2–6 October  ·  Turin, Italy

The Italian Design Retreat 2026

Kate Watson-Smyth & Catherine Finkernagel

A Transformational Long Weekend of Design, Strategy & Inspiration

We’re returning to Turin for a very special edition of our now-sellout Italian Design Retreat: a warm, immersive, and expertly guided experience created to reconnect you with your creativity, your vision, and the joy of making home. Whether you’re mid-renovation or simply seeking fresh inspiration in a setting that stirs the soul, this retreat offers a rare balance of expert-led teaching, architectural insight, and the beauty of Italian life – all from the comfort of Kate’s 24-room villa nestled in the hills above Turin.

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Close-up of green and purple olives on an olive tree branch with dark green leaves.

From Design to Décor

For creative homeowners shaping meaningful spaces.

Join us for five days of design mastery, renovation strategy, vintage treasure-hunting, and truly memorable meals. Alongside design journalist and author Kate Watson-Smyth and architect-designer Catherine Finkernagel, you’ll learn what it means to bring a thoughtful, cohesive home to life – from early concept to final flourish.

Expect structured workshops, warm conversation, and access to over fifty years of combined expertise, all delivered with elegance, humour, and heartfelt hospitality.

People dining outdoors at a long table on a narrow historic street with stone buildings and a tower in the background. 
structure, inspiration, and the joy of making home.

What You’ll Experience

  • Led by Catherine — learn the Seven Stages of a renovation, from vision to execution, turning overwhelm into structure and confidence.

  • Kate will guide you through discovering your personal design story, curating your palette, and styling spaces that feel cohesive and alive.

  • Work hands-on with fabrics, palettes, and planning frameworks professionals use — leaving not just inspired, but equipped.

  • Visit Turin’s vintage markets and architecture, gathering ideas and one-of-a-kind finds for your project.

  • From rooftop aperitivi to trattoria lunches, each meal celebrates connection, creativity, and Italian joy.

Schedule Highlights

Friday, 2 October

Welcome rooftop aperitivi
Private viewing of the Agnelli Collection
Dinner at a Michelin-listed restaurant

Saturday, 3 October

Villa tour
Workshop 1: The Renovation Roadmap
Garden lunch & dinner at a celebrated local restaurant

Sunday, 4 October

Explore Turin
Vintage market in Moncalieri
Aperitivi in the historic centre

Monday, 5 October

Workshop 2: Kitchen & Bathroom Design Mastery
Trattoria lunch
Workshop 3: Design Cohesion & Storytelling
Pizza evening at Kate’s villa

Tuesday, 6 October

Breakfast and farewells. A slow, gentle morning to reflect, share goodbyes, and head home – inspired, restored, and ready to begin anew.

Five days. Endless inspiration.

Reserve Your Spot +

  • “This weekend was completely restorative — not just in reconnecting with my passion, but in connecting with a group of hugely engaging and inspiring women. I left with creative clarity and a personal hype squad.”

    — Retreat Guest, 2025

  • “Catherine, you inspired me with your workshops — especially your approach to resisting Stage 4 in renovation! Kate, you are the dream host. This weekend was joyful, relaxing, delicious, emotional and educational. Quite the feat.”

    — Retreat Guest, 2025

  • “Learning about the roadmap was very empowering for future projects. I realized we often dive in at the wrong point (Step 4 anyone?) and spin around due to excess choices, often imperiling execution or resulting in wasted time/money. I’m looking forward to following the roadmap on future projects.”

    — Workshop Participant

  • “We couldn’t be happier with the result and would highly recommend Spaces Refined courses and consultations to anyone looking to create a space that is very special.”

    — Client, Spaces Refined Consultation

  • “This has been a great experience and we feel very privileged to have Catherine’s expertise & creativity — it’s a service that I would happily recommend.”

    — Client, Spaces Refined Consultation

Historic building with cream-colored stone facade, tall windows with blue shutters, decorative architectural details, and a street lamp hanging from a black street arm.

What’s Included

Included:

– All workshops with Kate & Catherine
– Four nights of accommodation in central Turin
– All meals, drinks, and aperitivi
– Transport to and from retreat locations and markets
– All materials (swatches, templates, and handouts)

– Flights or airport transfers

Not included:

Investment

£3 950 per person · All inclusive

25% deposit upon booking
50% due 60 days prior · 25% balance due 30 days prior

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FAQs

  • Absolutely. We welcome international guests from around the world. Turin is well-connected via air and train, and many of our past attendees have travelled solo from Europe, the US, and beyond. You’ll receive a full welcome pack with travel suggestions and support.

  • Not at all. Whether you’re gathering inspiration, about to start your project, or already part-way through, the retreat offers invaluable clarity, strategy, and insight plus a community of like-minded women to share the journey with.

  • Not at all. These retreats are designed for passionate homeowners, not industry professionals. We explain everything in clear, empowering ways and give you tools you can use, regardless of your background.

  • Yes, absolutely! Many of our guests come on their own and leave with lifelong friends. You’ll be welcomed into a warm, thoughtful, and inclusive environment from the moment you arrive.

Looking up at an ornate marble interior with a domed ceiling, a painted oval mural of a female figure with cherubs, and the word 'LINDON' in gold letters around the arch. 
The Philosophy

Is This Retreat Right for You?

Planning or dreaming about a renovation
Seeking structure amid overwhelm
Wanting to define your design identity
Looking for expert insight in an inspiring setting
Open to solo travel and meaningful connection

This retreat is for you if you are:

The Journey Begins Here

Design. Clarity. Connection.

The Refined Escape is more than a retreat: it’s a pause to think, create, and reconnect. Join us in Italy and rediscover the joy of making home – slowly, intentionally, beautifully.

Join the 2026 Retreat +