are you trying to make the space feel brighter or more updated? the walls are dar, the wood is dark and for my taste much too close to the floor color.

I don't think you need to change the cabinet color,, maybe the kitchen wall color and replace appliances. Not sure if changing back splash is an option but you could really make things pop with a different back splash. So many inexpensive options out there for that. They say stainless steel is on it's way out, but I still like the look of it. Could you go for a wider fridge instead of one that is so deep?

Yes, walls are pretty dark which is why we're considering painting them white. We like the wall color and want to stick with it since we'd have to reprint a connected living room and foyer....which I don't want to do

If you want to keep the wall color I would paint the off white or else it seems like you will have a very dark kitchen. I think you will also have more backsplash and counter options. If you do the white I would do stainless appliances. Highly recommend a counter depth fridge. It seems that some of the side will still show since your cabinets don't compensate for the depth but it will be an improvement.

I would paint them white but with Oak the grain will show through - do you want that look? If you nix the bar, are you going to miss that higher counter space? I bet you use that for serving/prepping/rolling dough-cookies? Stainless appliances.

We have done each type projects you are considering.

Glazing the cabinets is easiest of the mentioned options. The "Antique" look of the finish is very forgiving.

The hard part of staining darker is that you must first remove the finish from every square inch of the exposed cabinets and doors. A stain (penetrating) will not penetrate through polyurethane and you end up with a patchy finish. You can spray on a colored sealer (toning) which is much like painting except the finish is still clear and shows the grain beneath.

Painting the cabinets is fun too. The oak has grain that will show when completed.

As far as the fridge... You can remove the cabinet over the fridge. Add two sheets of plywood, one each side of the fridge with trim finish to hide the front edge of the plywood. The plywood would be as tall as the top of the upper cabinets by 24, 26, up to 30 inches wide. These panels will cover and enclose the fridge each side. Attach the plywood to the cabinet that was removed to make the cabinet almost flush with the front of the fridge. (See gray painted pictures for reference).

Lowering the bar height makes for a nice big counter top. It seems to be the preferred height in general.

Plan on new hinges and hardware/handles.

Best of luck on your project.

I wouldn't paint them. I'd definitely cut off the bar and do it all one height, and then bring in white counters and white backsplash. I hate granite, so I'd stear you towards white quartz (), and white beveled subway tiles () for the backsplash.

Regarding appliances...bear in mind, darker appliances are going to darken your space a bit. I hear white is making a comeback (apparently "ice white" is the new thing, ), but I haven't seen too much of that yet. I'd consider slate () rather than stainless if you deviate from the white.