I don't really see how painting them white will make them look "builder grade" -- most builders don't spring for the cost of paint. One option for updating, though, would be to have the arched shapes filled in before they're painted. A contrasting island could be nice; your counters seem like they could suggest a nice gray for that purpose.

I would definitely update hardware at the same time. Can't tell the finish on your current pulls, but the knobs seem really tiny. Mostly that's taste, but it could be a good time to try going all-pulls (no knobs) or trying a new finish. Up to you.

Pick your backsplash after you're sure about your paint color. A little contrast might be nice -- a light gray or brown glass -- or an additional texture, like a white but iridescent or crackled. Your kitchen will feel much lighter after its paint job, so I think you'll have a lot of freedom for the backsplash. Just try to match with your counter shades.

Hi Lisa, it really depends on the look that you are after. I think you have a very nice kitchen with neutral countertops. If you are wanting a more contemporary look then a solid color is perfect. A more traditional/ country look add the glazing / distress. Your door profile is fine; you will be amazed at how beautiful your "new" kitchen looks. Go to your local paint store( BM or SW) and get their samples of whites and see what works in your space. The paint co. Will color match to whatever you pick. Am attaching a pic of a kitchen I did last year in BM dove white. No glazing. Good luck, it will look great. Ps. Treat yourself to new hardware!

I think a nice cream or white would update the space, and you definitely need some new hardware as those teeny tiny knobs really get lost. Look for something in stainless or black if you decide to incorporate that color. And, yes, I would paint the island a different color. Choose something out of the colors in the granite and take into consideration your flooring as well. Gray, british tan, a deep barn red depending on your design style will all work as will black. I would add a different light fixture above the sink and either reduce the number of barstools you have or reposition them so they are not quite so crowded. Remove the silk plants on the soffitt and group just a few items like pottery, baskets etc. No need to fill the entire area. Subway tile is always a nice backsplash option and you are not stuck with just white...check out the new glass tiles in various sizes and depending on the color scheme you go for with the island, select a color that will enhance that i.e. gray tiles, tan etc. Good luck and be sure to share the final outcome.

With the layout of your kitchen, I'd go a cream color for the cabinets and a darker island. What color are the counter tops? Be sure to follow the underlying colors/tones in that. Also, what is the color of your flooring? For your cabinets, consider replacing some of the smaller panels with glass for a fresh (not all wood) look. Lighter cabinets will look fantastic! As for hardware and backsplash, if you can wait until the cabinets are painted, wait. Just a week. The lighting with the lighter cabinets will affect what you like. Don't forget under cabinet LED strip lights!

Subway tiles I felt are easy to maintain for backsplash. We did up ours with contrasting tone with the cream-colored cabinets and the island with black cabinets.

You've got some great input for colors, knobs, etc. Are the cabinets oak? I would like to add - don't forget the windows - a nice print in a Roman shade that should be installed above the windows, maybe cabinet height, that incorporates the colors of the room would give it some interest. I would also remove the plants from above the cabinets. Just a thought . . .

Or go the opposite of what everyone is saying and go really dark on the cabinets, anywhere down to a dark charcoal, to go along with the black oven and microwave, then a grey on the island to sort of go with the stainless fridge. Then go light on the walls for contrast.

I brightened up your shot in Photoshop so folks can see what your current kitchen looks like a little better.

AF20 mascarpone by BM is my go to white.

I like the mixture of dark wood for the island. Have you looked into polyurethane stain? Which is not really a stain at all but just another layer of clear protective coat with tint added to it. You can apply it over the existing finish, no stripping required.

Now would be the best time to upgrade your handles.

I would pick an off white from your counter surface....brushed nickel hardware to match applia ces and I would do a classic subway tile ....its always in style in a cream white. I would do the island dark for a nice contrast....

white kitchens are always in vogue!.......your kitchen looks small and not very bright.

Add some glass to a few of the upper cabinets and if you go white or cream pick a backslash with some color/contrast.

I usually spec Ben Moore Indian White for kitchen cabinets when I need a white painted finish. Glaze or not; you can decide once the paint is on. This backsplash is awesome.

Alabaster White for cabinets and trim. Grey counter tops by the range. A lighter counter top on the island. White subway tiles for the backsplash.

Thanks so much for everyone's great suggestions! I now will definitely be doing a contrasting color for my island & new hardware! I will be going this weekend to get paint swatches of all the color suggestions, & start shopping for hardware & backsplash ideas. If I were to do glass on some of the upper cabinets, which ones would you suggest? Here is an up close picture of my granite for a better idea of the colors.

I don't think there's a logical place for glass on your upper cabinets. There really isn't one that you could make the focal point. I'm curious what the others might say.

I normally do like some glass but don't think it will work in this kitchen. There isn't really really a place that it would enhance it in any way, your doors are quite large and the arch top makes it a bit more expensive. Spend your money on a beautiful backsplash instead!

I totally agree!

Another thought: Consider removing one upper cabinet on either side of the windows. It will give you a more expansive feel. It also encourages thorough editing of cabinet contents.

Me too...no glass; think you'be found a perfect granite to tie in the light perimeter/dark island and will be pleased w/the look. You should be very pleased and aside from your own enjoyment, have a nice ROI besides. Good job!

I think your granite is lovely! A warm white would look nice on your cabinets and a deep taupe for your island. Just make sure the color for your island translates well with your floor; hard for me to see on my phone. You don't want to have to many different elements going on in this not so big space so keep that in mind. The simpler it is the bigger and less cluttered it will look.

Adding glass will give the biggest impact. Consider the cabinets where you store your china and/or glassware.

Started the painting process! Cabinets are now primed & will be painted tomorrow!

Wow! Looks great already!!

I would like to know if your cabinets are oak or not because I've heard that oak is hard to paint white and make it look really nice - because of all the grain.

Apackard, I have painted oak cabinets and they paint up quite nicely providing you do all the prep i.e. Sanding and priming and sanding between coats. Some grain may show through but it is not an unattractive look on painted cabinets; gives a real wood look.

apackard, my cabinets are maple.