I'd suggest painting them. Is there a color in the counter that also exists in the brick and grout?

Yes, the grout in the brick is a grey/beige color and it is also in the counters. We have a fireplace in the living room too and I painted the walls Dorian Gray (a greige) and it looks very nice next to the brick and grout. I think it may be too dark for the cabinets, though. The kitchen tends to be a bit dark.

Yes, paint them. They will look great.

White is good.

Many people have painted their oak cabinets and are happy with them. I am going to point out the potential pitfalls just so you can make an informed decision.

Oak is not a paint grade wood. This is because the texture of the wood grain shows through the paint. The cabinets will look like oak cabinets that have been painted. Also, wood tends to move with changes in temp and humidity. This cracks the paint at the joints which can require some touch ups. Factory painted cabinets are usually made with MDF type products or MDF mixed with wood because it is more stable, so less movement and it paints up well.

Many who paint their oak cabinets do so because they are worn and want to get a few more years of life out of them - this is especially true if done DIY, because it is a hard job. Many DIY cabinet paint jobs I have seen look good in a picture, but show brush marks or drips up close. A professional paint job can be expensive.

I have stained oak cabinets in my kitchen which I refinished this summer and I painted some my original 1970's (colonial style house) cabinets and they are in my laundry room. I am happy with both - but the laundry room does not get the wear and tear the kitchen does, and there are paint cracks at the joint. I have painted some bathroom cabinets, refinished others and replaced some. (Pics in my idea book)

I actually think that the oak cabinets look nice, but your kitchen does not have a colonial feel or farmhouse feel. I do not think painting the cabinets would change that. Here are some thoughts whether you paint or not to change up the feel: You do not have very many upper cabinets. You could take them down and replace the open shelving and /or with "non-matching" cabinets or wall hutch with more of a colonial or farmhouse feel. I think adding hardware would be good whether you paint or not. If taking down uppers reduces your storage too much, consider a hutch or pie safe in a farmhouse or colonial style place in the room open to the kitchen.

I also think your kitchen is just fine the way it is. You do not have to do anything:)

Wall Hutch

Non-matching cabinet or plate rail:

Open shelving

Baskets and curtains can replace some lower doors if you like the look.

While I appreciate the comments above, I still vote for proper priming of your old oak cabinets and going for it. I have successfully done this using Linen White Semi gloss. Awesome results.

My vote would be to paint them. SW alabaster would look great with the counter top.

And you got great above in comments to take into consideration. DEFINITELY add under cabinet lighting. HUGE difference. And painted oak cabs will indeed show the grain, but that bothers other people more than me. I will say that it's quite the process to do yourself, & not cheap for the professionals. But us pros know our jobs & we are worth it. I say go for it.

One more thing then I'm done. I would get new light fixture for over the sink & add pendant lighting to the island. Check out Rejuvenation & Schoolhouse lighting for some charming fixtures.

I was having the same dilemma as you are....to paint or not to paint......so I started with all new hardware and that kept me happy for a while. I was going to paint my oak cupboards but they were worn out so I got a whole new kitchen using ideas from Houzz. I think you have a lovely kitchen and it looks very nice, but if you are tired of it then paint the cupboards. My friend had the door fronts done in a shade of white by a professional and the rest was painted by hand. Her kitchen now looks really good. It's a tough decision so why not start off slowly and see how it goes?

You could begin with painting just the uppers. The cabinet color is fine now but I do understand there is a lot of wood in your space. I would love to see a progress picture later.

tedbixby, yes! I really appreciate all of the feedback. I like the idea of going with a different color. Maybe a grey. I also love the idea of under cabinet lighting. Is it possible to get some good quality lighting that does not take up a plug?

I also love someone else's idea of switching out the other lighting. I just may have difficulty with pendant lighting due to the cabinet opening right in the pathway of proposed pendant. I would prefer to just replace the recessed lighting with the pendants rather than making new holes.

I appreciate all of the specifics about the pitfalls of painting the cabinets as well. It helps me to make a more informed decision.

The open shelving is something I've considered, but I never thought about a hutch or pie rack, so that opens up options for me.

I would love to see more before and after pictures of people's updates with specifics about what was used, what worked and what didn't, etc.

Thank you so much everyone! This is my first post and I'm just sorry I didn't do it sooner.

Here is my two cents. Paint or stain. Floor or cabinets coloring is too close to each other. That fire place can be painted also. I did mine. Holding up well 2 years later and maybe (I know many will say it's not classy) but match to color of cabinets and mount a tv over it. Never thought of paying a pro to do the doors but worth looking into.

I would suggest you paint the cabinets white. Then, paint the recessed panels in the doors (arched and square) the soft green you have in the specks in the counter top. Along with this, you might paint the walls a neutral off-white. I believe all this will add cheer and brightness to the kitchen while keeping the original colonial charm. You probably should use this soft green, plus a harmonizing green two shades darker or brighter, in accessories like print curtains, dish towels, hand towels, table runners, chair cushions, wall art, and so on.

You may have already made your decision, but since you posted this dilemma I have finished my kitchen - a small refresh with new counters, farmhouse sink, faucet and backsplash. Earlier I reworked the former microwave shelf to a plate rail and spice box area as I am short and I and my daughters did not like trying to always reach up to use it. My style is sort of vintage / cottage.

Here is the kitchen finished except for the backsplash. The backsplash is painted the color I intended to use for the backsplash as a test:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~54988842

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~54994093

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~47408852

I just finished the backsplash yesterday and do not have pics of the full kitchen, but here is part showing the counter and backsplash:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~57088087

The sink is the Kohler Whitehaven cast iron short apron farmhouse sink. I used this sink because it can be used on a standard sink base.

The backsplash is H-Line Alabaster subway tile.

The countertop is sold both as Flaked Pearl through Menard's or LG White Pearl through a K&B store.

In a previous condo, I redid my oak cupboards. Had the door & drawer fronts sprayed by a professional and primed & painted the cabinets in an expresso color. Turned out beautifully. Added new tile backsplash. I loved seeing the wood grain. It was like a new kitchen! I did the bathroom vanity the same. I say " Go for it!"

Yes, Paint them white ....will give you a brighter feel with your warm colored counters and walls!

I painted my cabinets because my kitchen was a dark oak cave before, and I love how much lighter and brighter it is. That said, I kind of wonder if your kitchen would look odd with the wood trim (especially around the window) if the cabinets were white.

Ultimately, it's your kitchen; do what makes you happy!

Paint them! You won't regret it! I had the same debate for over 10 yrs-finally did it & I can't believe I waited so long. I really love the white!

I have a home just like yours with tons of wood on floor, trim and kitchen, all in one huge great room. It became a point of discussion, as my hubby thinks that painting over wood is breaking some design commandment someplace. I had them professionally painted in white while we were on vacation. I changed out the hardware, and almost wept with joy when I saw them after we returned. My husband was equally delighted, and brags about my design choices! You will be so much happier!

Margaret,

Your enthusiasm is admirable, but best to check the dates on the posts before jumping in ;-)