(my island is quarter sawn oak, my perimeter cabinets are painted white)

I am not crazy about the cherry and am hesitant to put more in because I feel it is too orange. I definitely fall into the painted wood lover category. Our house was completely remodeled before we moved in and this is not the kitchen I would have chosen if designing myself. Our budget does not support brand new cabinets or that is what I would do.

ohh ok didnt know you didnt like the cherry.

why dont you wish to paint the uppers like the photos you like? anyway, before you begin you need to work out all of the "special cases". how would you go with the fridge cabinet, for example... it connects top and bottom. would it be wood or paint?

many people would shriek 'don't paint cherry' but i'll just say if you are going to paint some of it at least have a really professional job done. there is no reason to change cabinets if what you want is painted. might as well paint what you have.

That cherry is gorgeous. I would paint island and pantry only. Painting the perimeter as well might be overkill, and will undo what works about painting the other pieces: they are meant to look like individual pieces of furniture, distinct from kitchen cabinets. That's why you see lots of toe kicks, feet, and legs on cabinets-to make them look like furniture.

This isn't your style but the pantry is designed to look like furniture and is different from island and perimeter http://houzz.com/photos/20632327

Same island, different pantry http://houzz.com/photos/2500272

Another thought (I'm doing this on fridge panels) is to keep the cherry trim but paint the panels in chalkboard paint to break it up and make it more homey and useful. We ordered mirror framing from the cabinet company and are using cheap panels to paint. I don't think the aging would be noticeable in that case. http://houzz.com/photos/828623

Please don't paint those beautiful cherry cabinets. Cherry cabinets are highly desirable. In my opinion, painting them will cheapen your kitchen. If the pantry will be custom made, it could be lightly stained to match your current cabinets.

I suggest painting the island and the pantry. You can always take on painting more cabinets down the road. Take into consideration how long you plan to stay in the house. Cherry cabinets don't really go out of style. The wood is beautiful. Your door pulls and knobs are boring. That may help update the look in your kitchen. Get some zig zag shape door handles, or something you like -- that is more your taste that adds some flair. That would be a much simpler and less expensive way to start. Paint the island, pantry, replace countertop and door handles -- then decide if you want more change.

Send in more pictures for more opinions at that stage.

You might also consider asking the cabinet maker about a corner "garage" or door front to the top of the countertop to store your coffee maker, toaster, etc.

Another pic I love and an example of built-ins to look like furniture with no need to match any of the cabinetry any more than you would match your china cabinet to your cabinetry. Green would look beautiful with your cherry. http://houzz.com/photos/526038

Okay. I am older and not at all trendy because I have seen trends come and go. I do not want to offend anyone, but I would not be surprised in ten years if people say cabinets that are partially painted and partially natural wood are dated. So, if you want painted rather than natural, I would try to make the pantry something that is different in appearance and looks like a unique piece of furniture. Don't try to duplicate; create something original that will complement.

As is mentioned above, cherry cabinets are timeless. Don't paint them! I suspect that with new counters that you have chosen yourself, you may come to like the cherry.