Yes, you can get new doors -- get full coverage so that the cupboard wood doesn't show from in front, and then there is some forgiveness on the match. This light oak is a bit dated, so you might want to either stain everything so that old and new harmonize, or paint everything -- the latter gives you more options to go light. (While you're doing things, see if you can remove the frilly trim over the window, which is the kiss of Grandma.) However, if you really don't want to mess around, then just be sure to take a door with you to the store to match as best as possible, get a modern door style (flat or shaker doors, say), and add some nickel pulls to bring everything as up-to-date as possible. Hopefully there will be some pennies left for replacing the black appliances to get everything onto the same page.

Are you doing anything with the floor? If not, I'm not sure that it's worth going quartz counters -- will be hard to match, and you'll notice the clash of fancy-ness more. Maybe you could get Corian (a cheaper solid surface) or even stone-look Formica until you're willing to undertake more updating. Dunno, if you don't think you'll ever change the floor, then get what you want to live with in terms of counters!! :))

I don't want to tear up my whole kitchen because the brick floors run throughout the laundry and den areas and I'm not interested in that much change! Just want to update the kitchen. Would like to stain the oak cabinets a gray-brown/tan and get wooden doors made to match. The island is mobile and I would like to keep it. I want Quartz countertops and a pretty backsplash to tie everything together. Will definitely remove frilly trim and replace hardware to coordinate with the new doors. Cost is not my main issue-do not want to get into going back to the studs and jack hammering bricks! Certainly I can modernize without a complete tear out.

Do you have some inspiration photos that show the door style you are looking for? If you want to combine new oak doors with existing oak, you will need an expert custom finisher to tell you if the two finishes will age nicely together. Another option might be to resurface the Formica doors with an oak-look Formica. Pick up some samples at the local countertop shop- what you see is what you get- and Formica makes several versions of oak-look surfaces. Pick up quartz samples there, too. Take a door or drawer front that has the oak trim with you.

To brighten it up, you can add a light kit to your ceiling fan or simply replace the whole fan with a new ceiling light fixture.

Thank you for your input. I really want to get new doors. 30 years of Formica is enough for me. Do you think I could sand down the oak cabinets and replace the doors with oak and stain them all to have a cypress hue? I really don't like the golden oak color anymore. That might keep the kitchen bright? I plan to have recessed lighting all over and possibably not use the fan at all. Our ceilings are low because we added the brick floors 30 years ago, so I can't have anything dropping down. I know this is a designer's nightmare, but I hope someone can update this space and make me love it like I did 30 years ago. Thanks for all suggestions!

It sounds like you know what you want. Try calling the cabinet finishing pros to see what they say about feasibility. Have some photos or samples ready for them to take a look at.

Thank you. I will do that. If I have to, I will paint, but I would prefer stain.

It will be difficult to get a cohesive look without fully replacing the cabinetry or at least painting the wood currently in place. I would not recommend keeping it as is. Also, one of the cheapest and fastest ways to update a kitchen is to purchase new appliances :)