A few things you'll want to consider, could you improve the layout and function of your kitchen if you replaced the cabinets? What is the current condition of your cabinets and how many years do you think they will hold up in good condition? Could they last you 40 years, or will they hold up for just 5-10 yrs? Weigh these and see if it's worth spending on new cabinetry or not. Also, compare the cost it is for a professional to paint your cabinets, the process is very time consuming and sometimes comes close to the cost of purchasing new. Also, If you choose to paint your cabinetry, make sure to have a professional do it. Most cases where a homeowner paints their own cabinetry the finish wears at a faster rate and they then need to replace their cabinets. I see nothing wrong with replacing the counter and sink before replacing the cabinetry, as long as you are OK with being limited to where your sink will be placed and the shape of your cabinetry once you replace down the road. Although, a lot of times homeowners will regret later when they see the options they could have had if they could be flexible when redesigning... Good luck on making your decision! Mandi @ Dura

I'd paint the chairs and leave the cabinets alone - the table area is a far darker mass then the cupboards. A stenciled black checkerboard on the floor could mimic the strong contrast of your bl/w idea, and trading your organic coloured accents for white/cream ceramic - or stainless steel -will do the same for the counters Widening and lightening the window trim, lightening or using one of the accent colours you mentioned in a citrus version for wall paint,trading black and white photos or bright pieces to replace your current artwork will all help brighten the walls.

Thank you, Patricia! I love white kitchens as I tend to lean toward classic design. We were also considering a medium gray and even a light taupe. The rest of our house is a good mix of my traditional and my husbands industrial style. Those uppers being gone made that kitchen look much larger! Love the design! I hadn't thought about the angles on the counters!! It's a bit of a tight squeeze through there, would you just chop it off where the angles begin? Or maybe round it?

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.