Nice job. I like the cabinets as they are. I am a best of both worlds person so I like the idea of having some wood cabinets and then your white island as opposed to all white when it requires painting. Painting requires a lot of effort and ideally a professional at a higher cost to do right.

Thanks for the comment! I'm glad to hear you like it as is - I am on the fence as I agree that painting will be a big personal DIY effort, or a big bill!

I think it looks really nice as it is! Even more impressive is the big change you made with such a small price tag. Good job. I really like the pendants...can I ask where you got them?

Thank you Sheri! The pendants are from Pottery Barn, I think they are still offered (rustic glass pendant - small).

Beautiful! I like it as is.

I want to add your "after" picture to my ideabooks just like I do the designer one. Remarkable! The wood you left looks fresh and updated.

Thank you, that makes my day! =)

This looks fantastic! Those small changes made a world of a difference! Enjoy your new kitchen!

I like it "as is". You've created a modern, sleek space with warmth (oak). If you paint it out, you will end up with a rather sterile "diner" style kitchen. Right now it has personality and warmth with a forward looking design. I wouldn't change a thing!

LOVE it as is! You did and amazing job. The cabinets add a warmth to the kitchen and also add a little extra interest. If you paint them white they may just fade into the background and not really show much of their beauty. Great job!

Nice job. No crown molding imo.

Your cabinets look great. I would not paint them white. Every kitchen is white right now. Yours looks very warm yet contemporary.

Thank you to everyone for the comments. I am really glad to see that the vote is for as is and keeping the warmth in the room! I've been looking at so many pictures of pristine white kitchens and it must have gotten in my head.

I love it! Looks as good as some of the 'higher end' stuff we see on here. Do not paint cabinets! If anything, what I would paint is the beadboard on the island. A lighter version of the wall color.

Nice job! NO to the crown molding. i agree with painting the beadboard a lighter shade of the wall color.

I agree, don't paint the cabinets white and I really like white cabinets, but the ones you have are very nice. They are simple and modern. Like some others said you should paint the beadboard that is the only part that doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the kitchen. Also, the painted stools don't seem to fit in my opinion. Below, is a link to a photo with a kitchen similar to yours and I think the stools in the photo might look great in your kitchen.

You did a great job! You're lucky you don't need to paint your cabinets. I did and it was hell, lol.

http://houzz.com/photos/3852708

wow, you added a cool design to your new kitchen. I like the backsplash. Looks like a great place for a get-together!

Thank you! Right now the bead-board is painted light gray, so a lighter color than the walls but I think its hard to tell in the photo. Maybe a little bit darker would tie in better though? I like the suggestions on the metal stools, I have actually been thinking about that as well but have been hunting for some affordable ones that are really tall since this is such a tall island and haven't found any yet!

As a side note I really want the Tolix bar stool ones like in the picture you posted, but feel a little crazy as I'd be spending more on bar stools than I did on my entire renovation!

Beautiful reno Dana!
I agree with painting the bead board darker so it blends more. And not painting the cabinets white.
And I would absolutely add some great crown molding.. it would really finish the look elegantly! You just can't go wrong with crown.
I know how you feel about seeing so many pics of white kitchens... they all look so wonderful. BUT... I had a kitchen with white cabinets and trust me they are not all that great.. especially cleaning them daily! I think those pics are of kitchens that no one really cooks in, or lives in for that matter.
Again.. Beautiful kitchen, nicely done!!

Your kitchen doesn't need a thing--it's beautiful. Great job.

LOVE what you did! Great job with glass front cabinet mixed with open shelves. I may borrow that idea for our (gutted house) kitchen we're working on. Thanks for sharing!

oh yeah - and I also vote NO on painting the cabinets white. Personally, I find all white kitchens a little overwhelming-ly ummmmm white. Nice, clean, modern looking design - stylish and NOT boring.

Impressive. Inspiring for those Diy's like me. No to painting the cabinets, too much work and yours look like designer cabinets now.

I'm very impressed by the huge transformation on such a small budget. You chose a great paint color to coordinate with the stain on the cabinets and styled the open shelving beautifully. I loved the light fixtures too. Everything looks great. The contemporary style does not call for crown moulding. I also feel that the beadboard is too light, but it could be the photography.

You did a beautiful job. I vote no way to painting the cabinets. Also no to crown molding. Breadboard is of a different style, so darker paint might help it fit in. Consider more angular or possibly metal brackets under island. can't believe what an improvement you have made!

Oh, my gosh! I love your new kitchen! I want to add it to my idea book. A limited budget calls for an awesome imagination. A little help from Houzz doesn't hurt either. Nice work.

Love your wood tone cabinets and would never paint them white! Your kitchen looks modern, inviting and beautiful! Sit back and enjoy it!

The beadboard evokes a feeling of "country" and the rest of the kitchen looks very modern. I'm wondering if the use of materials is what is making it feel like something is missing or unfinished.

I agree about the beadboard, but only because it looks dull and down scale compared to the rest. I'd redo it and the update the shape of the corbels to blend with the shaker cabinets. That's a WOW job!

Love the paint color on the wall. What is it??

I have been wondering about the beadboard myself, for the same reason. Any suggestion on what other materials to use to update it? The paint color on the wall is "Mink" by Sherwin Williams.

Wonderful kitchen ! Great creativity and it looks so inviting- enjoy it and don't change a thing!