Based in Stockholm, Carolina Storm is the founder and creative director of Galerie Storm, and a mother of two.
Galerie Storm is a curated space in Stockholm that brings together contemporary art, historical objects, and carefully selected design pieces, creating a quiet dialogue between past and present. Defined by a refined Nordic sensibility and the elegance of Art Deco, the gallery moves beyond trends, focusing instead on design that transcends time — objects that are not only seen but felt, carrying a sense of history while remaining relevant for generations to come.
In this feature, we step into her world through Galerie Storm and the inspirations that shape her creative perspective.
How did Galerie Storm begin, and what was the idea behind it?
My husband is an artist, and I’ve been collecting for as long as I can remember, so the gallery felt like a natural extension of our shared world. Traditional galleries can sometimes feel a bit sterile, and we wanted to create something more personal. A space that feels warm, layered, and lived-in. People often say it’s like stepping into someone’s home, which I think is the highest compliment.
When you’re curating artists or pieces, what usually catches your attention?
It’s difficult to define, because it’s rarely just one thing. It’s more of an immediate, almost instinctive recognition. When I first encountered Ellen Jakobsson’s work, for instance, I felt completely drawn in. There was a sense of familiarity to it, as if I were stepping into a memory that wasn’t my own. I think I respond to pieces that carry a certain presence. It can be a line, a proportion, a subtle shift in color, or the depth of a patina. Something that holds both restraint and emotion at once. Ultimately, it’s about whether the piece lingers, whether it stays with me long after I’ve seen it.
What inspires you in your everyday life?
Inspiration tends to come from many directions. Books, museums, interiors, nature. Often it’s something quite subtle, a color combination, a certain light, or the way objects are arranged in a space.
How do you navigate work and family life?
Family always comes first. When our oldest son Tom received his autism diagnosis four years ago, we made a conscious decision to reshape our lives around his needs. That meant shorter workdays and less travel. Much of our work now happens in the evenings, once the boys are asleep, and it’s a trade I’m more than happy to make.
What makes you feel most like yourself in what you wear?
I’ve always had a soft spot for long black coats and silver jewelry. I’m drawn to a sculptural, tailored feel, but it always has to come with a sense of ease and comfort.
Is there a place you’ve traveled to that has stayed with you?
There are many, but New York holds a special place in my heart. I lived there for three years, and it left a lasting impression. I also feel very drawn to Japan, and it’s somewhere I’m eager to return to.
What do you usually enjoy doing when you have time just for yourself?
I love reading, and I almost always carry a book with me. It’s my way of creating a small pocket of calm, wherever I am.
How would you describe your personal approach to style and design?
I tend to approach both in much the same way. I like to work with contrast, mixing old and new, and exploring different materials and silhouettes. I’m drawn to a restrained palette, both in my home and in my wardrobe. I believe in living with fewer, better things. Pieces that you return to over time, and that continue to reveal something new.
