Your cabinets are beautiful as they are, and they coordinate nicely with your dark granite. I would suggest just adding some oil rubbed bronze hardware.

I'm one of the votes not to paint. Once you change all the things on your list, I think this kitchen will look a lot different.

Another addition (if it isn't already on your list) is to add under cabinet lights.

I do love your current cabinet style. They look very red in the 2nd pic - but that may just be the lighting. I think your choice of wall color and perhaps investigate a change of light bulbs as well will change how the color appears.

I think you're going for a more modern look? Just changing the wall colour and the backsplash will make a huge difference I think. But okay... you want a lighter counter top too. That's fine. I'd leave the cabinets as they are (voted don't paint), but would add stainless steel hardware. For example:

I would not paint them they look great with your counter.

They are beautiful. Don't paint them!

I painted my cabinets and am very happy with them however, they weren't the beautiful wood yours are!! Try your other changes first and take another look.

I appreciate the feedback. It seems almost everybody is against painting the cabinets. I appreciate the advice to replace the backsplash and counters first and then decide about the cabinets, but I think we might make different countertop and tile choices if the cabinets were painted.

For all of you who would not paint them, what do you think of all the brand new kitchens with painted cabinets? Do you dislike painted cabinets in general? It seems like there are many more kitchens on Houzz with light, painted cabinets than dark wood, so obviously some like the look. My husband is really set on painting the cabinets, and I'm trying to understand all the negative reactions. Thanks!

I love painted cabinets, and painted mine, which were of very good quality but the finish was an out of fashion honey oak and also damaged from years of wear and tear. I think the negative reaction is not because of a dislike of painted cabinets in general, but the fact that your cabinets are beautiful as is and the finish looks to still be in good condition, and they are a color that is still in vogue. I think they are undoubtedly a style that will look great painted and/or glazed. If you truly desire a brighter, lighter colored kitchen, then do it....because the fact remains that you are the one that has to live there. You should know, however, that it is expensive to get cabinets painted and/or a TON of work to do yourself correctly. And spending a lot of money on a kitchen that is basically already a good look may not be money you will get back on a resale.

Visually, cabinets are one of the largest pieces of the room. So it makes sense to start there. If after researching many ideas, your instinct was to do lighter cabinets, I wonder if leaving them as-is will be something you'd regret (?) My advice is to go with your instinct, especially since your spouse is on the same track. And build the other elements around them (counters/floor/hardware/backsplash etc).

I think your cabinets look great the way they are. I would not paint them, but like some have said if you really want to go lighter then do it, but make sure you do all the proper steps when painting them so you don't have paint chipping off etc. I think taking them and having them sprayed by a professional would be an option I would strongly consider.

Your cabinets are gorgeous
and contemporary. I'd go with
new hardware if you need to change it up

Hi ccumpton, your cabinets look very nice as they are -- no need for hardware -- the current look is very clean.

Ok, I painted my cabinets a distressed cream and they are stunning. But, it is very laborious and time consuming to DIY and expensive to pay someone. My previous cabinets were so beat up and that orangey, gross, and outdated. Painted cabinets can be gorgeous but yours are beautiful to begin with. If you are set on doing that, then do it. It would be beautiful. I would just try to work around your existing cabinets because they are so well crafted and make a statement in themselves.