Inspired by: Karin Larsson


INSPIRED BY | MASTERS & MUSES | WORLD OF CABANA

Today, 19th-century artists Carl and Karin Larsson are national icons in Sweden. Together, the creative couple – whose former home, Lilla Hyttnäs, is much admired – laid the foundation for what is now considered quintessential Swedish aesthetics. But, like many women, Karin Larsson has been overshadowed by her husband. Swedish textile designer Cathy Nordström – who created a textile collection inspired by Karin Larsson – goes in search of Karin's story, revealing a passionately, and prolifically, creative artist and designer. 

BY CATHY NORDSTRÖM | MASTERS & MUSES | 3 NOVEMBER 2025

Karin Larsson, Körsbärsblom © Carl Larsson-gården

History is full of brilliant female artists who have faded into the shadows of their husbands. Karin Larsson was no exception. It’s unclear why she chose to set aside her paintbrushes—perhaps it was the demands of a growing family and the challenges of balancing motherhood with her art, or maybe she simply didn’t want to compete with her famous husband. Regardless, there is no evidence to suggest she ever regretted this decision. Instead, she found new ways for her remarkable creativity to flourish.

Most people in Sweden are familiar with Carl Larsson, the Swedish painter and national icon, known for his depictions of family life at the picturesque farm, Lilla Hyttnäs. But few are aware of the equally, if not more, brilliant Karin Larsson.

Born Karin Bergöö in 1859, in Örebro, Sweden, she was the daughter of businessman Adolf Bergöö and his wife, Hilda. Raised in a bourgeois home with progressive, modern-thinking parents, Karin was well-educated and had a close relationship with both parents. Both supported her request, at 16, to study art in Stockholm, although it was rare for a young woman to travel unchaperoned at that time.

Lilla Hyttnäs, in Dalarna, the much-admired former home of Karin and Carl Larsson.

During this period, Karin began a lifelong correspondence with her mother—a collection of letters that remains heartwarming to read over 100 years later. After her studies in Stockholm, she moved to France, where she joined the creative colony in Grez-Sur-Loing. This was a liberating time for the young artist, filled with freedom, art, and camaraderie. The group spent their days painting, reading, and bathing in the river. It was here she met the passionate Carl Larsson. Despite their differences—Karin was reserved, confident, and fiercely independent—they fell deeply in love, documented in Carl's many love letters, paintings, and quirky drawings of his beloved wife.

Today, the Larssons are national icons in Sweden. Together, they laid the foundation for what is now considered quintessential Swedish aesthetics: light, practical, and family-friendly interiors. At the time, this was revolutionary—homes were typically dark and moody, adorned with heavy brocade curtains in muted tones. The Larssons, however, were creative rebels, and collaborated on everything. Karin was not only Carl’s muse, but also the visionary behind their famous home, Lilla Hyttnäs.

After their time in France, the Larssons returned to Sweden and settled in Stockholm. As their family grew, their small apartment became overcrowded, so in 1889, they moved to the farm, Lilla Hyttnäs, in Dalarna. The home, gifted to them by Karin’s father, was their first. Although they had little money, they compensated with creativity, endless ideas, and a deep love for family life. Lilla Hyttnäs quickly became a home filled with life, art, and dogs, regularly hosting famous guests who left their mark on the space.

Lilla Hyttnäs, in Dalarna, the much-admired former home of Karin and Carl Larsson.

A beloved example is the bed cupboard, where visitors— including Prince Eugen and Nobel laureate, Selma Lagerlöf—carved their names into the wooden door, reflecting the openness, joy, and creativity of the Larsson household. Games, charade and humor were integral to family life, as illustrated in Carl’s caricatured drawings of Karin, often depicting her as an angry little bee with round eyes and a pointed nose.

The Larssons always ate dinner together at their large dining table, and in the summer, they dined al fresco, where Karin would set the table with flowers from the garden and mismatched plates and cutlery—another example of their modern, family-centered approach to life. Naturally, the children were included in everything.

Lilla Hyttnäs became their creative canvas. The home grew and evolved over the years, offering endless possibilities for their artistic expressions. They painted and decorated everything—from the walls and ceilings to the furniture—and always included their children when they could. A beautiful example of this is the room of their daughter, Suzanne, where she painted the floral ornaments herself. Whenever they needed a new piece of furniture, Karin would design it and commission a local craftsman to bring her vision to life. Her creativity and artistic vision were integral to Carl's work, and he often incorporated Karin and her designs into his art. The home’s personal, eclectic style—bold textiles, modern furniture, and vibrant colors—was largely Karin’s creation.

A distinctive wooden Swedish sofa, featuring textiles by Cathy Nordström, in Lilla Hyttnäs, the former home of artists Karin and Carl Larsson.

One of the standout modernist pieces she designed was a rocking chair that she had made by the local carpenter Arnbom. So embarrassed by the unconventional design, Arnbom insisted on delivering it after dark, fearing others would ridicule him. This rocking chair has since been copied numerous times. Another striking piece was her green flower shelf, designed to display her many plants while ensuring they received enough sunlight—an innovative, cubistic design that could have inspired the Memphis Group.

Karin had learned sewing and embroidery from her mother, and she soon developed her own distinctive style. Her textiles were a fusion of traditional Swedish embroidery and global techniques. Both Karin and Carl were inspired by Japanese art, and you can find Japanese influences throughout their home. Lilla Hyttnäs, with its unexpected mix of Swedish and international elements, is a remarkable testament to their shared creativity.

Karin’s tapestries introduced a new abstract style, with bold compositions in vibrant colors or black-and-white reinterpretations of Japanese motifs. She was adventurous in her techniques, embracing imperfection and defying societal expectations of both art and lifestyle. The small “Japanese Room” on the upper floor, a library filled with books, Japanese art, and Karin’s woven textiles, is a perfect example of her creative genius. In this room, a red allmoge sofa sits alongside the carefully curated collection.

Lilla Hyttnäs, in Dalarna, the much-admired former home of Karin and Carl Larsson.

Carl, known for his fiery temper, once had a confrontation with his famous author friend, August Strindberg, over a comment Strindberg made about Karin. According to the story, Carl chased Strindberg through the streets of Stockholm with a knife, though never caught him. Back at Lilla Hyttnäs, Carl devised an even more creative revenge: he placed all of Strindberg’s books on the top shelf, then blocked access with a wooden plank. From then on, Strindberg’s works were visible but permanently out of reach. The ultimate revenge. 

Karin was a groundbreaking artist and courageous innovator, not just in her art, but also in her sense of fashion. She defied the era’s conventions, rejecting corsets and underskirts in favor of loose, flowing dresses with high collars, fabric-covered buttons, and charming details. She loved patterned fabrics—stripes, dots, florals, and abstract prints—and cultivated a truly unique style. 

The Larsson family lived a free, creative, and loving life of their own design. Carl meticulously documented their entire life through photographs, books, drawings, letters, and paintings, leaving a lasting gift for future generations. I feel deeply honored to have delved into Karin’s world and created a collection inspired by her textile art. Visiting Lilla Hyttnäs and spending time with the Larsson family and their friends is one of the highlights of my life and career.