It's all about design trends and materials. Some kitchens are not made with solid wood cabinets, so they need to be painted because there is no wood grain to stain in the first place. In addition, the United States is currently picking up some European design influence, which is much more stream lined and modern. Also, those cabinets are typically lacquered and not made of solid wood. White kitchens also look larger and less heavy.

It's all about preference. I still see stained cabinets in kitchens often, so don't worry, it's not going to disappear from the industry any time soon.

Here's my question - can dyed cabinets be re-dyed? I think I was the last person to get on the "tuscan decor" boat in my kitchen, and about a year later, the lighter (grey, white) cabinets came into style. Wishing I'd gone lighter - they are a deep red-brown. Is it possible to re-dye them?