The trick with changing the color of existing cabinets is changing the color of the stuff that's staying (i.e., everything except the doors) -- in a way that will last as long as you need it to. In your case, we're talking about the fridge panels, island backing panel, cabinet sides...maybe the molding, etc. If you want to paint, then you are painting in place and the durability of the finish will never be what you have now. So be prepared for chips within five years, two if your boys are like mine. You can mitigate the anxiety of chips by distressing the paint if that's your taste...not very 1940s though. Otherwise, you are talking about stain...and a darker one. That could work well. One other consideration is to be wary of anything that is veneered. Veneer, of course, is very thin and thus can't be heavily sanded in preparation for a surface treatment. Many refacing companies reassure homeowners that they can change the color of the stuff that stays by applying veneers. Yet, veneers are what they are -- thin strips that are applied with an adhesive. Their appearance and longevity is only as good as the materials and the labor involved, and rarely are refacing materials and labor top quality because they are designed to be less expensive. Your cabinet color is good for a room that doesn't get much afternoon light. So, if you haven't already, consider changing the floor, backsplash, light fixture, and/or countertop if you are looking for an update. The cabinet doors can either stay or be replaced with something that's more your taste, but in the same color if you like the current color. Best of luck.

Whoops. I wrote a long suggestion and accidentally deleted it in the process of editing. In short, I was suggesting either a black, gray, or dark wood kitchen (either painted or refaced) to try to incorporate your wall of dark doors into the design more (are they black or dark wood? The idea is you would match them in the cabinets). But Catherine is absolutely right that repainted cabinets will never be as durable as wood stained or ones that came with paint as the original finish. If you went with a darker kitchen you'd probably want white counters (possibly keep yours?), white walls, and stainless steel appliances. Here are some photos of all three colors, the first with a door a bit like yours:

Love the style of your home. Go cape cod with a modern twist. Check out this picture- not white cabinets!!

Need to know what you find "tired" about your kitchen space. If the layout works and the cabinets are staying, then floor, countertop, backsplash, wall color, and appliances are the possibles for change. You could add a glass insert to 1 or more wall doors; you could add a trash pullout in a base cabinet; you could add shelves to the open cabinet to the right of your cooktop (or put the pet dishes in there). This must be a builder kitchen - only a builder would put the dishwasher in the inside corner of the cabinet run. Personally, I think the high contrast doors on the pantry? are too attention grabbing and not where you want the focus of your space. I would paint them out and make other finish updates (not painting the cabinets) to the working area of the kitchen. If you're keeping the appliances, change the microwave to a white one to match and have less contrast. Good luck with the project!

Wow! Thank you to all 4 of you for all of your great suggestions! Catherine, I can't tell you how grateful I am that you informed me about the shelf life of resurfacing the cabinets with paint. We are going to change the floor, should I be frightened of the hardwoods with all the action going on in my kitchen?

To Betsy and Feeny, I absolutely love the images that you've attached, namely the styles of the kitchen II from Austin as well as the Custom Home-Atlanta. They have the modern feel but maintain a coziness to them which is what I'm striving for. The putty/grayish paint looks amazing with the marble.

To be honest, I agree with wanderer27 about my pantry doors...I think they need to go. They are a dark green stain with a distressed cream on the panels.

To clarify, I love the structure of my cabinets, but am not crazy about the color. I feel they have a bit of a pinkish hue to them and are difficult to work with. Unless someone can recommend colors for walls to offset them? This has been my mental hurdle since we moved here 13 years ago.

We are planning on buying all new stainless appliances - any suggestions for a massive, dependable fridge for 4 boys and a hubby? I will swap the new, bigger fridge with my double oven because the space is bigger.

Thank you to you all! I feel like I'm getting closer to putting the pieces to this big puzzle together!!! Any comments or suggestions are always welcome.

K

Two more notes:
Totally agree that if the pantry doors are green and cream they need updating. (I assumed/hoped they were black with opaque glass. So much for photos.) Make sure they either match or coordinate with whatever you choose for the kitchen and they should look great.

Second, hardwood floors in kitchens are fabulous! Don't be afraid of them at all. I think they are durable, beautiful, and versatile. I've had hardwood (white oak and maple) kitchen floors in both of the houses I've lived in over the past 20 years; in both cases the floors were original, dated back to the 1920's, and were/are still going strong (presumably with a few refinishings in their long history, but none during my tenure). I have two energetic dogs plus a son, all of whom spend lots of time in the kitchen hanging out. Just be sure to wipe up spills, and remember that lighter wood tones show dirt less.

I have 3 kids and my Viking pro fridge is great with the proper amount of storage.
I suggest using a super durable countertop surface like Caesarstone, it's great for all things kids with no fuss.

Maybe you can fit 2 fridges in that space? I've been seeing that alot around LA lately. families who entertain love it...

Oh my gosh! I love the 2 fridges together! I've never seen that before. I think it's now on my "must have" list! Thank you Shannon....!! And Betsy, I am going to check out the Caesarstone...we love durable! And Feeny, I'm so happy to hear about the hardwoods as my entire house is hardwood and I love it. I was just nervous with the high traffic and no rugs. Good tip about the light wood also...

Thanks again everyone!

I would not be afraid of white, if you don't have a lot of light coming in this will really help brighten the space. Plus if you pick a durable paint (talk to a pro) they should be easily wiped off with a rag or my good friend the Mr clean sponge :)
You could change it up with the island-stain it darker or do something fun like a rich navy or a cool gray/green. I would probably replace the pantry doors to match the main cabinet color. You could even add glass to a few cabinets, if you did an obscure glass on the cabinets like seeded glass I would continue that to the pantry doors, maybe even just the middle two (if you go with clear glass I would pass on the pantry doors being glass otherwise everyone will be able to see all your goodies in there)
Good luck!

You're welcome! Have a blast customizing and updating that kitchen!