Luckie Lane by Forager Studio

Words by Peter Bain
Photography by John Williams
In Partnership with Forté

Luckie Lane, a richly layered alpine retreat in Queenstown by Forager Studio, pairs expressive interiors with Forté flooring to create a home grounded in texture, tone and place.

Set against Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu with The Remarkables standing sentinel in the distance, Luckie Lane is a bold and immersive holiday home that embraces texture, drama and atmosphere through expressive interiors by Forager Studio. Eschewing the familiar language of crisp white walls and minimalist palettes, the interiors draw from the rugged landscape beyond its expansive windows. Featuring Forté’s Urban Tokyo flooring, the home is a layered composition of atmospheric gestures, rich materials and quiet refinement.

From the outset, the brief called for a sense of theatre – a home that felt deeply connected to the landscape while offering something personal and unexpected.

Luckie Lane By Forager Studio Project Feature The Local Project Image (1)

From the outset, the brief called for a sense of theatre – a home that felt deeply connected to the landscape while offering something personal and unexpected. “The original brief from the client was to create a dramatic and immersive space that truly connected with the surrounding environment,” says Jess Blair, creative director of Forager Studio. “They envisioned a unique holiday home – one that felt expressive and deeply rooted in its alpine setting.”

This desire for immersion is carried through in the spatial planning and palette. Rich, earthy materials ground the communal areas, while vibrant colours add contrast and character to the guest spaces. “We wanted the interiors to feel like a natural extension of the landscape – rich in texture, tone and atmosphere,” says Blair. Shades of green flow through the home in subtle gestures – painted surfaces, mosaics, concrete and textiles – creating a sense of continuity without feeling literal.

“Its tone grounds the space, allowing the surrounding materials – particularly the kitchen finishes – to build off that foundation in a cohesive way.”

At the heart of the design is Forté’s Urban Tokyo engineered timber flooring. With its deep tone and tactile finish, it serves as both anchor and amplifier to the home’s mood. “The client was drawn to the idea of a dark floor, but we wanted something that offered depth and richness without feeling too heavy or flat. Urban Tokyo struck the perfect balance – it has a beautifully nuanced tone that brings warmth and character while still delivering the dramatic base the client was after.”

The floor plays a pivotal role in enhancing the material relationships across the interior. “Its tone grounds the space, allowing the surrounding materials – particularly the kitchen finishes – to build off that foundation in a cohesive way.” The prefinished nature of the product allowed for ease of handling on site, streamlining both the installation and design integration. “Because the boards arrived with a consistent and reliable finish, we were able to use them not only for the flooring but also as reference points to stain-match the joinery in the kitchen.”

“Working with the Forté team was a seamless experience. Their support, knowledge, and professionalism stood out at every stage of the project.”

Luckie Lane By Forager Studio Project Feature The Local Project Image (3)

Having specified Forté across previous projects, the team at Forager Studio knew they could rely on both the product and partnership. “As always, working with the Forté team was a seamless experience. Their support, knowledge and professionalism stood out at every stage of the project,” says Blair.

Luckie Lane is a home that feels deeply connected to its surroundings. Forager Studio’s layered interior approach is grounded by Forté’s thoughtfully chosen flooring and shaped by a refined attention to detail.

Interior design by Forager Studio. Build by Fixation Builders. Flooring by Forté.