Is it an expensive or a family heirloom? If so I wouldn’t mess with it. I don’t think there is much to be done to modernize it - the shape of the drawers and base is what makes it look so traditional. It is a little large for the wall it’s on as well. What about finding another home for it and replacing it with a buffet?

Here is a similar cabinet in a gloss black

Here is a similar cabinet painted white

Here is a cabinet glazed white and painted a contrasting color in the interior

Here i a unique way to address a traditional cabinet with paint.

A very beautiful piece! Can I assume it matches the rest of the house in tone and style?

I have a similar piece. I rearranged all the items in less traditional fashion and was pleased with the results.....maybe recovering the chairs in a modern pattern and adding an explosion chandelier to give the room a modern edge?

It is so beautiful. I would never paint it.

If it's solid wood, I wouldn't paint it but I am a traditionalist. If you want something else, I would sell it -- give it away and buy something that you like better rather than re muddling a nice piece of furniture.

I think one reason it looks so traditional is because there's nothing colorful or interesting in it. If you can change it somewhat, introduce hot colors, terracotta, green, turquoise - anything to break up the expanse of white. Put in some ceramic birds or anything else that's unusual (by which I don't mean kitsch, but rather something whimsical and lively).

I say paint, alter any way you want and enjoy. Then, 50 years later, it will be featured in a restoration show where host will undo your work and put it back the way it was and everybody will ooh and aah about the “new” look.

Personally, I’d remove the thingys at the top of cabinet and change bottom doors by adding glass and fretwork matching the top, or replacing with plain face front doors matching the simpler, non-carved drawers immediately above and the set of drawers in the middle. I’d change handles but not required. The changes I suggest are simple and inexpensive but not necessarily diy.

There are a million of these china cabinets floating around. in 50 years, no one will care about stripping it of paint.

She asked for an update and asked about colors for paint. if she loved it the way it is, she prob wouldn't be here asking how to change it. If you guys love it that much, you can find them all day long on craigslist (at least LA craigslist) for less than $400).

It is very traditional and very 'stuffy' looking. if you have a house w/dark furniture, heavy drapes, and a formal type of room, then this is the piece for you.

So M Zab, did you ultimstely cut off or remove the very top piece? I want yo do that with my china cabinet

This piece looks very Colonial with traditional twists. It's hard to part with a china cabinet because they hold so much and a nice way to display your collection. I had a beautiful Mahagony Chippendale piece and refused to part with it...I did part with the ball & claw table which at one point was gorgeous. I decided to paint it black, gloss, and remove the broken pediment at the top. Black hides a lot of outdated things since black furniture has become so popular. I would definitely change the hardware out. See how you like it....for me I found a great table and chairs that were upholstered in white with black trim....it looks great. BTW, china cabs are coming back in style. You can always purchase something new if you don't like the outcome. Listen to your inner creativity!!!