I THINK I WOULD GO WITH PAINTED CABINETS WITH SHAKER DOORS.GO TO TOM'S WORKSHOP IN SOUTHSIDE AL. ON FACEBOOK TO SEE BEFORE AND AFTER PIC.

you can probably match the wood well enough with crown molding but you will never match doors. As the wood ages it gets darker.

you can get the middle of these doors out and attach something behind the door but you will never be able to get anything flat like wire or glass into the cut out area..

The cabinets and the wall color are clashing with each other! Paint the walls; the cabinets aren't so bad! Add some hardware (brushed nickel) and that will be a great improvement!

You would need a rabbeting bit to set it into the current panel area. To secure it, use a molding or caulk.

Looks like a LOT of wood. Almost everything is the same color or close to it. I would suggest replacing a few upper cabinet doors with glass doors and re-staining the cabinets. I would suggest an island that's a different color and style, but I guess that is new. I think you need more variety. I would also paint the wall behind the cabinet a darker green than the other wall. Adding green hanging lights over the bar would also be good.

we have been doing a LOT of this lately. My suggestion, have a local cabinetry carpenter buy new doors for you and paint/stain them to the color you like. I recommend a full-overlay door to help reduce the amount of frame you see - and that help them look more modern. Then, have that same carpenter (or his finisher) refinish just the frames. Then, I'd remove the soffit (be careful, there may be electrical and HVAC hidden up there that you will have to relocate). Once the soffit gone, install new crown molding. You can even have that before mentioned cabinetry carpenter build new cabinets above these existing ones with hopper style doors to give you more storage and finish of that space. $2 to $6k investment.

Adding a flat soffit of either wood or even drywall above the cabinets , several inches wide, and attaching crown molding on top of it to attach to the the ceiling will give it a completely finished look. You can paint it the trim color and adding handles, not knobs, of a pretty good size will break up the solid wood look and update the look. Usually these minor changes make a huge difference without the expense of a major Reno. Find a good carpenter...this is not an expensive fix.

Already stated, but swapping a few door panels with glass will break up all that wood. Also flip the cabinet door insets to the flat side. Cathedral tops are soooo 1980's. Then paint or stain to taste. Darker color inn the island and on the frames of any glass doors, lighter on the rest. Just don't get drastic. Maybe a dark and a light variant of the same tone. Love the green.

I think that you have been given a lot of great ideas so far. Many of them do involve a lot of time and some involve a lot of money. In my opinion, the cabinets are not horrendous. I feel that the wall color is making them appear much more orange than they actually are. Yes, the cathedral tops are dated. But they look like well-made cabinets and it would be a shame to paint or replace simply for vanity's sake. If you add updated hardware, that will make a huge difference. As for the paint, choose a colour that is complimentary to your backsplash (which I love by the way) and paint the entire room....including the green colour. I would personally lean towards the creamier color but that is up to you. You can add punches of color to your room by way of accessories. The cabinets will look completely transformed when surrounded with a more neutral wall color and the entire space will be much more cohesive when painted all the same. The valance above the kitchen window should be removed. I had the exact same one and once I removed it the difference was amazing. Much more updated. All you need is a screwdriver and some wood filler ;) You have a wonderful space. Before you invest a ton of time and possibly money in refacing or replacing cabinets I highly recommend trying out a different wall color and new hardware. I guarantee that you will love the change and the cabinets will not look so dated. If you still absolutely hate them then unfortunately replacement will be the only option. But, as my husband tells me, if the worst thing in my home is cabinets that someone says are outdated... things really cannot be that bad ;) On a side note, I would also replace the vertical blinds on the windows with some beautiful drapery and hardware.

I am anxious to read all of the feeback you're getting. I am in the same boat with my kitchen - oak everywhere and I'm on a budget with remodel and upgrades. Good luck!

just a note on the cabinets--they do picture well and look better online that in person. They are gummy, and the quality is akin to Menards--Medallion is the name brand. I have no issue painting or staining because of their lack of their value. They are worn out in my book.

Im thinking , intrduce only one pattern in area 9countertop my pic) then paint outAll cupboards to same color(I in this area would use almond, tto allow color introduction for other furniture pieces to somewhat be seen in countertop, using onlt 3 colors in this pace basically, and leavedesign for countertop and small toppers for curtains to reflect your tastes, country or eleghant.
Remember my thoughts only .

Then, I do think your best and least expensive option is painting them. If you know a good carpenter, he can investigate those soffits. Contractors do usually use them for wire runs, etc but usually they can be pulled down to the top of the existing cabinets so they won't be seen and the soffits opened. Done this a few times with inexpensive kitchen makeovers - it does seem to open up the kitchen and give some breathing room. Those cathedral doors could still be replaced - ck your local Habitat resale outlet, if you have one. Ours carry an extensive collection of cabinet doors, usually unfinished, to replace them at a lower cost especially when you are trying to match the style of an older cabinet design such as yours. They have been a lifesaver for me on some jobs. You have so many cabinets It only makes sense to try to salvage what you can without replacing them. Unless you have an unlimited amount to spend, working with what's there and making them the best you can is the most economical decision. I've even opened some up by removing the doors and exposing, say the daily dishware/glassware storage to make it more convenient.

Hey Charlsb,

I think refacing could be the way to go if you are really unhappy with your cabinetry. This process is more affordable than purchasing new cabinets, but gives you a completely new look. I'd go with a professional though, this really isn't a DIY job.

You can learn more about the process here- http://www.granitetransformations.com/southjersey/cabinet-refacing-page

Basically, you'll get new doors, drawers, drawer pulls, hinges and hardware. You can select wood doors or RTF doors depending on the cost. This basically provides you with new cabinetry at a fraction of the cost of ordering new cabinetry.

Good luck with your project!

Be careful when repainting if the finish on them now is sticky. If after cleaning them up they are still sticky, you will probably have to strip them before you paint them to get a good finish on them.

lisabianco - your cabinet redo looks fabulous... Especially note what was done with the soffit and moulding there! That said, charlsb still has to deal with the cathedral arches. Can one actually "flip" the doors on something like this, and have it work? As suggested by geeideaz ?? Have you done this? I would love to see some before/after - If they are really poor quality, re-facing would be the way to go rather than flipping.
While you are painting, make sure you catch that honey oak window and door trim too. Here is a quick look at side by side with the white/cream/ top cabinets - dark (charcoal/black) bottoms. Beef up the soffit moudlings.

and of course, take an ax to the curvy thing over the sink!

I had very similar looking white oak cabinetry in my old kitchen and light colored countertops, and I also had all the walls a similar terra cotta color. When we sold the house, we painted the walls a tan color called Chapparal by Dunn Edwards --you know the whole "neutral" color scheme buyers want to see. It transformed the kitchen to a light, bright totally new space and everything sort of blended better. It would de-emphasize the features you don't like w/out the expense of re-facing or replacing perfectly good cabs. But yeah, do get rid of the curvy thing over the sink.

Yes to removing wood valance over sink, yes to painting walls the green tone, yes to painting the back of the island black. Yes to pendant lights, yes to removing verticals on windows, yes to drapery on windows, yes to stainless handles/knobs. But keep the cabinets, paint them a creamy white..please look at Rustoleum Cabinet Transformation Kit. Works incredible and is easy to use. Best part it looks like a professional job. http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=561

I think the terra cotta paint color does not showcase the cabinets well. I would pick a grey tone that would complement your counter tops. The backs of your island appear to me, not to match the cabinets. I would consider painting just the island. I think it would break up the woody feel. This dragons breath is a great color it is a grey brown and would look great on your Island and blend with your walls.

I think the terra cotta paint color does not showcase the cabinets well. I would pick a grey tone that would complement your counter tops. The backs of your island appear to me, not to match the cabinets. I would consider painting just the island. I think it would break up the woody feel. This dragons breath is a great color it is a grey brown and would look great on your Island and blend with your walls.

I've seen these doors with the inserts flipped so the "cathedral" points downward plus paint/stain. Killed the 80's look.

Pictures of cabinet display of collections

A lot of good suggestions here. Have you considered simply painting the back side of the island, the laminate wood tones conflict with your cabinets. Also try removing the cabinet door above the appliance garage. Store pretty pottery or dishware there, it will help break up all the wood tone. Start with just one or two changes and see if that helps. Removing the scallop edging is an easy and updating option. A pretty roman shade would look nice and bring in some pattern. Overall you have a nice kitchen, just needs a few tweeks.

update--just finished painting the cabinets. Thanks Houzzers--I took your advice and LOVE it--sure brightened it up in the kitchen. Now to finish the ceiling, install new lights and hood above stove. It looks GREAT.

now there is a debate on replaceing the orange color--with a off white seems to be too much white, carry the green on through this area---not my fav idea. Anyone else have suggestions. The orange doesn't bother me but I am not in love with it either.

Wow....ur effort seems to pay out...it a huge change...and for replacing the orange color...I would choose some earthy tones..or even beige shades...something not too dark , or too lite. Good luck...would like to see the finished output.

Very Wow! - what about a gray with a green undertone? Like BM Aganthus Green 472?
http://www.benjaminmoore.net/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/1/9/1962.jpg
1. Will pick up gray from island, 2 pick up green tones from rest of room, 3. Look great with backsplash.
Imo :-)

Paint top part above cabinets same as wall color.
Paint island white, cream, or lighter color in back splash,.

Lightly sand edges of island for patina, or leave solid for more modern look.

What a difference!! it looks fabulous!!

First, change the colors on the walls. The current green has too much yellow in it. You need a light green that has more of a "forest green" flavor. The burnt orange over the cabinets needs to be changed to a different lighter color - that compliments your back splash. You can also add matching crown molding to either the top of the cabinets or white crown all around the room. Refinishing cabinets is a lot of work - easier to replace doors, or spraying a darker lacquer by a pro.

I really cannot say that I think the changes are successful in bringing things together in a stylistic sense because the work you have done creates other problems. The shape of the door insert panels still clashes with the style of the splash back in my opinion. Maybe this could be considered to be not a tactful thing to say since you have to live with it and have put money into the painting but this is an online discussion and it is interesting to see the results of everyone's advice. Thanks for posting the 'after' pics

Your room looks great with the white cabinets. I did the same thing and can appreciate all your hard work...it's not an easy task. For wall color I would simply get paint chips representing all the colors from your counters and backsplash. From there pick 3 that you really like then buy samples. Apply paint to poster board and hang in areas of the kitchen and see which one you like best. I'm thinking a rich brown to go with the white...stunning

Good job! I also like the idea of the rich brown paint color also.

i would paint the cabinets white then take the island and paint it black add white bar stools or even do an expresso color to match the table. I would paint the orange above the cabinets a light tan i would change the knobs and add stainless steel counter appliances or vintage pieces then above the cabinets i would add dark color baskets or oldglass bottles then for the wall with the pantry i would paint it a dark color also to match the island then maybe add stainless looking bar stools.

Wow! What did you do with the window trim on the opposite wall? Did you paint that white, too?

I am going to paint the door trim to match, the window will be replaced in less then a year so I wasn't taking the time to do that now. I did paint the little closet door and the entry door to match and their trim--just ran out of gas. It took a lot more patience then I ever could imagine to do a good job. I am realy feeling the brown color but am going to take the backplash in with me and get a corresponding color my next trip to Home Depot. You have all been a great help. Thanks so much for the wonderful ideas. I was truley stuck and you helped get those creative juices flowing.

Try this. It helped me. Fixed fee...cabart.com/. Ask for paul....info@cabart.com.....CabArt is a highly qualified home interior design consulting firm that offers an economical, interactive, and unique approach to modern interior design. Unlike other design galleries, our interior design specialists deliver consultative project guidance from the convenience of your own home or office, and at far lower costs. Not only will you save money and hours of driving and waiting to meet with designers, who are trying to sell you their own products, you will receive instant, customized service that is specifically tailored to your exact interior design needs. Needing only a computer and a phone, you will meet with a CabArt professional designer through a user-friendly web-based virtual environment and together create a custom interior design plan to fit your lifestyle – allowing you, the homeowner, to save thousands on your residential interior design project.

I had the same cabinets, took them out and replaced them. However, I'm repurposing them for use in a laundry room and a butler's pantry. I'm using Cabinet Transformations by Rustoleum to paint them Linen. Check out the website: http://cabinets.rustoleumtransformations.com

iookclub - would love to here your review of the product and after photos. It's very intriguing - I have looked at it at The Home Depot several times.

I have the same cabinets and HATE both the stain color and the cathedral tops.

"flip the cabinet door insets to the flat side"

The problem is that the inside of mine have a cathedral-shaped insert. I can't turn them inside out anyways because the hinge is hidden.

I've been online looking for ideas and there's little that deal with cathedrals. I've found and used a product called Cabinet Transformations that really does cover up the honey oak and it raises the grain, unlike paint. However, what to do with the cathedrals?

I've narrowed it down to metal door covers or cutting out the middles with my Dremel and having metal or glass inserts made.

I would love some other ideas to replace the cathedrals without going to the expense of refacing! I want my house to be super modern or futuristic, so I'm open to unusual ideas.

PS-I would have filled in the groove, sanded and painted, but these are recessed panel doors. Quite a challenge! Ideas appreciated!

I like the idea of replacing them entirely with glass or even a colored/textured plexiglas. I don't have any desire for the doors to be opaque though, but I could live with it. I just don't want to have to finish the inside of the cabinets too--I already have to do the outsides.

Here's a pic. I've removed the pot rack. The walls will be painted after the cabinets are redone. I'll redo the countertops at some point and install a backsplash. Until then, I'm going to live with the countertop because it's brand new.

Me and my wife where on a budget with our first house and we had cabinets just like yours, color and all. We decided to just reface the cabs with a darker stain and new hardware.

Hi Audbene - You should really post this as a design dilemma so you can get as many suggestions as possible. When people talked of "flipping" the doors, what someone meant was to turn them upside down, rotating them, so that the cathedral curve was on the bottom and the flat bottom, was now on the top. It is somewhat less intrusive that way, but still would be a far cry from the style you crave. You mentioned filling in the groove and sanding. Your doors in the pix appear to have the cathedral curve recessed (debossed) so I would think you could remove the door, fill it in with something to make it appear flat.
I wonder if you could use a self leveling concrete or something like that ?

A nice look that is affordable and dramatic is to paint the exteriors of the cabinets, and have the doors and drawer fronts refinished, perhaps adding distressing as well.

change all the kitchen....please

I can understand wanting to change the honey oak, but the cathedral design, as far as I am concerned, is just fine. Some things never go out of style, and if you do some research, you'll see that this is one of them. You can get a lot of good ideas on Pintrest, and remember, if you follow too many design trends, your house will look outdated again in ten years.

Guys, this topic is over three years old. And when you read the whole thing, you can see that she ended up painting the cabinets. I don't think any new input is needed.