Pine Studios is a boutique interior design consultancy founded by Kate Horton Shanahan.

Originally from Hawke’s Bay, Kate’s design journey took her to Sydney, where she worked alongside renowned Australian designer Cameron Kimber. After several years immersed in high-end residential interiors, she returned to New Zealand to create her own practice.

During the Covid years, she and her husband Hugo made the bold move back to Hawke’s Bay from Auckland, purchasing a home online sight unseen - a leap of faith that has since become the base for both family and studio life.

Over the last decade, Kate has developed Pine Studios into an integrated and established practice shaped by her highly personalised and collaborative approach. Today, she balances her role as designer with life as a mother to two teenagers, Archie and Goldie, and the constant company of Bruno, the family dog.

Shaped by Kate’s warm, collaborative approach, Pine Studios has grown into a practice known for creating spaces that are not only beautiful but deeply personal. Kate believes interiors should tell a story — reflecting how people want to live and feel every day. Her strength lies in listening closely, respecting each client’s personality and lifestyle, and weaving practical solutions into inspired design.

From family homes and new builds to hospitality and commercial spaces, Pine Studios delivers projects with care, detail, and character. Many clients return to work with Kate again and again, a testament to the relationships and trust she nurtures.

Now based between Hawke’s Bay and Auckland, Pine Studios continues to design bespoke interiors across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Two Pine Studios projects have been featured in TVNZ’s show, Lap of Luxury. Click here to see Clifftops or here for The Potting Shed.

Get In Touch

If you’d like to discuss an interiors project, please feel free get in touch using the form below or give us a call.
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+64 27 416 4075