If you choose to gel stain, please understand that it is difficult to achieve the same exact stain level on every door (unless they are all very dark). If you leave the gel on for 2 more min on one door, it will turn out slightly darker (ask me how I know...). Also, the prep work is horrendous and takes forever to sand.

Painting is easier but there is a good chance that in 5 years you need to replace or paint again. If this is a DIY project, make sure to use the best cabinet paint from a real paint store, not HD.

I was thinking white and on youtube they make gel painting look easy lol. I wasn't aware how time affects the gel staining process. I'm leaving more towards painting them. Thank you!

I'd like to second what Sophie said. I think the cabinets look great and have a very clean look. A new backsplash (without the separate 4" section) would really change the feel. And you can change out the grey paint to something that complements the wood, the new backsplash and the floor. Lots easier than changing the cabinets too!

I think they're cute, really like the hardware!

I like your cabinets! I agree with the above posters that your type cabinets are what a lot of new builds are putting in their new homes. I wouldn't do anything to them. I would change the backsplash to a tile to complement your floor. Then paint your walls a color from the backsplash. You already have great hardware.

I think maybe going for a more gray stain instead of painting. It looks like your cabinets have some great grain on them, that I think with a more gray tone stain, would really make your cabinets looks different for you & then possibly, you wouldn't need to redo the tile, just yet, because it looks like you have both gray & tan in it. But, if possible, I do agree, the 4" black back splash should be removed, hopefully you can get more of the tile to put in place of it. If not, with your walls being gray, your counters being black & if you stain a gray, maybe a simple white or light gray subway tile? I found this picture, these are all Minwax stains, but, there's tons of brands to choose from, I just wanted to give you a visual of what your cabinets might look like :) Good luck.

I agree with Sophie, updating your backsplash looks like the best way to modernize your room.

Update the backsplash and remove the granite backsplash. Wait two years to paint the cabinets. I think grey is already overdone. White cabinets are timeless. But, I would do the other things and wait on the cabinets.

How long have you been living with the cabinets? Are they in good shape? They appear to be by the picture. Agree with others who've said leave them be. They're modern! I don't care for the hardware, but it looks newish and not worth changing.

Painting them white will make them look cheap, imho. Restaining involves stripping the doors and frames down to bare wood first, which is incredibly labor-intensive. Painting is as well, because it involves alot of prep work. Gel stain would work without stripping, but only if you want an espresso stain, which I don't recommend. Really, the cabinets look great as-is.

I agree with what others have said about leaving the cabinets as is. I think they look fresh and timeless. I would change the backsplash. having a the black countertop gives you endless options. you can always go with a classic subway tile in white, or the arabesque tiles are a personal want. I once saw a black splash made of the white penny tile that has black accents (it looked like polka dots). or you can do a color! but white will work best with the paint on the walls.

I think they look great as they are. And as others have said, it is the backsplash that is really throwing it off. Less is more here and you have a good opportunity to have a modern, light space with just a relatively easy change. Any more pictures of the kitchen you could share?

Thank you, every one! Very helpful ideas and tips! I added more pictures of my entire kitchen.

I recently bought my condo and I'm moving in next week. I love my new place! The owner before recently renovated the kitchen but did not replace the cabinets, however, replaced everything else

including the colorful backsplash. Which I initially thought looked too busy causing everthing to look off (wish he would of picked something simple). Anyway, considering that the backsplash was recently put, I didn't think of replacing it, but now I can see how changing it could make a bigger difference than changing the cabinets. Hmmm...i need to think about this now lol.. Thanks again for the help, everyone
! Any other suggestions or opinions would be awesome!

Change the knobs to pulls on upper cabinets.

I totally agree with the above comments, the back splash & 4" black granite backslash need to go.

It will also get rid of the busy reflection of the countertop.

I would just paint it a high durable washable paint for awhile. Until you decide if your going to change cabinets.

If decide to do tile right away a light white big tile with matching light grout that would look good with future cabinet color. Just in case, you decide to paint them.

I would also invest in recessed lighting in the ceiling.

You may like the wood after.

If you decide to paint, hire a company that pro cabinet refinishing company with a warranty.

I have had some clients paint their cabinets or had just a painter do it & it only lasted 4 -5 years due to improper prep.

If you paint the cabinets yourself, it's a massive undertaking. I did that in a previous home and wished I'd never started just shortly into the process. If you must paint them, have a pro do it.

White, if you go darker the whole kitchen will look darker.

Here are white, gray and brown cabinets

Omg! Wow, thanks for that celerygirl! The pictures are very helpful

Since you have that solid black counter...maybe just paint the frame work in black...the doors will look more sleek and modern ...contrasting with the black trim...and maybe new black hardware....

I would avoid any gray with your cabinets and flooring.

I agree with Sophie, I would change other things around the cabinets.