I agree with above - painting the cabinets should be a last resort because it should be done by a professional (can be expensive) or a savvy DIY with much patience and attention to detail. Otherwise, the cabinets will be devalued, and they look very attractive now. I have seen too many cabinets ruined by poor paint jobs.

Painting the hood and replacing the granite with a lighter color would greatly lighten the kitchen without compromising the cabinets. If you have plenty of storage, removing some of the uppers and replacing with a small amount of open shelving - mostly for decorative accent rather than storage - could also lighten the look as well as replacing some upper cabinet panels with glass inserts.

Painted backsplash is only a way to make a horrible backsplash not so bad while saving up to replace it. It would not look anywhere near as nice as what you have now.

Your kitchen is very attractive now - consider better lighting and under the cabinet lighting before embarking on expensive work.

This kitchen shows how airy a kitchen can feel with reduced upper cabinets.

Try this look for the cabs and hood to match your hutch.

Holden Estates · More Info

Then paint the island a soft color.

The Woodshop of Avon · More Info

Or maybe a brighter color...

Pinewold · More Info

paint the black the distressed white trade out the stools for wood, ...done.

Change the pendant lights to some that are much brighter without the heavy near-opaque glass shades.

that is standard fan glass, you can buy replacements at lowes, etc. get a clear water or seeded glass.

Exposed vintage filament bulbs will update your frosted tulip pendant lights with a new-yet-vintagy-industrial flair……………………for mere pennies.

Then……………….let's seeeeeee……………………………i would love for you to paint the entire cabinetry in palest gray or light khaki which would look soooo sophisticated against the black of the granite counter-top.

But………….upon careful reflection, I would advise you to paint the island, in the same shade of the creme colored cabinet first. After that, you should add light colored leather or hide stools……………..and then proceed to change out all that countertop to a white marble?……………………..whew, ugh, but that's so expensive that maybe you should indeed consider painting the cabinetry.

Another half-half option is to paint the top row of cabinets only in that creamy color and see how you feel about everything. Don't be scared to paint them yourself,………………….it comes out amazing if you do it cautiously, having first removed all doors and hardware and then painting with the highest quality mini dense foam roller and a satin or high-gloss paint…………..You can always try on the inside door of just one cabinet and see how you feel about the job and quality.

About painting that hood……………….I would beware! The heat and greasy cooking oil of that area is a recipe for disaster on that particular paint job. Would recommend covering the hood via carpentry instead.

If you chose to paint the cabinetry light, which is what I would and have done many, many a time for my clients and friends…………..then your black hood will look just right against the light colored panorama of the cabinets.

I would also consider changing out all the hardware for either sleek chrome or for stainless steel. This will add instant sparkle……………!!!

HOuse MOuse

Miriam Mainieri

Miami

Afterthought…………you could probably leave the island as is if you were to paint all the cabinetry in the light color………….That would work wonderfully as well…………………and you would have something to hold onto from your good ol' kitchen.

HOuse MOuse

Miriam Mainieri

Miami

Do you have under cabinet lighting? Brighter bulbs and like apple pie says get pendants that will not subdue the light.

Get better lighting. Install under cabinet LED lights on a dimmer. Change the dark counter stools to match the light cabinets. You have a very beautiful kitchen, don't change it.

Scooper Bar Stool, White · More Info

Posh Barstool, White · More Info

Oxygen Bar Chair, White · More Info

Midcentury Modern Bar Stool, White · More Info

If painting anything, paint the black trim on the island to match the lighter cabinets to the left of the dishwasher.

Another thought would be to install a solar tube in the kitchen, however it can't be done if there is a second floor above.

I think it's mainly the cabinet color (particularly in the corner) that's making the kitchen feel dark (vs. the countertops or the hood). I would therefore suggest keeping the countertops, painting the cabinets in the cream color of the hutch, leaving the hood black, and leaving the wood on the island as is to add some interest. I'm sure you're also planning to remove the items on the island, replace the contemporary black barstools, and replace the pendant lights.