours.
Starting at £180 – Available in the shop or on the Lifestory website HERE.
Brutalist at its best – Soo Burnell photography
Getting a ‘Accidentally Wes Anderson’ vibe, it’s no surprise as Soo Burnell’s poolside series has been featured in Accidently Wes Anderson Book and this bespoke 50 x 50 print of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Pool can only be found at Lifestory. Perfect for architecture geeks, Wes Anderson devotees and anyone who enjoys dipping their toe in the deep end.
Priced £290, Available in the shop, by email at hello@lifestoryshop.com or call the shop at 0131 629 9699
Now while these are my top picks – you really must have a look for yourself. All can be purchased in store or via Lifestory website. Lifestory is open every day and Thursday is the shop late night. Check out the special CHRISTMAS area of the website for all your holiday needs.
You can visit Lifestory
53 London Street
Edinburgh EH3 6LX
Email: hello@lifestoryshop.com
Phone: 0131 629 9699
On Instagram HERE
On their website HERE
This if this wasn’t enough, they have so many interesting, unqiue and luxurious decorations – so pop on over to the website Christmas Shop! I can resist sharing a few decoration top picks too.
Ferm Living Brass Tree Top Star £49 HERE
House Doctor Black Tree £13.95 HERE
House Doctor Car with Tree ornament £12.95 HERE
Ferm Living Embroidered ornaments £9.00 each HERE
So skip the cookie cutter gifts and get something that will spark conversations, create FOMO, and have everyone wishing they knew your top secret source for one of a kind gifts. The answer is your local, independent shops.
Enjoy!
Liz xx
liznylon designs 