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.
Found during a sourcing trip, the Simon James ’Kashmir’ counter stools feature the finest leather that will only look better with age.
A special find during the design journey, the 'Cloud Pendant' by Apparatus emits a soft glow through a cluster of hand made orbs.
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.
The Den, with its deep green walls, is a favourite place to unwind thanks to its layering, comforting textures including the plush Armadillo Savannah rug in the colour ‘Dust'.
The Powder Room has an elegant edge, thanks to the Lewis & Wood Wallpaper in ‘Fan Flower' - the design is made from a Sri Lankan batik panel thought to have been created in the 1600s.
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.
