Gentle minimalism x grounded simplicity

Welcome to the Calm Retreat Kitchen

Inspired by the feeling of a retreat, the Calm Retreat Kitchen vibe combines soft textures, stone-look surfaces and gentle curves to create a warm, tranquil atmosphere.

Get the design ingredients bethind this kitchen vibe.

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What makes a Calm Retreat Kitchen?

Feel good finishes

Materials are chosen for how they feel as much as how they look. Microcement, travertine and warm timber with soft, touchable textures and a matte, light-soaked finish (no gloss or cold surfaces here).

Mono material calm

Using the same or similar material across surfaces (like benchtops and splashbacks) to reduce visual noise and increase calm.

Intentional imperfection

Embrace the organic character of stone and timber, natural veining, texture, and patina over perfection.

Harmonious curves

Curves soften the pace of the room and reduce visual tension. Think gently rounded island ends, bullnose benchtops or curved rangehoods that echo the ease of the scheme.

No white

Calm Retreat is not a stark white kitchen. Colours are soft and settled. Think clay, stone, sand, soft taupe, dusty beige, muted green-grey or pale warm grey. These colours help the kitchen feel restful over sharp.

Natural not busy

Texture adds warmth and depth, but keep it refined. Choose honed stone, handmade-look tiles, brushed metals and subtle natural finishes. The feeling should be calm and elevated, never rustic.

Soft shapes + gentle details

Soften the space with gentle curves. Rounded island ends, curved rangehoods, arched niches and softened stone edges create relaxed feel. You don't need it everywhere, just one or two thoughtfully placed details transforms the mood.

Take a tour

Calm Retreat Kitchen Styles

Take a tour

Calm Retreat Kitchen Styles

Mediterranean

Calm Retreat

Contemporary Spa

Cabinetry

Cabinetry

Cabinetry sets the tone for your entire kitchen.

It’s often the first thing your eye is drawn to, shaping the overall feeling of warmth, light, and cohesion within the space.

Discover the key features behind the Calm Retreat cabinetry palette and the soothing atmosphere it creates.

Simple cabinet fronts

Simple cabinet fronts

Flat doors work well, but they should not feel too stark.

Curated display

Curated display

Open shelving, arched niches and glass-front cabinetry can be used to showcase ceramics, glassware and treasured objects. Keep displays thoughtfully curated and minimal, allowing each piece room to breathe.

Curved + softened island corners

Curved + softened island corners

A curved island end, rounded corner, waterfall edge with a soft radius, or open rounded shelf can help the kitchen feel more retreat-like. This is one of the clearest ways to separate Calm Retreat from a standard neutral kitchen.

Concealed storage

Concealed storage

A calm kitchen starts with clutter out of sight. Prioritise appliance cupboards, pantry zones, deep drawers and integrated storage solutions that keep everyday items hidden, creating a more peaceful and considered space.

Surface finishes

Surface finishes

Surface finishes

Surface finishes

Rendered texture

Honed

Natural timber grain

Handmade look tiles

Super matt

Layout guide

Plan for layered lighting

A Calm Retreat kitchen relies on layered lighting, not just downlights. Pair practical task lighting with softer elements like pendants, wall lights and under-cabinet lighting to create warmth and atmosphere.

Create a Focal Point

Choose one standout feature, such as a curved island, stone splashback, arched niche or statement rangehood, and let it lead the design. Keep the surrounding elements quieter to maintain a calm, retreat-like feel.

Hide the everyday

In open-plan homes, a concealed pantry or prep zone helps keep the main kitchen calm and uncluttered. Treat the kitchen as a beautiful backdrop, with storage and everyday appliances tucked out of sight.

Common mistakes

Choosing glossy finishes

Gloss can make this style feel sharper and more modern than intended. Fix: Use matt cabinetry, honed stone, brushed metal and softer surface finishes.

Adding too many curves

Curves work beautifully here, but too many can start to feel gimmicky. Fix: Choose one or two softened moments, such as a curved island end and rounded handles, then keep the rest simple.

Forgetting the lighting

A Calm Retreat kitchen will not feel calm under cold, harsh downlights. Fix: Layer the lighting with task lighting, soft pendants, under-cabinet lighting or wall lights.

Calm Retreat Kitchen Style Kit

$94.95 $80.00

Inside, you'll find 100+mix n' match materials, colours and finishes, plus clickable product links and simple tools to personalise your Calm Retreat kitchen look. Carefully chosen by an architect to work beautifully together, from cabinetry and tapware to lighting, paint colours, benchtops and more.

✓ 100+ architect-selected materials, colours + finishes
✓ Direct supplier links to real products
✓ Budget, mid-range and premium options
✓ 4 ready-made material combinations
✓ Editable templates for your builder
✓ Exclusive discounts

.. and much more.

Kitchen Style Kits Bundle + FREE Layout Library

$380.00 $152.00

Inside, you'll find 4 architecturally designed kitchen looks,400+ mix n' match materials, colours and finishes, plus clickable product links and simple tools to personalise your dream kitchen.Carefully chosen by an architect to work beautifully together,from cabinetry and tapware to lighting, paint colours, benchtops and more.

✓ 400+ architect-selected materials, colours + finishes
✓ Direct supplier links to real products
✓ Budget, mid-range and premium options
✓ 16 ready-made material combinations
✓ 3D images
✓ Editable templates for your builder
✓ Exclusive discounts
✓ BONUS The Ultimate Kitchen Layout Library: 160+ easy to read drawings including floorplans, elevations, and 3D views ($129 Value)

Meet the founders

“Turn scattered inspo to a clear, cohesive kitchen vision.”

At Anew Space, we know the early stages of a renovation can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why we (an architect and a designer) created Kitchen Style Kits - to help you move from scattered inspiration to a clear, cohesive kitchen vision with beautifully curated materials and guidance from the very beginning.

x, Xiaona & Rosie

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