I would not change paint the cabinets. changing the stain is one thing but painting cabinets with color will ruen them. The paint will seep into the inside of the doors and look streaky and horrible. I think to modernize this kitchen I would get a nice granite counter tops and a triagle stove vent above the stove the type that goes all the way up to the ceiling. Maybe do some plantation blinds on the windows. It looks like you have alot of room for an island. I would put a different color island say maybe off white or rustic white. If you could change appliances out to stainless that would update it too. Then your stove hood could match i also. Unless you could find one in black. Have fun..Looks like a nice older house.

oh and maybe a chandalier or recessed lighting. sorry for typos

bite the bullet, that is a total gut. Don't waste a dime and when your ready go for the total makeover

An article on a 1920s kitchen with green cabinets for ideas (id go
For a color like this as opposed to seafoam)
http://houzz.com/ideabooks/791781

Yes sam, I think that green would be better. Or even the jadeite color from the dishes and handles of kitchen utensils from back then.

Lovely space. You could put in a beautiful kitchen. I would live with it until you can afford to do a total makeover. The area looks like it would be easy to live with for awhile?

I agree if your wanting to go back to 1920's just make sure a painter does the work of changing the cabinets. I have seen some messes people have done to good solid wood cabinets if not done right.
You could do so many things even change appliances to rebuilt older style ones. If just depends on how far you want to take it. Making an idea book is great. I am starting one now.

Why don't you re stain it better than paint and there is a green stain if want that

I agree with handymam and sam0705, bumbles too. Do some easy temporary fixes and plan out the bigger remodel for the future. You just got the house...a year from now you will know more about how you use it and what works for you. Taking the time to dream out the larger goals makes them more detailed and more personal. So paint the cabinets..I'd go for a sage, get a rolling island if you want more work space. Take it a little slower and enjoy your new home.

I agree with shelby1175. The floor looks great. Love the brick in the kitchen. Don't waste your money now for probably resurfacing the cabinets. Save that money and do it right later. It is not that much more expensive to do new cabinets than resurfacing the old ones. If you want a different look for now - probably give just the walls a different color.

When you later change to new cabinets, you should get rid of the ugly soffits above the cabinets.

A butcher block counter top looks great in a kitchen like a fine piece of furniture. Also there is so much space in this kitchen an island would be a great feature. A portable island would work also. You can find countertops and butcher blocks here: http://chopbloccuttingboards.com/butcher-block-countertops/

I would live with it and save your money until you can remodel your kitchen properly.The main design problem is the soffit above the cabinets, it brings the ceiling down and takes the nice feel of the high ceilings away. Also you loose so much cabinet space.

I'd do some homework about painting the cabinets. You might consider if you do paint them, painting them white. I think it would brighten the room up with cheerful paint on the walls.

Depending on how long it will be before you can renovate, I'd consider a great light fixture (lighting is super important). Also, I'd buy a new sink and faucet and some colorful throw rugs. You can buy beautiful lights and hardware for the sink at an outlet for a good price!

Have fun and enjoy your new home!

Great bones in that kitchen!