It looks like you had the same cabinet maker as us. Our house was built in 1979 (SF Bay area of CA). We had the exact same door style and hinges as well as the tile countertop (though we had thicker, dark brown grout).

The cabinets are ash, which is a very nice, sturdy wood. Be aware that it turns stains very yellow/orangey so unless you like that look stick with true browns to blue undertoned browns (like a cordovan). Be aware that the door and drawer inside parts (everything but the frame) and probably any side pieces that you have (such as the side of the cabinet to the left of the stove) are in all likelihood thin veneer. They are "hollow core" doors and this is what their construction looks like:

From Kitchen

Sanding will be very, very tricky for these parts. You're lucky that your current stain is so light. You should be able to get away with a good cleaning / chemical stripping followed by a light sanding and then re-staining. I'd seriously consider going with a gel stain (which acts more like a paint in application) as you'll avoid a LOT of hassle this way. There are several how-to posts on this forum (and the Kitchens) forum that talk about doing this.

In our case, previous owners had glopped on some really dark stain on top of the original finish. They did a horrible job so we had no choice but to strip and sand. We considered painting but I just couldn't do that to such gorgeous wood. It was a LOT of work. Sadly, the doors didn't fare so well in the sanding/stripping process so we're winding up getting brand new doors.

The counters look to be in OK shape while the grout looks a little ragged. I'd suggest getting some of the colored grout sealer - perhaps in an accent color or something that will compliment your new colors.

What's above your peninsula? In our house (and Hubby's parent's house) there was a massive three-door cabinet with glass on the outer-facing side. We took ours down and put in pendant lights. It made a HUGE difference.

Another quick and fairly simple fix would be to upgrade your faucet / sprayer set.

I'd suggest you visit the Kitchens forum. You'll get tons of helpful kitchen-y advice as well as pointers to resources for getting the things you want at the best possible prices. Be aware that many (most?) of the posters over there are pretty kitchen - obsessed. You'll get awesome advice here on colors, design, etc.

Ours is still a work in progress as we are DIY and doing more than just a surface remodel. I do need to add some updated photos but there's tones on my photo site. Main album is posted below but there's also a couple of others.

Here's a link to a slideshow of some really nice kitchens:
http://finishedkitchensslideshow.blogspot.com/

Here is a link that might be useful: here's a bunch of pics

I actually like twist hardware. Looks fine from here.

Don't think you need too much tweaking, considering a budget. A darker stain on the cabs and a valance with more presence to pick up the beautiful color in the breakfast area.

I'm with you on changing out the drawer pulls for something more updated. Along with that, would you consider concealing the hinges behind the doors? Think that alone would give your cabinets a more elegant feel. Down the line, what would you think of changing out the hood over the stove, to incorporate the micro - and free up more counter space? Have you considered continuing the paint color shown into the kitchen area? If you were to do that, the valance above the sink might look brighter. Short of the paint continuing, then perhaps just a new valance would give the room added spark. I agree with the suggestion to update your faucet and sprayer. Oh - and if you go with concealed hinges, you'll have to fill in the holes left behind - so, consider that BEFORE/IF you decide to sand and re-stain.

Ingrid,
I tried unsuccessfully at the Gel stain but know you will get correct instructions. I remember reading & seeing posts of dramatic results with the Miniwax gel stain.

I actually like your current hardware. Have you thought about removing the upper cabinet doors? Painting the insides a coordinating color? You could also use rattan baskets to store unsightlies(sp?) Another thought....is maybe to price out the instock formica at HD/Lowes. I replaced the old countertop in previous house with formica & it made such a difference for not alot of cost. Also did a new sink & faucet - I did not do high end at all - went cheapest but it really made such a difference. There are bargains out there! I would use the $$ for hardware & do something else.

Here is a pic for you....removing upper cab doors - neutral formica counter - now she painted but you could stain & it could totally transform your kitchen on the cheap!!

Smiles:)

here's my kitchen:

Its been cleaned up a bit since this photo was taken -- but shows you that we painted the cabinets white -- and bought white appliances. "nothing to write home about" would describe our entire house (LOL!)

Jan -- who loves the black-painted cabinets featured above from the Blog "The Lettered Cottage"

Here is a link that might be useful: The Lettered Cottage blog -- inspiration!

When I look at your pictures, the refrigerator sticks out hits me like a sore thumb. Not sure if you are planning on updating your appliances but you may want to look into recessing your refrigerator into the wall and encasing it to look like it's in a cabinet for a finished look. You probably can do it with panels of plywood and stained to match the rest of you cabinets. You can fill in any empty space with a filler of some type.

I see a cherry or a mahognay stain.

Thank you all for your responses. Teacats, your kitchen is absolutely darling and I love it. pbrisjar, your post was really informative and interesting. It looks as though you're doing a really extensive remodeling. Fortunately we have no cabinets over the peninsula; the former owners took them about. I agree about the refrigerator. Fortunately it doesn't look as bad in real life, partially because the almond color exactly matches the walls and the counter tiles, which you can't see in the picture. I think the angle of the photo also makes it look worse. Of course, recessing it would make a world of difference. I think the sink and fixtures is something I'll strongly consider replacing, also the ugly hood over the stove, which you can't see well on the pics. My husband hates the cabinet handles, and says he'll gladly ship them to you ladies who like them ..lol.

Thanks again for the input, it's much appreciated.

Tell your DH he's a pretty funny guy. :)

The reason I noticed the hardware was because it's like the style that is in the kitchen on "Two and a Half Men", but his is black wrought iron. They have tiled counters, too.

Of course, that's a beach house in Malibu, that's kind of eclectic Mediterranean.

Gee, what does it mean when you pay more attention to the set designs than the shows, themselves?

Ingrid, agree hardware's not helping. One thing I noticed is that the hood over the range is high enough allowing for the possibility of putting a built-in microwave up there instead. Have you considered that?

I just went through an exercise of trying to find a 12" cabinet to replace my 21" cabinet over the stove so that I could swap the old fashioned hood with a nice SS builtin microwave. I was able to find the cabinet and am looking forward to the extra counter space too.

I would think staining is a lot of work, but if you are up to it, good luck. I am about to start painting mine and even that's going to be a good deal of work.

Love the black painted cabs. And the open shelves are pretty cool too.

Teacats, good looking paint job. Did you paint the hinges? I was thinking of trying that. Any special prep or special paint? Exposed hinges really contributes to that dated look, IMO. Switching to concealed hinges is not feasible, at least in my case. Am hoping that painting them is a compromise to help them blend in and disappear a little bit.

Thank you Jan!
I appreciate the credit on my black painted kitchen cabinets! :-)

Layla
The Lettered Cottage

Here is a link that might be useful: The Lettered Cottage