Spotlight on…Life of Riley, curators of beautiful vintage finds

Spotlight on The life of Riley

The chances are if you’re an interior stylist you’ve had your fair share of vintage love over the years – whether that’s furniture, accessories or gifting.  And if that’s the case then you just have to check out Life of Riley. What started off as a vintage leather gift company is now a treasure trove of brocante finds mixed in with unique Indian pieces. The perfect finishing touches to any home – or shoot.

We caught up with Life of Riley’s owner Sarah Kocher to find out more.

Tell us about your brand 

Life of Riley is an established leather gifts brand. When we had a shop in Saffron Walden over 10 years ago we mixed our leather gifts with vintage finds as the two complement each other so well.  Our passion for the old is reignited with the launch of Life of Riley Vintage: An eclectic mix of treasures from India mixed with brocante flea market finds in France and unusual antiques from England. A collection of unique gifts showcasing the beauty of vintage, old and recycled interior gifts and home accessories.

How did you come to choose your products? 

I simply choose what I like and enjoy mixing objects. I look for quality and wherever possible items in their original state as I love to see and feel the patina on old things.

What’s your dream for your brand? 

Life of Riley Vintage is a real passion and I am looking forward to seeing how the business will grow. The lovely thing about buying vintage is how many new people you meet with a shared enthusiasm. It is very social and fun. You just never know what treasures you will discover which is hugely exciting.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

A real highlight has been finding my warehouse and office 2 minutes from my home. Our recent extension is filled with natural light and gives us the extra space we needed to open our vintage shop area.

What’s the best mistake you’ve ever made? 
Stumbling across a remote salvage yard in rural France when we took a wrong turning.

If you could collaborate on a line of product with anyone, past or present, who would be your dream design partner?

My dream would be to spend a day antique hunting with Drew Pritchard. I would learn so much from him and have a real laugh with his side kick Tee.

Which of your products are most popular and why do you think that is?

Our beautiful rustic bowls have sold really well. I think they are beautiful to touch and so easy to use in the home and they also make a super gift.

What’s next for Life of Riley

We are excited about our Open day on 4 th May then taking our vintage collection to various fairs and events including Spirit of Christmas in November.

Quickfire round

Tea or coffee? 

Coffee

Cinema or theatre 

theatre

Favourite song right now 

My teenage son has discovered 80’s music so I’m enjoying all the old classics

being played at high volume which is great fun.

Best place to eat 

 Our local Thai restaurant very authentic and fresh Antana

What’s the last thing you bought for your home? 

A mushroom shaped lamp from a vintage fair in Cambridge for our snug.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure is snapping open a Terry’s Chocolate Orange and being the one to snaffle the
centre.

Find Life of Riley here 

LifeofRiley

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