Catherine Trillo
HJEM Managing Director & Founder
HJEM (pronounced "yem") is an old English word for ‘home,’ also used in Scandinavian languages and as a local colloquialism in the North East. This term reflects the region’s Viking heritage, with "Am gannin Hjem" meaning "I’m going home" in both Norwegian and Danish.
The influence of Scandinavian design is evident in local architecture, including the Byker Wall and the Civic Centre, both inspired by Swedish and broader Nordic styles. The swans in the Civic Centre’s bronze sculpture represent Norway, Denmark, and Finland, and the King of Norway continues the tradition of sending Newcastle a Christmas tree each year.
A large portion of the founder’s high-end furniture collection is Scandinavian, inspired by the quality of design and ethos. HJEM, as a concept, captures the region's distinct Northern European cultural heritage.
Heritage Skills and Community Regeneration
Catherine’s work bridges design and social purpose. From the family's involvement in the antiques trade, her interest grew into studying art and the history of art, then working in antique textile conservation and furniture restoration in London, which led to successfully managing an antique shop at the high end of the industry. Further experience was gained at Christie's Auction House before setting up her own business. Catherine’s expertise spans a wide range of furniture styles, including mid-century modern, Scandinavian design, and contemporary pieces, often blending these influences in her work. Recently, Catherine secured workshop space in a redundant shipyard on the Tyne currently being regenerated—where her father and family once worked—creating a meaningful connection between her heritage and her current mission.
Alongside her professional activities, she also volunteered in working with challenging youth in South London. Loosing them too often to the penal system spurred her into combining both passions when moving back to the North East. She decided to support vulnerable people through creating training and employment in the recycling of furniture within the Charity Sector.
To this end, she co-founded the Revive Youth Project, the first charity to recycle furniture in the North East aimed at the unemployed, ex-offenders, drug addicts, people struggling with mental health issues. She then set up a Social Enterprise, Lydia's House, where she refined her mission to further educate and deliver quality product through antique restoration and related skills for interiors. She sold through Liberty, national exhibits and opened a high end showroom in Newcastle’s city centre, showcasing finished product and the skills and talents of the people supported.
Catherine currently works as an interior designer and project management consultant while establishing HJEM CIC.
HJEM is the culmination of a life time mission, it is unique with its product, it has a deep social, ecological and economical purpose. 'Do join Catherine on the quest by getting in touch, making a difference by engaging in HJEM’s various services and product on offer.