This is what I was thinking

I would leave it alone, not everything needs to be jazzed up.

Thank you Diana, i am really trying to brighten up the kitchen & feel the cherry is too dated circa 1990’s. The backsplash will be a gray & white toned arabesque tile with Karis Quartz countertops. I’m looking into a ventless hood now instead of the plain trim. Any one have comments on their efficiency?

I love the cabinets you already have. Wouldn’t paint.

I love your cabinets and backsplash - so warm and inviting!

Painted will cheapen them. A colorful but simple backsplash would go a long way to brighten.

I know your question was about trim but I’m going to agree with not painting them. I think a lighter backsplash and counter will make a world of difference. Just my 2 cents and I honestly think painted (if done professionally) could be gorgeous too.

Wow, you two really have the same name--Liz Lemon??

Lol Diana, I don’t know about the OP but my profile name comes from the show “30 Rock.” Hence Tina Fey in my profile pic :)

You are embracing a trend that is on its last legs. Painting the cabinets and switching out your counter to quartz is not a great choice right now. Of course, its your kitchen and you are free to do what you wish. But if your goal is to refresh and bring current, you are going in the wrong direction. Your cabinets are a lovely quality. No good will come from painting them. Think about changing the backsplash, the pulls, the lighting and maybe the countertop. My two cents. Worth what you paid ;-)

Y’all have been very helpful, thank u. I think I’ll install new lighting, change to Kari’s quartz & do a lighter backsplash Then see how I like the cabinets. I’m also going to install a ductless hood & induction cooktop! So excited!!!

Diana, I married into the name about 5 years before 30 Rock & have embraced the notariety ever since!

I thought about painting my cabinets for several years and am very glad I didn’t. I, too, felt everything was too dark. I ended up lightening up my back splash with a lighter subway tile, replacing my dark granite with a more neutral quartz, replacing an electric cooktop with gas, and decluttering. What you can’t see is that I painted my island with a color from the backsplash and I feel it now looks brighter, yet I kept the look of my custom wood cabinets. Grey is on its way out...

Liz, so happy that you decided to make the other changes instead of painting the cabinets!

In addition to making the room brighter, you will avoid the inevitable problem of painted cabinets showing chips and wear that are not visible in stained cabinets.

(And regarding your lovely name, I never watched 30 Rock so I just thought it was a coincidence!)

Following

Just hopping in to second the opinion of keeping the cabinets -- Just lighten that backsplash!