If the cabinets are oak - and I think they are, the grain will show through the paint or glaze. You can still paint them or stain them darker. They will not look cherry - you can try to stain them a cherry color - but there will be the oak grain. To get the best look, the work should be professionally done and that can be expensive. You might want to consider looking into refacing with new doors to be happiest with your investment.

Yes paint them it will look like a new kitchen!! Working on a clients kitchen as we speak...her are photos of the transformation so far...her cabinets where oak exactly like yours..they look just beautiful painted...we used Sherwin Williams Shoji White.
Image #1 and #3 are before
Image #2 and #4 are after
Cabinets are SW Shoji White
Walls are BM Ashley Gray

Paint them! Remind your husband "the wife is always right"!

I advise my clients to upgrade their kitchen lighting plan. If it's done well deep rich finishes will look great.

We think that our wonderful custom printed wall murals would fit your residential area perfectly! You can check out more of our posts on our page. And if you're interested send us a message we'd love to work with you!