We are thrilled to welcome Studio Cathy Nordström to Fritz Porter—the very first Swedish textile house in our curated collection! Founded in 2019, Cathy’s textiles represent the heart of Scandinavian artistry, with an emphasis on color, craftsmanship, and care.
Studio Cathy Nordström creates timeless textiles that are designed and hand-printed in Sweden and the UK, celebrating the beauty of pattern and handmade design. Their incredible commitment to kindness and sustainability shines through every piece, as the brand collaborates with local artisans to revive traditional printing techniques and create textiles that bring warmth, character, and authenticity to modern interiors.
Recently, we sat down with Cathy Nordström herself to learn more about her creative inspirations, Swedish traditions, and how her vibrant designs are redefining notions of Scandinavian design.
Welcome to Fritz Porter, Cathy, our first Swedish textile line!
C: Thank you! We are so excited to finally be represented in the beautiful South!
We do find your country fascinating. Like what gets you through your long, cold, and dark winters?
C: At the end of every winter, I find myself thinking the same thing: “We’ve made it through another one!” I believe what carries us through is true Scandinavian grit and lots of candles. It’s all about making every moment cozy, like lighting candles for breakfast to start the day slowly and nurturingly. Mornings are pitch dark when we wake up, and early evenings are just as dark when we pick up the kids from kindergarten or head home from work.
Embracing the darkness, rather than fighting it, is key.
We enjoy dinners at home with friends, curling up on the sofa to watch TV and movies, and making sure to get some fresh air every day. If we’re lucky enough to have snow, it transforms the city and countryside into a breathtaking winter wonderland. I believe it’s really about slowing down and embracing the darkness, just as our ancestors did—and not pushing ourselves too hard.
And, the phenomenon of the summer sun?
C: Well, there you have the opposite situation! The sun rises so early and sets so late—Swedish summer nights are truly the most spectacular. (Way up north, the sun actually never sets for approximately two months! Can you imagine?)
My kids are teenagers now, but I remember when they were small and would wake up at 3 a.m., thinking it was morning and time to get up. I wasn’t exactly a fan of the summer light on those occasions. Swedes really flourish in spring and summer; it’s like we’ve all been hibernating and come back to life in May. The restaurants, pavements, and park benches overflow with sun-seeking Swedes, eagerly soaking up every ray of light.
Your textiles are full of color and pattern—a complete opposite to the known Scandi aesthetic of “all beige and white” interiors.
C: Yes, they are, and this is something we take great pride in! There’s nothing more cold and impersonal than a white home with concrete flooring. It actually puzzles me that Sweden has become known for its minimalistic aesthetics when we have such a rich culture of pattern, color, and textiles.
Historically and culturally, Sweden has always been filled with ornamented and decorated interiors. Just look at our castles, farms, and folk costumes. But functionalism was a key movement in Sweden, and when the 90s arrived, minimalism became firmly established. Fortunately, we are now seeing a return to color and pattern. We truly believe that color makes people happier!
Tell us about your “fika” tradition.
C: Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the fika tradition myself, but yes, it’s a big part of Swedish culture. I think it stems from our desire to make every occasion cozy—a short break from the everyday to sit down with family, friends, or colleagues and enjoy a warm cup of coffee alongside our traditional cinnamon bun.
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
C: Christmas morning and Easter—two wonderful juxtapositions. Christmas morning, because of the tradition my parents started: my brothers and I were woken up by my dad blasting John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas” on the record player. With the outside pitch dark, we got up, put on our robes, and walked downstairs to find my parents had already lit the fire and prepared breakfast in the library in front of the fireplace. We’d open a few gifts from under the tree and enjoy the slowest, most magical start to the day. I love a lazy morning.
Easter, on the other hand, marks the beginning of spring and everything coming to life! We spend it at our summer house in southern Sweden, where it’s all about quality time with family and friends—going for long walks along the coast and filling our house with daffodils from our garden.
Studio Cathy Nordström’s collection embodies the charm and warmth of Sweden, while introducing timeless, color-rich textiles that add character to any home. We invite you to experience these elegant, handmade pieces by visiting us at Fritz Porter. Let Cathy’s artful creations bring joy and authenticity into your interiors!