I would paint them white. Expensive to buy new cabinetry. Updated Oak molding. Removed and Replaced with new Crown and Trim in white.

Beth, because I'm an affordable designer! I don't see any information posted to inform us of all his/her needs. I have yet to find all new cabinetry less expensive than repainting. Have you added the cost of new countertops, faucet, sink and appliances?

I like keeping costs down. I like evaluating all the possibilities for the options available. As we consult, I begin to understand the clients desires. I encourage the client to explain their direction and needs.

Painting oak does not necessarily give one a more current look. Painting can help cabinets get through more years if they are worn. Sometimes, painting can brighten a kitchen. However, most of the long term results I have seen of painted cabinetry is not great. Painting over a formerly finished surface is not as durable as factory painted cabinetry. Most I have seen show chips and wear in 3 years, more in 5 and often need to be replaced in 10 - which is fine if you are buying time and have worn cabinets. Just today there was a post from someone who painted their cabinets a couple of years ago and put in new expensive counters and backsplash - but now the paint is chipping and there is some regret. Now they want to change the cabinets, but risk damage to the stone counter and backsplash.

Also, while white cabinets are very pretty and will always have some popularity, the newer trend is back to stained cabinets, though admittedly not in the door style that your older oak cabinets probably have.

This is my wood kitchens idea book. It has both newer and older, refreshed kitchens. You might see some ways to freshen up your space without painting if a total new kitchen remodel is not in your budget.

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75202366/list/wood-kitchens

If possible, post some pics of your kitchen. If your layout is not great, it would be best to get new cabinets and a kitchen designer to help with a good layout. If you post pics here, you can get help with layout too.

Jh that's a comprehensive wood cabinets idea book! I want to steal it.

Thinkdesign - you are welcome to take whatever you want out of it and form one or bookmark it and post when you see the need. I am not on Houzz as much as I used to be and am fine with others posting my idea book:)

There are some great ideas to consider in these posts. I think you really need to assess your goals.
New kitchen down the road?
Must keep kitchen?
Option of new white doors only?
Raise ceiling?
Maybe new appliances this year and cabinets next year etc so you have achievable goals that will satisfy you?
For a small amount of money you could get some consults from kitchen designers that might give you beautiful long and short term goals.
All this involves a lot of leg work and thinking, but good to know before you pick up a paint brush.
If you decide to paint, check out the Blog, Addicted2Decorating. She is a true craftsman, has painted her cabinets multiple time and has fabulous tutorials for doing so. A great source of knowledge and inspiration!
She is also an interior designer but loves DIY!

LB,,I can see your point, but yes, you can buy new cabs and a countertop (why does changing appliances need to be thrown in here? we aren't talking about a new remodel. just cabinets, maybe counters) for less than painting.

of course it all depends on how many cabs you have, what area you're in and who is doing the painting. New cabs can be had for as little as 2500. prefab counters maybe 2K , installed, (yes, I've done it), while a good paint job could be 5K. You just have know where to shop. and of course DIY saves more.

Leaving the cabinets as is, my suggestion would be to paint the soffit, ceiling and all the skinny stained trim white.

Next, a new ceiling fixture.

No picture of hardware, but changing it would give a new look, as well.

apparently OP isn't too concerned since they've never bothered to check back and comment.

Judy,,,there is no picture. (I think you're looking at LB's pics)

Hi Judy, yes the pics are not OP, they're mine, Before & After of a Kitchen soffit.