Set on the edge of Lake Rotorua with sublime lakefront views, The Lake House is the quintessential family retreat. For the owners and their three children, it’s more than a new build - it’s their dream forever home.
Having guided the family through two renovations, Kate approached their first new build with a rare advantage: a deep familiarity with their aesthetic and lifestyle. The result is a home that balances character and longevity, feeling both personal and timeless.
The brief was clear - a family home that was light-filled, calming and inviting. With the owners’ love of neutrals and soft blues as her palette, Kate drew on a country–contemporary style, layered with a New Zealand sensibility. Interiors flow seamlessly to the outdoors, creating a dialogue with the lakefront and grounding the home in its landscape.
Customisation plays a central role in Kate’s designs. Bespoke sofas and armchairs, tailored cushions and a handwoven Armadillo & Co. rug in the living room reflect an approach that balances elegance with ease.
Kate is also known for her ability to add interest and texture to every room — a signature that gives the home depth and character. A faux shagreen coffee table anchors the living space with subtle luxury, while cushions made from vintage rugs add history and storytelling. Overhead, the Cloud pendant by Apparatus creates a sculptural focal point, catching the light and softening the space with a touch of drama.
This is a home that celebrates family living at its finest. While each space holds its own charm, the den is the family’s favourite: warm, intimate and inviting, it captures the essence of their lifestyle - relaxed, welcoming and perfectly their own.
