If you like a look of a white kitchen, then why did you buy a house with a wood kitchen that's clearly the opposite of what you like? Your cheapest option would be to paint the cabinets a color that's a creamy white (Like Acadia White from BM), or beige, and keep all else until you are ready for a renovation..

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I personally love a white, fresh kitchen as well, although I am having major kitchen envy right now! Gorgeous kitchen, with great appliances. Painting the cabinets, although time-consuming, is definitely worth it in the long run because your kitchen will make you that much happier when you walk in it each day. Unfortunately, white will be too stark in your space - I agree with the above poster's choice of paint color. Once your cabinets are painted and glazed, you might like the backsplash and countertops enough to not to want to replace them just yet.

A wood ceiling would look very nice, although I don't know if white would work, with all the natural wood in the room. What about a pressed tin ceiling, that could pick up on the stainless steel?

Paint the cabinets BM white Dove and maybe the island a pretty color that you like that's in a deep tone

On a kitchen this high end, if you want it painted contact a refinisher. It makes a world of difference and will be much faster than if you painted them yourself!

I have no idea why you want a wood ceiling, I would however have the cabinets painted professionally keep the counter a little darker to not clash with the floor and cabinets and if you are a little country you could paint the island a pale green or blue.

I love wood ceilings, but since you MIGHT want to paint the cabinets white in the future (or not-- they're bound to be out of style in another year or so), I'd suggest you paint the ceiling a soft sky blue. If you don't like it, go with the wood. Eventually, if you paint the cabinets white, you could paint the island a complementary color.

For starters get new hardware on the cabinets. I would wait on painting unless you really really dislike the cabinets dark. Maybe just paint the island a color, but not white. Your fixtures are dated. Replace them. I think it would be awkward for a wood ceiling because of the shape of the room. I would hire a decorator. Get new window treatments. It looks like you have top quality appliances. Looks like limestone floor. Love it. You need updating as it is very dated but the cabinets look pretty good. It looks like tumble marbled backsplash. If so, You have top of the line materials. I would not change them. If anything perhaps change up the island top but I really think you need a professional decorator.

Your floors are great! They have so many different color variations that you can pull almost any color of white through the space. I actually think if you put some crown moulding in the area, it would bring the ceiling up some. I am not sure of the height of the ceiling but putting plank ceiling up above might pull the space down a bit. Even if it is white. There a many things you can do to update the look of the kitchen or make it brighter. I would also replace the lighting fixtures as I think they need to be a little larger, especially the one over the kitchen table. Your cabinets look like they are good quality and if you know what vendor they are, you might want to consider replacing the doors or faces.

I don't think a wood ceiling would enhance the look. I don't think the kitchen itself is "dated". It's just very traditional. Well, an updated backsplash would make it look better. Maybe a reflective glass subway tile in a creamy color. I agree with Wells-Street. Crown molding, updated lighting in a transitional style and furniture that is transitional will update the space. Like mixing wicker chairs in? Anyway, I wouldn't paint the cabinets in your case. This is a lovely traditional kitchen.

PS..If the posts on the island and flanking the stove were squared off, it may look a little less traditional.

I wouldn't paint either. The only thing I would change is the rug under the table. Too dark with the dark table, and too busy. But I think you have a beautiful new home, congratulations!

I agree to start with updating to squared posts and different hardware to get away from traditional. Same goes for updating to a bright white backsplash and remove the rug/change barstools (if they were yours). Wonderful space and I love the light fixtures.

By dated I mean light fixtures. Fireplace a bit dated as is furnishings but with more up to date furnishings house will look great. For instance, a beautiful kitchen set and nice rug under table. Yes kitchen is traditional. The dark rugs don't work as does the dark window treatment. And if not dated in your eyes then the furnishings in my opinion add nothing to the top quality of stone, cabinets, etc. it has nice recessed lighting.

Beautiful! I prefer a white/light kitchen as well, but I would not paint these cabinets. I agree with previous comments: replace hardware and curved legs on the cabinets. Play with the ideas of:
- painting just the island and/or getting a lighter top for it
- lighter countertops all around
- lighter backsplash
I assume if these are photos from previous owner that the furniture, rug, and accessories are gone?

Yes, the photos show the furniture from the previous owner. thank you for your comments.

It is a beautiful space. I agree that I train to love the dark wood. We moved from Florida where I was so used to white kitchens. Maybe I really need to update the kitchen table. Since I'm new to the area, any suggestions how to find a good decorator?

I second the previous poster about the potential for a little crown molding. This is a lovely kitchen with high end appliances. Changing the knobs will go a long way. Congrats on the new house!

I like the current warmth of the kitchen. Since the floor is neutral your color palette shouldn't be too limited. A white kitchen might feel a little cold so consider what kind of backsplash, fixtures, etc. you plan on using with this new design.

Your kitchen is nice but there is too much wood. I would add glass to the upper cabinets and place light color dinnerware in them. You can even paint the inside back of the cabinets an accent color. This should help lighten the room.

Thanks everyone for your input. We're going to start by adding crown molding and painting the walls a lighter color. Also going to change the kitchen chairs and barstools. We like the table and if we can find chairs, we'll keep it. Do any of these chairs work? Trying to freshen up the space. Am I on the right track?

option #3 from Design Within Reach

I think a light colored chair would be better so I like the second choice. Plus it looks more comfortable than the wicker. Please share the updates if you don't mind.

First of all, I really like the floor and I think it adds a lot of beauty. I don't see so much yellow in it either. Just the right balance of warmth in the beige. I DO see a lot of yellow in the counters so I would replace thoes for sure.

If you put a wood ceiling don't go that white. I would suggest a distressed looking wood that takes on a gray tone. A wall color that would make your room stand out with the white accents is Benjamin Moore Laploma Gray. There again, it is less expensive to leave out the wood. Depends upon your budget. And, depending upon how tall your ceilings are. Darker walls and a lighter ceiling makes it spacious.

Some ideas....

I would not replace the countertop. It is great. Chairs a good idea-I like option 2 or 3 :)

I like the countertops too. I would choose chair 2 if I were choosing.

I agree not to change tops.

hi again nan K...I like the white chairs the best. And btw I only mentioned changing the counters because you said you wanted to and that there was too much yellow for your liking. You can totally work with what you have and make the room look really inviting. If you can update us with pictures that will be helpful.

I like the space a lot! It does seem like it is missing something... I Don't know if a white wood ceiling is the kick it needs... I tend to like the look of crown molding to finish any room. I would probably layer it. From the ceiling to the wall... I'll have your cabinet maker remove the small molding above your cabinets and take the upper cabinet to the ceiling or order taller uppers and wrap the entire space with molding and paint the ceilings 1-2 shades lighter than the wall.