Paint them white along with the mantel which doesn't complement your stone color.

How about black? Different from your kitchen cabinets and why have your built ins look like the kitchen; it is good with the stone; you have black touches here and there.

Unlike this picture, I would paint the mantel black as well.

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I would just start with the kitchen side of the cabinets that divide the family room from the kitchen. Then see if you really want to continue the look.

Thank you everyone for your wonderful suggestions, I look forward to hearing more suggestions if you have any. The mantel is just in the midst of being installed it is still unfinished wood and I am planning to add corbels to it. (any thought about corbels) Love the thought of leaving the tops of the bookcases stained to match the shutters. I have added a light coat of antique walnut gel stain to the rest of the oak in my home to try to get rid of the golden oak glow!! I am also intreged by the idea of black. Any other thoughts about that? Thanks again JG

Curiously, what did you end up doing? I have a similar dilemma...not sure if I should update the look of our oak kitchen cabinets and oak built-in shelving in the living room by painting them white...

Hi Gwendolynn,

I did decide to have them professionally painted in white. Everything is masked off right now but I think I am going to be very happy with my choice!!! I will post pictures once we are finished. Thanks for your interest Janet

Definitely paint them, I think white or black depending on your taste. I would also paint or change the wood and/or blinds around the windows- that looks oak as well- so it all ties in. I also noticed that small oak dividing wall or shelf? I'd paint that as well. Good luck

I'm guessing you've finished your project but if you're like me, you over analyze everything. Here are my favorite fireplace and built ins from Pinterest the first one would tie in great with your table. . The second shows whitewashed brick. And the third is with floating shelves, something. a designer suggested for me to do. You should post your finished project!

I would like to know I hv renovated my oak cupboards which colour may I use to decorate bt I like red

Besides being unreadable, your post resurrected a dead thread from 3 years ago! Rude. Pointless.

Your kitchen is in another space...far from the oak cabinets. You are the only one who will care if there is some oak grain peeking through the paint. Since the rooms are open to each other, I would paint the oak to match the kitchen cabinet color.

I would love to see the finished project and to hear if you are happy with it. Exact same scenario in my house