(Day 5)
I care deeply about how rooms are arranged and finished, and the camp kitchen was no exception. A well-organized, welcoming kitchen doesn’t have to be expensive. Thoughtful layout, smart choices of paint and finishes, and a little elbow grease can transform a tired space into something comfortable, efficient, and easy to maintain.
When I first began working in the camp kitchen, I organized a cleaning bee and asked a few local women to join the effort. Everyone pitched in enthusiastically and worked hard to clear out clutter, scrub surfaces, and get the space ready for renovation. Their help made the whole project possible and sped up the process considerably.
One of our first tasks was removing wallpaper that had been on the walls for many years. It was already peeling in places and came away in sections, which revealed the condition of the underlying plaster. As soon as the paper was gone, it became clear the walls needed more than a quick touch-up—so I asked for a fresh coat of paint to unify the space and make it feel renewed.
We were on a tight schedule; groups were due to arrive within days, so the maintenance team stepped in and completed the painting in just two days. Their quick, professional work kept the renovation on track and allowed the camp to reopen on time. The transformation was striking, and the new finish made a noticeable difference to the whole room.
Below you can see before and after photos that show how much character and light the paint added to the commercial kitchen area.
For paint choices, we matched the main lodge color to maintain a consistent, cohesive look throughout the facility. The walls were painted in Barely Beige by Benjamin Moore, a soft neutral that brightens the room while remaining warm and inviting. The insides of the cupboard doors received Cloud White by Benjamin Moore to create contrast and reflect light inside storage spaces, making it easier to find supplies.
The result is a kitchen that looks fresh, is simpler to maintain, and feels more functional. The painted surfaces are much easier to wipe down after busy meal service, which is an important consideration for a commercial or camp kitchen. Choosing durable, cleanable finishes was a priority so the space would withstand frequent use and still look good over time.
This small renovation is a reminder that modest investments—good paint, careful prep work, and community effort—can dramatically improve a shared space. The cleaning bee, the maintenance crew’s rapid response, and a few thoughtful color decisions gave the camp kitchen new life without a major budget. It’s now more welcoming for guests and more practical for the staff who use it every day.
I’m thrilled with how it turned out: bright, organized, and thoroughly scrubable, ready to serve the next group that walks through the door.