I have white raised panel cabinets in my kitchen

Our cabinets are raised panel; our drawers are slab front.

you may already be aware, and I don't know specifics because I haven't done it...but I've been told oak still shows the grain when painted. I've wanted to paint some of our trim and doors and have heard that the biggest disappointment is the graining. But again, I don't know if there is a way around this.

I had raised panel oak cabinets and after pricing painting them white, then pricing painting the frames and new fronts, I opted to replace them all. Painting oak requires lots of hard work. Make sure you find the right painter, or if DIY don't skip steps or you will definitely see the grain or worse, the paint will start peeling pretty quickly. It's possible, just difficult. Raised panel can look great (as evidenced already on this thread). It's the painting that is worth making sure you are comfortable with.

What beautiful cabinets and kitchens. I was afraid of what painting would look like because the cabinets have a lot of grain. I am posting a picture of them if this will clarify things. Ugly huh? :)
We are replacing appliances with SS and the countertops with granite.

Here is a link that might be useful:

Nice cabinets if you paint them.

They look nice for oak. My brother took dark oak cabinets like that and refinished them by sanding them down and staining them a light oak. The dark shows up in the grain and makes them kind of neat. But you have to like the oak grain. Not sure how they would have looked if he had painted them.

Hi Erie,

beekeeperswife painted her oak cabinets with great succes. Take a look at her kichen, it looks gorgeous.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0707382113432.html

I'll also link a thread that has an explanation of painting oak cabinets.
HTH, Petra

Here is a link that might be useful: Directions for painting oak cabinets

If you want white, the directions to paint them correctly are on this site.
It's certainly been done successfully.

But honestly, I like the dark grain. They look good in the photo.

I would do exactly what you mentioned, SS appliances (what looks 'bad' to me is the white)
and a nice granite. Get rid of the 4" backsplash and do a lighter colored tile in that space.
I'd also paint a lighter color on the wall, but that's just me. :)

Nice handles/knobs would help too.

Oh my gosh people, you're killing me with these wonderful
kitchens. Can not wait to start on this but realize
now it's going to be a big project. After seeing how
everyone's kitchens turned out it is obvious that it will
be worth it. I'm sure I'll be asking for more help as I
go along. Thanks so much for the postings so far!
You people are the best.
These pictures will show you some of what is ahead for me.
The backsplash behind the stove makes me feel as though I
am in the bathroom. White cabinets, new appliances, backsplash AND a new light fixture will make such a difference. Speaking of light fixture....anyone have any
thoughts on it? It needs to come down because the heat/air
vent is right behind it blocking it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen link

biochem, I know what you mean about the cabinets not looking that bad, but I am soooo sick of oak cabinets and this kitchen seems really dark. A decent light fixture would probably help that.
We haven't moved in to this house yet, closing in August, but I am really looking forward to the re-do
I "may" change my mind but right now all the white kitchens are catching my eye.