agree totally with chispa. Cabinets are fine, counters a bit dated.

you could just do a white backsplash and probably find the countertop works better. As it is...the counter works with the tiling on the wall which is a plus. I think I might change the cabinet hardware and backsplash and see if leaving the counter would be something I'd accept. But if you change the counter it is a chance to get an overhang for the bar seated people. Do you use that seating area? No I would not paint the cabinets.

The white cabinetry trend has already peaked, and wood cabinetry is coming back into style. Your cabinets will never be the contemporary European style in shape, so painting them will still leave you with a traditional look plus with the added maintenance of a painted finish which will crack and chip in time. Natural wood will remain a more durable finish for you. Hiring a good professional to properly prep, prime and paint the cabinets will be costly, probably starting around $4,000 to $7,000 USD depending on your area and the number of cabinets you need painted. If you require a "lighter kitchen," then I would recommend considering changing other darker finishes and adjusting lighting before painting the cabinetry unless the cabinetry is quite worn which is hard for us to see from your photo. Nevertheless, we see a lot of posts in the Houzz forums from people who are asking about painting their natural wood cabinetry, are advised not to for the most part, and go ahead and paint the cabinets (usually white) and are pleased with the results, so it is a personal choice.

For what it's worth, I'm purchasing new cabinetry in a natural cherry finish which is why your title interested me to read your post. We're probably going to select a dark stone countertop but will keep walls and floor light in color plus have lots of light to keep the area bright. Cherry wood cabinetry with a dark countertop is a timeless look.

Never paint those. Never ever. Nope.

One more vote for don't paint them. They are beautiful!

No, do not paint your cabinets. You have beautiful wood cabinets. I dont dislike your cabinet hardware, but, I think, it could be changed, so it stands out a bit more. It blends into the doors a bit. Other than that I wouldnt do anything, just enjoy what you have, and that is a very nice kitchen.

Don't paint. Change counters and backsplash.

Thank you so much for all the support. I have decided to keep them as is and improve on the lighting for now : ) thank you

You said you love your kitchen - and that is what matters. We are surrounded by marketing today which tries to make us feel badly about the stuff we have so we will go out and buy new stuff. No one on a normal budget can keep up with the various trends. That said, earlier posters are correct in that white kitchens are a little less trendy now and wood cabinets are more in then they were - there will always be a place for both in home design. Good lighting will make a difference - especially under cabinet lighting if you do not have it.

Your kitchen does look pretty dark. It is because of the slate walls and granite counters. If you do a search for pics of cherry cabs with white/cream/light counters you will see what a difference it makes.

Another vote for not painting! Good luck to you...

Nicole

I'd change the backsplash and wall tile and maybe new paid on that peninsula/pass through. The tile is darkening and dating things and fortunately, probably the cheapest and easiest fix! The cabinets are beautiful. I think the counter is fine too. No need to trash granite that will last forever just because other patterns and colors are more "in" at the moment.

Another person who loves the appearance of natural wood, no need to paint them, and if you want to paint them, then you have the cost and the maintenance.

I can't really see the backsplash, but that would be the easier thing to change. Also, it looks like the back wall beyond the kitchen may have a dark, patterned wallpaper. Maybe you could do something different there.

Love cherry cabinets. Our kitchen is @ 30 years old - I’ve changed countertops, appliances, plumbing fixtures and lighting and hardware over the years but the cherry cabinets stay. We use lemon oil from time to time because the wood gets dry and ”thirsty”. Countertops are a black granite.

What color is under the counter? It looks pink, and if it is, change it to white like the crown molding.

Agreed, the most important thing is what do you like? Trends come and go, and no one on the internet is going to spend time in your home!

What makes you happy? If there are elements you'd like to change, change them. If you love it as it is, enjoy it!

Thank you all. Just to answer some questions. The back splash and the walls of the kitchen are all a dark slate. They go all the way up. Under the counter, I was thinking of putting something to stop it from getting dirty? Maybe some stone finishing. Currently it is a light beige like the rest of the living area next to it. I have decided not to paint the cabinets. Thank you for all the advice. Funny thing is that changing the slate walls and back splash will cost more than painting (at least here in South Africa). But none the less, I will look into to it. I will also change the lights. Thank you all!!!