Are you sure this kitchen is over 20yrs old? I ask bc the white cabinets still look pristine. Hopefully you got a good deal, bc a kitchen redo is costly. The only thing I would change is the breakfast height counter and counters. Maybe reface cabs, for something less country.

I think changing out the cabinet pulls will help, maybe try that first and see?

Agree with changing the pulls to something you prefer.

My guess is that wasn't a cheap kitchen, given all the inset cabinetry and the appliances. Painting would likely result in a less durable finish.

What is outside your windows? Is that covered porches? Maybe that's why you feel your kitchen is dark, you're not getting light from outside.

The beadboard style doors are probably too “farmhouse style” for you. A refacing job would be costly since you have so many doors and drawers. (The lower drawers makes me think it’s a fairly new kitchen since that idea is new.) You can research refacing costs by having Home Depot give you an estimate. I don’t think painting it will change that country look due to the style of the door. Changing handles will definitely help somewhat, as would upgrading the countertop to something more modern. And lowering the tiered countertop to a full slab would help. I did that in my house, with a refacing job.

Thanks all! We have budget and the kitchen was redone in 1998. I have no idea how much it would cost to get new hardwood cabinet doors however. There is a sunroom beyond the windows but its The dark granite that fees oppressive to me. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area so no home is a good deal ;). Here’s a view of our bar sink opposite the kitchen.