As to painting the cabinets please note that wood moves with changes in temperature and humidity causing cracks in the paint so there is some up keep involved in keeping the cabinets looking good. Factory painted cabinets are MDF or MDF combined with wood which is more stable. Also, oak cabinets have a lot of grain, the texture of which can be seen through on painted oak unless lots of work is done to try to mitigate it. Some people don't mind it, but others do.

I find that people who are happiest with their wood cabinets painted white are those who like farmhouse, cottage or shabby chic style. If the cabinets look less than perfect or show signs of chipping down the road, then they just match the casual / rustic style.

If you do paint look at good tutorials online - which will include sanding, a very good primer like Zinsser 123 or Zinsser BIN and cabinet quality topcoat.

Personally, I will be refinishing my oak cabinets this summer because they are beginning to show signs of wear, but I like wood so will not be painting.