How about a very pale gray for the cabinets. I probably would paint all the trim a soft white and put an even paler gray on the walls. On the plus side, they do look like good solid wood cabinets!

I would remove the fabric valances and then start gradually painting other items before the cabinets as it might be all you need to do, and the areas that take less wear and tear will hold up better with a paint job. You will need to sand & prime them 1st- ask a pro for recommendations (better yet, get them to do the painting)

Start with the wall trim and paint it the same colour as the walls. Next the interior & exterior doors- same colour as the walls only a higher gloss paint. If the banquette isn't going, paint it next. Still too much wood? Paint the island.

Hopefully you won't need to paint the cabinets in the rest of the kitchen after that as it is a major job with variable results.

If you are not sure about colours all the major paint companies have programs where you can download pix of your room and play with different colours.

While you are at it- what kind of support is there for the slab top of your island? Hopefully it is not just resting there as it could be hazardous...

I would redo the backspash - it's way to busy for my taste. A simple subway tile would be more calming

If you changed the backspash to a simple subway tile, you might be able to keep the wood until you're ready for a complete change. If you would rather not, then I'd go with black. Start with just the base cabinets and see how that looks. You could have distressed finish so you can keep all the trim as is.

This kitchen has granite like yours. The white cabinets are not as white as they look in this picture and have glaze on them.

Here is an example of keeping the trim natural with black. I really like the look..

If you are just a few years out I would just paint the trim white. I usually would not suggest any expensive work for living in a kitchen a few years. However, even though the granite is lovely, it would make me crazy to have it as a backsplash - even with white cabinets.

From what I have read on this forum, you can tile over granite with the right surface prep.

In this kitchen, just a quieter backsplash has made it pretty - the trim is still wood:

This is not the right backsplash for your granite, but notice how a quieter backsplash calms the whole room and the trim is white.

What you have to work with is actually pretty good, IMO.

Edit and simplify.

The granite pattern is busy, so I would not do two colors on the cabinets. Painting the cabinets a color of white that you pull from the granite would go a long way in updating that space until you can do a full on remodel.

PPG's Break Through in Delicate White. Test the color and make sure it harmonizes well with the granite and floor.

The bigger problem is the back splash. I would remove and replace the back splash as well as the small island. A painted (larger) island with a non-busy top would help too. Remove valances and replace the fabric on the bench seat.

painting the cabinets white would look very good. With that particular granite and the natural wood grain on the cabinets, they're fighting each other. jhmaries cabs in her pics look fine because they aren't as busy looking and that granite is more sedate. yours is not.

While you're at it, paint all the other wood trim white. Leave the doors natural wood. it will make this kitchen look 10X better.

Second option,,,which I'd prob do, is more black. I think if you paint the island black and leave the others white, it would really amp it up a bit. If it was mine, I would ceruse that island oak in an ebony.

But then I'd continue w/the black and do the doors, window trim and the slab door. Redo walls in a nice white

and please, lose that hideous valance. do a woven wood and a pendant.

I wouldn't touch the counter or splash. It looks fine. just keep everything else in there on the simple side.

of course get a new cusion in a bold accent color,,or black and white,,get some green plants in there and a rug

I think your kitchen is very nice, well laid out and lots of cabinets. Since the countertop is a strong pattern the cabinets should all be the same colour. I suppose it comes down to your preference of white or a darker colour. A dark charcoal grey or even a very deep midnight blue ( check out some if the deeper shades by Farrow& Ball paints ) might look good with the countertops.
Might I suggest a different backsplash as I think it is too busy when combined with the countertop. Try a beautiful glass tile, in white or something pale.
Good luck, this looks like a fun project!

Hi Jamie,

Congrats on your new house!

Your cabinets look like they're in good condition, LOVE your skylight and your crown molding.

Agree with above posters to do a calming backsplash, and honestly? I personally would ditch the whole entire island with the same design and put in something else.

I would paint the cabinets, but can you tell us more what color your floor is? I need to see it in that bright natural sunlight before I vote what color to paint your cabinets.

Is it grey grout in the kitchen floor?

Can you put one of those stainless steel covers on your black dishwasher until you're ready for your big reno? And maybe a stainless backsplash for the stove?

Absolutely put a ducted range hood on the list for the big reno.

Can't wait to see what you do!

Some ideas for you to see. I think I like a soft light grey best.

Painting the cabinets a nice white that is in the countertop/backsplash would ton down the look just a bit. Perhaps try this first and see what you think?

Forget the kitchen! It is fine for now. It would take serious money to renovate. Just give it a good cleaning to meet your standards. New counters stools would add a lot.

Put your money into hardwood/ engineered flooring for the abutting room(s).