I would not paint your brand new kitchen. It looks good and I don't think it is wise to paint them. To do it right it will cost thousands and the risk of chipping and more ... It is just not worth it.

Your issue is lighting and the home design that has the kitchen in a deep interior location.You can’t fix its location. You CAN fix the lighting. You need under cabinet lighting, and over cabinet lighting, and additional recessed lighting. Make that happen first. Then reassess.

No painting or even thinking about painting until you fix the lighting. It will make a bigger difference than you think.

Thank you Saratgoaswizzlestick and Sophie. I would like more contrast between the floor and the cabinets. I was thinking paint would lighten things up but feel guilty having new cabinets painted. Our current home has professionally sprayed cabinets and they've held up well. I like the idea of adding cabinet lighting. I'm definitely changing the pendant lights too. :) Thank you!

You have a kitchen that is not gray and white, You should be pleased. I would not paint the cabinets. I would get a colorful rug, nice art, etc.

Grapefurit1_ar, I hear you but I've always loved gray and white! :) LOL!

What about just painting the island? Thoughts on that?

Agree to not paint the cabinets but to add lighting.

Don’t paint the cabinets ... & cut back on watching HGTV. :)

K Laurence, HGTV is my guilty pleasure! :) I love Leanne Ford...she paints everything white... it looks so warm and bright!

So you all don't think the floors blend into the cabinets? I know lighting will help but I feel the kitchen is a dark abyss! Once we add a refrigerator, new pendants and counter bar stools I know that will make a difference too.

We've gone through the spraying of the cabinets before so I initially thought while the home is unoccupied we could have it professionally painted prior to moving in. I'm not saying I'm sold on not painting them but I'm seeing you points and considering keeping them. Maybe changing the corner cabinet to a modern glass panel with lighting inside would help?

Anyone think just painting the island would brighten things up and if so, any colors that would look good?

Thanks for all your help! :)

So if I were to paint the walls a warm white (so my modern art stands out), is that a thumbs up? They're currently builder grade tan and flat paint, which I'm not a fan of. Thinking maybe changing the hardware would help too.

Yes, a warm white would be perfect although the tan isn't bad.. Think of your cabinets, floors, and walls as a canvas onto which your selections of lighting, art, and furnishings will create the scene. Here are some barstools that could add color and elegance to the island so you don't have to paint it.

GDF Studio Auburn Ivory Fabric Backed Bar Stools, Set of 2 · More Info

Seth Bar Stool - Soft Blue · More Info

Find a long vertical piece of art for the side of the cabinet on the right that faces the rest of the space. Voila, an art gallery!

Uttermost Red Clay Art - 32230 · More Info

Thank you for the suggestions! My design style leans more modern/minimal vs. traditional. Here's a counter stool that I like (white of course! :) ).

Thinking with the white subway tiles and white walls it could work together.... :)

Yes, that style of bar stool would look great and add light to the base of the island.

Here are a couple great kitchens with dark cabinets and floors. I especially like the double rectangular pendants which give off light all across the island.

Isles Haute · More Info

Kitchens · More Info