The Lake House
RotoruaSet on the edge of Lake Rotorua – and boasting sublime water views – The Lake House is a cherished forever home. Designed by Kate Horton Shanahan for a family of five, it’s a calm, light-filled home that feels both personal and classic.
Having guided the owners through two previous renovations, Shanahan brought an intuitive understanding of their aesthetic to this new build – crafting a space that balances character with longevity.
Soft neutrals, gentle lake-like blues and natural textures create a relaxed, coastal-meets-contemporary-country mood that connects seamlessly with the lakefront setting.
Underfoot, Forté’s Artiste Grande Van Gogh flooring grounds the interiors with its wide, expressive grain and subtle tonal variation — a perfect complement to the home’s understated palette and sense of ease.
The result is a refined yet welcoming family home, layered with warmth, texture and timeless New Zealand sensibility.



