If you can only do one thing, then change the backsplash and countertop for now. Painting the cabinets still wont match the current conditions that you are in. Start in small projects and then after the countertops and backsplash are done, then paint the cabinets. Good luck!

Consider painting the cabinets medium gray for the bottom and white for the upper cabinets.

Your kitchen isn't out of date, it was just rather poorly planned. I like the cabinets, so I agree with the previous comment. However, I also like the backsplash. See if you can find a countertop that goes with the cabinets and the backsplash. I do not like the black appliances very much either. Any chance of changing them?

Thank you for the advice! What color backsplash and counter top and what color would you paint the walls?

Could you remove the other posting of this dilemma? Two of the same gets confusing.

when painting red oak wood, does the grain show through? If yes, how does that look?

These colors look nice.

I would consider changing out the appliances out to Ss would make everything blend better.

I would not paint the cabinets unless you hate them, I think they look nice overall. Don't do black and white. If you hate the color then consider your options carefully. The bigger issues to tackle to make your kitchen look up to date are: counter/backsplash, appliances, floor, blinds. Have you gone into any kitchen showrooms and considered what they are displaying? Not sure where you are located but if there is nothing in your area check out Houzz, and shelter magazines.

Thanks naujmartha! That kitchen is beautiful! Is it yours? I was thinking dark/ black for the bottom to blend the appliances in better and I have small children, so light colors tend to get dirtier quicker! I thought the black would make my kitchen have a cleaner look for longer!

thank you Gray and walter. What would you suggest for colors of counter top, backspalsh and paint to make it all blend better.

Have you heard of cabinet refacing? You basically keep your existing design, but simply replace your existing cabinetry with new drawers and drawer fronts. This will make your kitchen look brand new! Then you can keep the backsplash and countertop and simply paint the wall a complimenting color. Browse our "before & after" photos so you can see how much of a difference cabinet refacing makes: http://www.mrcabinetcare.com/gallery/before-and-after.html

Please let me know if you have any questions!
Mr. Cabinet Care Content Manager
Bethany Michaels

Definitely consider switching out the countertops. Another quick fix that would really update and freshen the space is to replace the hardware, like the sink faucet and cabinet pulls.

If you can't replace the appliances, at least for now, then I'd go with your idea of painting the lower cabinets black--it will make the black appliances blend better. The grain probably will show through, but it won't be as objectionable as you might think if you do a careful prep and paint job. Make sure any crooked/broken drawer, hinges, etc. are fixed--you need the grain of the cabinets to be the only visual noise in the run of cabinets. Change the hardware to something simple and substantial, but not too modern. Once you get that done, you can see if you want to paint the uppers, but you might be able to leave them as is.

All that big molding gives the kitchen a bit of a traditional feeling, so replace the modern-looking blind with a roman shade that doesn't fight the look so much. If you have a bad view out the kitchen window, use a frosted window cling on the glass.

I'm assuming you are DIYing on a limited budget...I always assume that because that's what I do....

I like Letitia Little Interior Design idea. To replace the counter tops with a black quartz like Cambria (this will tie in to the black appliances). Do a new back splash with in an off white subway tile with a black mosaic glass and stone border. Replace hardware with nickel pulls and knobs and paint your walls a soft gray. What color soft gray would you suggest for the walls?

If you want to pick the perfect color for your walls, check out our blog post "5 Tips to Pick the Perfect Hue for You" http://www.mrcabinetcare.com/5-tips-pick-perfect-paint-color.html

I like Letitia's plan too. I think the main problem is that the pink in the backsplash conflicts with the yellow in the countertop.