I've been in the preserve the wood category lately when the cabinets are simple like yours but with that granite I think a cream would be log

Oops lovely and really change the whole look of your room

I would paint cabinets a soft white. Recover the seats on chairs and add a pendant light over the sink.
If your budget allows I would add the small cabinets with glass fronts over the top of your cabinets to bring them up to the ceiling and add recessed lights in the ceiling.

Oh and I would remove the middle drapery panel on the window. Replace with 2 panels.

Judy M. Awesome idea on with the cabinets in too with glass. I'll have to look into the pricing.

All For Show. No little ones. Any suggestions on a backsplash.

check out the "before and after" section. Someone added those small glass cabinets and painted them and it looked awesome.

I would pick the back splash first before your cabinet paint color is chosen! There are so many "whites" to choose from! I love the look of subway tile with granite. Especially, if you have under cabinet lighting! It's a classic style...it comes in a variety of colors, and I think it would add so much character to your kitchen...have fun... :)

All 4 Show is right, you should know which direction you want to go in for a backsplash, otherwise you'll be back here asking "now what backsplash can i find to go with my painted cabinets"?

Check out http://rustoleumtransformations.com/
Many of the before and after pics show cabinets going to espresso. Also you may find the comments useful. I find myself more partial to the combo of paint and glazing.

I'm wondering if I choose to paint the cabinets cream does it matter that my woodwork is white?

Get a solid glass panel splash back - easy to clean and they can make it any colour you want. I've seen it done the same colour as the cabinets. It isn't too matchy-matchy because the textures are the point of difference, and it also makes the bench top the star.

Definitely go with a soft warm white. It's lovely, will not date and is easy to keep clean - I just spray and wipe mine as needed.

Be sure to layer your light. Recessed lights are a good start, and adding under cabinet lights also can do wonders! But I think you're off to a good start! :)

@elite fixtures. Can you give me some suggestions of lighting over the kitchen table? Should I do pendent lights over the small island? Thank you

@ Thislittlehouse, what color are you suggestion for the cabinets and glass backsplash?

The looks and colors of your kitchen ( cabinets etc. ) looks great it doesn't need any update. What makes them ugly is the white ceiling light near the gorgeous chandelier. Try to remove that ceiling light and replace it with at least 3 recessed lighting. Warm white is the ideal color for your furnitures not cool white. LEDs are ideal but can be expensive at buying but will save electricity costs by 80%. Halogen bulbs has the same price range like LEDs but they die earlier, heats up badly and has the same electricity costs of Incandescent bulbs. Do not use compact fluorescent, warm-white bulbs. They look ugly. LEDs are efficient but for me, go with halogens to add accent to your beautiful cabinets.

@Elliason Concepcion, thank you. I feel the cabinet do not match or compliment the countertop. Can you give me some assistance in tying everything together. Maybe a beautiful simple elegant backsplash. I'm open to keep thing cabinets as is, maybe chaning the hardware. It would certainly save me a lot of money. I've gotten estimates to stain the cabinets and all were like 4,000, I not looking to spend that much money. Do you think I should darken the floors? I wanted to extend the wood into the family room, so I could darken them at that time. I am in the process of finding an electrician to add recess lighing in that area. Was thinking maybe 7 in total and maybe two pendents over the small island. Also I'm thinkign about gettig new chairs for the table may the rattan looking ones or chocolate really nice chairs. I need some help bringing elegences in this area and also in my family room. Some wow factor. Any advice I would greatly appreciate. Maybe I could use the money I would spend to stain the cabinets to remove that sliding door and replace with french doors. Please help me. Thank you.

@qtbern It's been years since I've last used this. I'm sorry I wasn't able to reply. It would be so nice to see what this looks like now.