A Thank You Letter to My Beige Kitchen

Dear Beige Kitchen,

As I stand here looking at you one last time in your current form, I can’t help but feel gratitude. You've been the quiet, beige heart of my home for about 15 years, and before I begin your long-awaited refresh, I want to take a moment to thank you for everything you've given me and my family.

Above: Behold! The beige countertops and cabinets! Also, it looks like soup is fixing to happen.

When we first moved in, I admit I didn’t find your beige walls, beige cabinets, and beige everything else particularly inspiring. Your monochrome color scheme felt dull, devoid of personality. But your true beauty wasn’t in your color palette; it was in the life that would happen within your four walls.

Over the years, we cooked thousands of meals together. So many rushed breakfasts, lunches packed in lunchboxes, and the occasional elaborate holiday dinner; beige kitchen, you witnessed every culinary experiment. You’ve seen me at my best (Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon) and at my worst (that terrible chili that burnt the bottom of the pot and made the whole house stink).  Through it all, you were reliable and ready for more.

​The Place Where My Children Grew

​Oh, the stories you could tell about my children. You’ve been more than just a place to cook; you’ve been a classroom, a workshop, and a creative haven.

​Above: Savory! My beloved son makes breakfast and corresponding breakfast mess.
Right: Sweet! My precious daughter perfects her birthday cake decorating amidst an explosion of powdered sugar and beige decor.

You were where they learned to make their first scrambled eggs and left burnt, stinky egg splatters on the stovetop. You endured their early, clumsy attempts to empty the dishwasher—cups placed on the wrong shelves, silverware stacked haphazardly in drawers. You’ve seen birthday cakes decorated with far too much frosting, the countertops covered in sprinkles and food coloring. You’ve hosted science projects, clay crafts, and endless batches of Shrinky Dinks baked in the oven. Your surfaces were where creativity blossomed! Thank you beige kitchen.

A Kitchen’s Wear and Tear

It’s not lost on me how much we’ve asked of you over the years. Your cabinets have absorbed so many spills and sticky fingerprints. The countertops have taken on scars from overzealous chopping and crafting mishaps. And your appliances, especially that old stove, have worked tirelessly through years of constant use.

Above: One morning, when the kids were teenagers, I woke up to find my kitchen in this state. I went directly back to bed.

You’ve earned your share of wear and tear, and though your beige has become somehow even more beige with time, those imperfections tell a story—our story. They’re reminders of the life we’ve lived here and the love we’ve poured into this home.

The Refresh: A New Chapter

Now, dear kitchen, it’s time for a new chapter. Your beige walls will soon be painted in vibrant new colors. Your cabinets will be given a fresh look, and your tired appliances will be replaced with shiny, modern upgrades. The sink—oh, that perpetually dripping sink—will finally retire in favor of something both functional and beautiful.

It’s not that I’m erasing you. Far from it. I’m honoring you by giving you the attention you deserve. For too long, you’ve been taken for granted, your utilitarian design overshadowed by the busyness of life. But now, with this refresh, I’m bringing you back to life. You’ll still be the heart of our home, but with a renewed sense of style and purpose.

Gratitude for the Journey

Thank you, beige kitchen, for being more than just a room. You’ve been a witness to our lives, a space where growth, learning, and love have flourished. You’ve seen us through laughter and tears, chaos and calm. And now, as we embark on this renovation journey, I carry those memories with me, grateful for everything you’ve given us.

Here’s to the next 15 years of meals, memories, and milestones. You’ll always hold a special place in my heart.