Kats, I don't know what type of cabinet construction is on the existing cabinets, but if you decide to go with the refinish option, you may be able to have someone convert some of the lower door cabinets into drawers. We did this with the cabinets on either side of our stove, and now I wish I had done most of the rest of the lower cabinets. Our cabinets were natural maple that we had stained darker, and replaced the doors and drawer fronts. Since you are planning on paint, reworking them should be easier than trying to rework stained cabinets.

I would be happiest with gutting my kitchen and starting over but since that is not an option, I got a new look and updated the things that needed it the most. It seems when I upgrade one thing it only highlights what needs to be next.
Are there other things that need to be done in the home? If so then budgeting is still the question but if not have no regrets and get what you really want.

There are some other things but the main variable is whether to replace the cabinets or simply repaint the perimeter cabinets.

If the columns aren't load bearing (contractor thinks they are not at this point) then in either option we will remove columns and put in a stained wood island with a counterheight bar.

Also in either option we will remove the arch and lighting above the cooktop (the cooktop is gas downdraft with no hood above it) and put in a stainless steel hood - probably a chimney hood).

In either option we will probably put in Bianco Romano granite counters with glass mosaic backsplash.

We will be doing some other work in the house (wood in one room, some work to the master bath and a few other small things). If we replace the cabinets then we probably don't put French doors on the dining room (quote is $2800 to enclose it so DH can use it as his study) and don't replace the shower surround (glass but with brass which I don't like - about $1700 to change the glass surround out) and defer converting a tub in a secondary bedroom to a large walk in shower ($1500).

Basically we can spend $6000 to get new cabinets but not do those things or we can do those things and just paint the existing cabinets white. In either option, though, we get the granite countertop, new island with bar, and new backsplash.

Some questions to consider....

1) Is the budget tight? Can you afford the kitchen renovation?
You mention wanting to do other things to the home.
French doors, shower surround, tub, walkin shower,
wood in master bath....

2) Will you be happy with painted kitchen cabinets?

3) What part of the kitchen bothers you the most?
Is it the cabinets, counter, arch, island, appliances....

One thing my husband and I did was list all the changes
we wanted to make in our renovation. And then the approx
cost of each.
We then checked off the must change list and narrowed
it all down. For example our floors needed to be redone,
but this was not a kitchen only reno, this was a whole
house change. This was part of our list and budget.

We listed the must change items from 1 to 15.
One being the first change that has to happen.
This helped us to figure out what was truly important,
what change was a have to, a want to, a need to...

4) Is this a home you plan to live in 20 years, 10 years
or just 5 years?

5) Can you get these reno plans itemized?

6) Is this an ongoing process? Bathroom this year,
kitchen next year, living room 2014, lawn 2016...
You get the idea.

For me, we are only living here a few more short years
and then we are off to build a home. So my kitchen reno
has been modified to include only the have tos not the want
tos. Although I love my have tos.
Hope these thoughts help.
~boxer

I would do the lower cost option and the other upgrades in the house so that you can enjoy those too. Seems like the most bang for your buck. The whole house would work for you so much better. We replaced our brass shower glass with frameless and I cannot tell you how wonderful it is in comparison. The french doors to the study and the walk in shower sound like way more fun than new cabinets, especially since they are still in good condition! Good luck with your decision.

I didn't need a new kitchen, had a good layout, so went with a facelift reno. My golden oak cabinets remained in place in their old configuration, but I got new doors and had everything painted white. The change is significant. I'd been pondering how to update my kitchen for some time while not breaking the bank or over-designing for my house. There are other things I want to do before long, e.g., replace carpets in the bedrooms, update bathrooms. I pay as I go, so I need to let my home improvement stash replenish.

I don't have drawers in my lower cabs (other than the usual stack) or soft-close or special slots for my cookie trays or a microwave tucked discreetly away. Sometimes I wish I'd bitten the bullet and replaced my cabs entirely. Maybe next time. Or maybe I'll take a trip or two with the money I saved.

The cabinets look really good in the pictures. I agree with the poster who asked how long you will be living here?
If you are here for a short time, then I would just update the counters. The backsplash looks good in the pictures.
Save for a complete remodel, if you are planning to stay for many years.
I am currently living in my house for 18 years. This was our third kitchen reno, but it took 15 years to do it. Mean while, I raised my two daughters with the old kitchen. I know people like to refresh and sometimes the after pictures are astonishing. But dollar for dollar if you took the "refresh money" and saved it, in a few years you could do a complete renovation.