Yes, cbower140...we got a refacing quote as well, and laughed ourselves silly when the guy left. $14,000 for cabinet refacing alone (no counters). Compare to $6,500 for all new cabinets with taller uppers, crown trim, several drawer units and slideout shelves in the lower cabinets. Another $2,000 for demo of soffit, drywall repair and cabinet installation. I cannot see the value in refacing, unless you have really good quality cabinets.

In addition to painting the cabinets, changing the hardware & replacing the backsplashes, I suggest removing the scalloped valance above the sink. It will take years off the design!

Actually I think the cabinets are not the problem. It's the beige walls. If you painted the walls mid- to dark-gray and replaced the back-splash with a similar plain color, the warm wood would sing out. Lightish wood really loves dark walls.

I wonder what homeowners will think about their white or cream colored cabinets after a couple of years exposed to grease, spills, acidity, water, etc.? It is not a room like the bathroom where white can be appealing. Be wary of the trend that seems to be more about decorations than practicality. Who has the money to re-do the kitchen every 2-3 years! Look for another color to brighten the area.

Just want to register another vote for leaving the trim unpainted, but def paint your cabinets. I think wood trim is having a comeback (if it ever even went out of style). Plus I think wood cabinets with white trim looks just fine (what I see in most homes), so why wouldn't white cabinets with wood trim work?!

Pam Bond, I originally thought the same way as you...and was worried, especially with a house full of boys. However, what I ended up finding is that I can now SEE the dirt/grease right away and can wipe up before it becomes a permanent part of the finish. With the old wood cabinets, I could not see the dirt...therefore it did not exist. (Yes, I am a lazy house cleaner!) I love knowing that my cabinets are clean "at a glance".

As a designer (and DIY-er, renovation enthusiast, etc) who works in new home construction, I would agree with those who say hire a professional to paint the cabinets! I'm not sure where you live, but we had a local cabinet maker paint ours - she came in and dismantled the kitchen, took the pieces to her shop for finishing (no mess or smell in our home!) and then brought them back and reassembled. She also repaired any that had been damaged and filled all the hardware holes so we could choose a different, more modern size. We replaced our appliances also and some were different sizes than the originals and she was able to build new cabinets, panels, and crown molding that perfectly matched the existing. This is another plus to hiring it out - especially if you'd like to extend the cabinets to the ceiling (as suggested above).
I also agree with those who day do NOT paint the oak trim the same colour as the kitchen. If you have oak trim in the rest of your home and are planning to keep it all, then treat this the same way. If you are going to go ahead and paint it all - I suggest an antique white, but definitely not the cabinetry colour.
As far as the layout goes, if you have a dining room, I would go with the long island with incorporated seating. It's my absolute favourite trend and you'll have much more space for both cooking and informal dining. Other options, as offered above, would be to paint (or stain!) the island a different colour, or do the uppers and lowers different colours (keep the pantry cabinets and fridge panels the same as the lowers!).

I myself would not paint the cabinets. I would change a lot of other things first before painting the cabinets. I would change the flooring to perhaps quartz or tile and use a lighter shade. I would change up the island, and extend it quite a bit to allow you to eliminate the table and chairs. I would also paint above the cabinets a darker rich color that the cabinets would complement. And I would change up the cabinet pulls to something modern looking. Those changes alone would make the kitchen quite different looking. The way it is now, everything is virtually the same color and shade. But actually the cabinets are a very nice warm hue. I painted our old cabinets many many years ago, when we had no money to do much of anything. They were a dark dreary brown. I removed all the doors, sanded and applied I think 2 coats, after a primer. It was such a lot of work and I didn't have near as many cabinets. Just my 2 cents worth.

Cabinets are beautiful. You need contrast. Reposition the island so length extends toward patio doors. Refinish the floor in warm, dark color. Do remove scalloped valance. Buy a long trestle table and chairs in other than oak. If ambitious, redo the island in cream with oak trim and buy a cream table to complement. More versatile and doesn't cover your great floors.

Fauxfilled...what a wonderful job you did on the painting of the kitchen. I have rarely seen this done so successfully. My suggestion for the kitchen in question is to use possibly three colors. Consider painting the uppers and lowers different colors or different tones of the same color and try painting the island in an eye opening color such as lime. Before you spend the dough to create another island, plan it well. If you use it for entertaining, have chairs that pull up to a lower level counter. Kids love the high bar stools, but sitting in them for a couple of hours is not great for everyone.

Golden oak definitely dates a kitchen. I vote for painting the cabinets and all the trim. Although I did not paint the cabinets, I replaced the golden oak with white and love the new look. I also used another color for accent, in my case I painted a grey-blue slate around the cooktop. You can do an accent color around your island. It will look great. I also vote for creating a longer island for your table and getting rid of the table and chairs. Definitely hire a professional for the painting. Best of luck with your project!

Painting cabinets is a great idea. I did it myself recently, going bold, but not crazy with a beach cottage look of stunning blue cabinets! Be sure to read up and talk to pros at the hardware store first. Light sanding, priming, sanding, painting (and using the best paint & application) is a must. Do it right and they'll look amazing. Good luck!

I would not paint all the cabinets in cream, they coordinate with the wood floors and everything else. I would just paint the new center island in the cream, now is in to have two different colors in the cabinets, I can not see exactly the colors on your granite top but if it has a dark green I will paint the island in the same green as the granite it will look richer and you can get the seating in the same green. Also if there is enough space between the new island and the refrigerator I will do the seating in the two sides is what you want to invite conversation and bring the family together while you are eating.

We painted ours ourselves. It took a week but so worth it!

It would take too long to read all these comments, so forgive me if I repeat. You CAN paint yourself. Try Annie Sloan Chalk paint. I can tell you from experience that chalk paint is the way to go if you're going to paint. It is THE most versatile paint going...can be used on any surface, used plain, or distressed, waxed, oiled , used on fabric.....etc. etc. You cannot make 'mistakes' with this paint. Try it, you'll like it!! It will save you a bundle and you can use your money for other things like fixtures and hardware.

Doesnt chalk paint give a more rustic finish though? Can you get a smooth modern look with it?

it only gives a rustic look if you want it to. You have the option of a smooth look. I've done both.

it is a very versatile paint....it can be slightly aged, distressed, smooth.....whatever you want. It's very easy to use and there are several excellent videos on application & techniques. Google 'chalk paint'.

I recently refinished 2 pianos. One distressed and one smooth. The smooth finished piano was actually done using chalk paint that I made from Behr Chocolate Raspberry latex (you can find 'recipes' for making your own chalk paint on google), followed by two coats of MinWax clear paste wax. The results were fabulous. It's a resilient finish...stronger than regular paint.

We tried to do our own cabinets and it was a disaster in a few ways. So, when I read a comment about having it done professionally, I am all for you doing that.

I notice too that suejphillips mention Chalk paint. I think that is a good option, but just keep in mind, it is a big job no matter what you use. If you have not done a lot of projects like this, consider all the costs.

Sometimes it is just smarter to pay someone.

I would sure like to see a pic of the refinished piano by suejphillips!
A

Again...... Thank you all so much for so many fabulous idea's! It's been fun to see how other people see your area's! I'll post our final results:)

I had a mixture of IKEA Tidaholm oak cabinets (uppers) and golden oak lower cabinets. I left the IKEA cabinets natural oak (very fine grain) but painted everything else dark grey...with acid green walls I love it, but it is not for everyone. My friend and i did the painting...took us 2 weeks, much sanding etc.

trishgrummett here's the dark piano. The photography is far from professional. I include before and after pics. I've done several other antique pieces using the chalk paint as a stain in some instances (you can thin it out with water). This paint can even be used on fabric. The application of chalk paint goes very quickly and it dries in about 20 minutes. It is not the 'big job' that regular paint jobs are.. It's actually fun to do.

On the lighter piano, I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - Old Ochre with Cocoa over that. I finished it with several coats of hemp oil. After the oil cured for a few months, I polished it with a car polisher. Some people don't like the distressed look. This was my first attempt (why I chose a piano for the first time, I don't know..lol) but I'm happy with the results.

Thanks so much for those pictures! I have an old piano that I have been wanting to do, and now you have inspired me! I will be trying to replicate your darker finish.

....and....I forgot to mention....there is no prep work involved, unless you plan to use the chalk paint as a stain. You don't need to strip, sand and all that other stuff that is such a pain. Just make sure your surface is clean and go for it!

Trish, you should do it. There's no such thing as a mistake with chalk paint. If you don't like it, you just paint over it , or wash it off before it dries. watch some videos and you're good to go. You'll be hooked!

Your cabinets are a beautiful oak! I would not paint them. Many would love to have a kitchen as beautiful as yours. I don't understand why everyone wants to paint their cabinets just because decorators decided this would be the "in style" for this year. In a few years the "new" style will be stained cabinets. Then you will have fun trying to remove the paint. No thanks! I'll keep my beautiful honey oak cabinets, doors and trim!

You could always strip them (a bit of work) and use Chalk Paint thinned to a stain. That way you could still see the grain, but you could update the colour.....sorry to keep harping on about chalk paint. It's just that it;s much easier to use than a standard stain. and the colour choices are limitless.

SueJPhillips...could you tell where to get chalk paint? Never heard of it before....

Joan....Google "Annie Sloan Chalk Paint" Her paint is top quality, but expensive. I now make my own and you can find a recipe for doing that online, as well. It's just paint, Plaster of Paris and water. The Annie Sloan paint is sold only through exclusive dealers, which are listed on her website, but there are now several copy cat brands on the market.

Thank you, Suejphillips.

We painted our oak cabinets. All I can say is go for it! Best thing we ever did.

Love this discussion. I have stewed about what to do with my 25 year old sturdy oak cabinets. There's nothing like the feel of solid wood. I'm a messy baker/ cook with a houseful of boys so I like that I don't have to wipe off fingerprints so often. The problem is now after so many years , some places have faded, some the polyurethane has flaked off (near the sink.). My contractor said the deep training of the oak wouldn't cover so well with pInt but he does have a chalk technique that with refinish them. I am going to look into the chalk paint for the island too. Love the idea of someone taking them away, making them new and bringing them back. Good luck how exciting!

Glad you decided to paint the cabinets. you will love them.. and while it's true, painting them yourself can be difficult and time consuming....it's all about what paint you use. I've painted ours using oil base paint and it took a lot of time, mostly drying time between coats, but since then, I have been teaching painting wood furniture and kitchens classes. I use Amy Howard One Step Paint.... the process is very doable for a dyi project.... and can usually be done in two days tops. they always look professional and awesome! contact me if you like and I'd be happy to walk you through the whole process... painting is my passion and I love to share.

We had ours painted a couple of months ago. We love the new look, it made the kitchen much more modern, brighter, fresher. Even our appliances look newer. We had a little trouble with the painter for 3 reasons (1) he didn't do a good job with the piant match. We had a piece of trim for him take to SW and match, but he did a sloppy job at that (2) He sprayed the doors and fronts at his workshop using a catalized paint, which is super super durable... but... it did not match the sheen of the paint he used in the cabinet frames, which were brushed and (3) it took longer than anticipated. Overall we are very pleased, most people don't even notice the issues we do. But if we were to do it again, I'd ask to see a sample of a brushed piece and a sample of the sprayed piece to see if the color is what you expect. We also changed our backsplash (I liked the old one, but houzzers convinced us it was time for an update) and it made a huge difference. Good luck and all the best as you embark on this journey!

WOW! What an amazing transformation. So much more streamlined and easy on the eyes. Good job!

I repainted my wood kitchen cabinets three years ago during the winter. They were gorgeous. I was so proud of myself. However the next summer the door panels expanded and ruined the paint job. The paint in the joints cracked and flaked, and some of the wood doors even cracked. Have them refinished by a professional. They take the doors apart to paint them.

I have been a kitchen designer for 18 years and as beautiful as oak is in the right setting, I would suggest painting them for some contrast against the flooring. You'll be surprised at how "unstuffy" it will become. Be sure to hire someone who is well-versed in wood moisture content. Many DIYers tackle it themselves in the garage in the summer months which leaves the wood in an "expanded" state and when they are placed back in the a/c, will contract and leave pretty significant joint lines. They should be properly sanded to remove layers of u/v and protective coatings applied at the factory. I can't honestly remember the last time I sold an oak kitchen so as far as an updated look, I think you'll love it. Don't be afraid of color on the island. It's easy to change with the trends. Best of luck.

With the proliferation of Oak in the 1980s and on, the quality was not what it was when Oak was really stunning. If you look at Stickley's oak with a critical eye for example, it was beautiful and very fine. Now, compare that with the newer oak. There really is no comparison. You would never want to paint Stickley's, but the stuff you see in most kitchens needs some cosmetics. Paint or a semi transparent stain will do it.

I had similar color cabinets, although probably a lesser quality than yours. We just had them painted blue & then roughed the edges. We were planning on replacing all of our wood trim with a clean white, but now we really enjoy the contrast. It was scary to go with such a bold color but I'm really pleased with the transformation.

I have same type of cabinets and I had them painted in a satin finish white. Best decision I ever made. Can't believe how they look brand new and updated the kitchen. Very easy to keep clean. I also added the small subway Marble backsplash.

joanorchid, you're right. The way oak is cut can leave it with a different look. The oak that stickley used in his furniture was a quartersawn and most definately a terrific look. Quartersawn and rift-cut oak has a totally different grain pattern. Beautiful in the prairie homes for sure.

Thank you, Penny Stanley. I was not thinking about the cut.

You may also check out http://www.web-don.com for more options. They have different kinds of countertops, panels, sheets, slabs, finishing products and equipment and cabinetry.

ON PAINTING CABINETS:
We DID paint our ourselves, and replaced hardware. Primer - a HUGE benefit! We used a small roller and foam applicators for the paint - resulting in a BEAUTIFUL SMOOTH surface!. It looks AMAZING! Primer brush marks are only visible in a few places when you look for them, so we are VERY PLEASED! and consider it WELL WORTH the money we saved!

Glad to hear that ac4mail. I think what we were trying to do was a bit complex. It was not just a solid color but was a water-based gel, and we got the wrong color. It just was a learning experience. I do understand how wonderful it is to save money and do things yourself.

You should go with cream it would look great p.s. Nice kitchen!

The kitchen is beautiful! A different backsplash would really make a difference. I would use the colors already in the adjoining living space for the backsplash.