is that granite? doesn't look like quartz.

if it's granite, you could bust out the portion on the wall and replace it w/tile. I think that would make the most impact.

do you plan on painting the cabs yourself? any idea how much work it is?? tons. the prep work alone is 80% of the job. And if you plan on hiring out, expect to pay a pro in the 4K neighborhood.

what about that sad little light? that's a $30 light from home depot. You need something better. even switching it out to a 3 bulb light w/atleast 200 watts would be better. Even a light like in this after picture would be better. a type of track light with 5-7 lights on it

If you can afford to do some recessed lighting, have someone come in and do at least 5 canned lights.

to be honest with you, painting those cabinets a cream color isn't going to do a whole lot. (and DIY'ing those grooved doors will make you lose your mind)

Do you have any plans in the future of redoing the kitchen? Can you save up for a year?

But if you really want to paint, read this link and go w/Alabaster, if you like. Do not add any gold to it. just keep it a creamy white.

https://www.evolutionofstyleblog.com/how-to-paint-your-kitchen-cabinets-like

the white in this pic is SW Aria Ivory

I think YEs white would kinda be a bit too much, but you've got some pretty good array of options. I like jade blue myself, but others would be orange or neon green to really bring out the contrast

It really depends on the style of the rest of the house. If the rest of the house is predominantly white or light, then the white kitchen will go nicely. Same if you're style is very classic and refined. If your style is more casual, warm and cozy, you can do another colour that goes well with the countertop like gray with blue or green undertone, or beige. Just keep in mind that these will go out of trend faster than white, but if you are thinking of painting, it is not expansive so you can afford to go out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Are the appliances staying? Your contrast of white cabinets and black appliances is going to be more apparent than the contrast with the extremely busy counters and backsplash. Are they Corian? I agree they aren't quartz. Also you said Alabaster with some gold to make it more cream? That statement is very confusing. Are you planning to add gold to the Alabaster paint? Thats not going to make it more cream???? If you want a cream choose a cream paint color. Modifying an existing color is a recipe for disaster. Alabaster is a lovely color. If you want more cream go for SW Linen, BM Navajo White, BM Indian White, BM Gentle Cream. Know that on Oak Cabinets you are going to see the grain of the wood. I agree with Beth here. If you cant pull the counter and backsplash, which will give you the biggest bank for your buck then hopefully you can do the backsplash and light.

Hi Everyone! Thank you for your feedback. The counters are definitely not corian. Our inspector told us they were quartz, they may be granite, but I really do think they are quartz. The appliances will be staying for now. Also, we will not be changing the backsplash due to budgeting purposes. As far as the color, I was describing the color Alabaster. I would not be adding any color to it. Alabaster IS white with a touch of gold to make it more of a cream. I am new to this site and didn't realize everyone would know what every paint color is so I was explaining it. We would have the cabinets professionally painted.

Natalie Are you planning on painting the window casings and the fireplace? I would not do the cabinets if you are planning on leaving all your windows wood and the fireplace. This often happens. You think you will change one thing and it creates the domino effect. For a decent paint job on those cabinets $4k-$6. I am wondering if that wouldnt be better invested elsewhere? If you could accomplish your dream space and budget wasn't a factor what would that list look like?

Alabaster isnt really a cream per se. It depends on what it is placed with. Example these cabinets are Alabaster.

Congratulations on your new home!

Standard advice is to give it a few months before making any changes, but that is up to you. The cabs over the peninsula would be the first thing I would remove, then think about more intensive changes.

DIY cabinet painting takes attention to detail but it is not the extreme process some suggest. I repainted my kitchen cabinets over a weekend and a week of evenings for around $100. Use posterboards to try the color(s) you are considering.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/kitchen/diy-kitchen-cabinets/surprising-tips-for-painting-kitchen-cabinets/

I do plan on painting the fireplace and spray painting the gold black. Unfortunately, I cannot paint the windows because the panes are inside the glass. I am already painting the cabinets in the bathroom alabaster, but the bathroom is much lighter than the kitchen. It certainly looks whiter in the picture you posted. Would a more off white look better? I'm not sure what my dream kitchen would look like, I just really don't like the color of the cabinets and would like to brighten the space up.

now that I see it close up, it is a type of quartz.

You might still be able to break up the wall portion behind the counter and use a simple subway tile. If you do decide to do that, do the demo before you paint.

Alabaster is a good color

as for the painters who are doing it, make sure they sand the cabs very well, prime, sand again to make them smooth, and then paint. If they don't sand or prep, the paint won't adhere properly. Make sure you get a written guarantee.

Thank you so much! The house needs a lot of work, but it has good bones. We have been taking down wallpaper and painting, and we need new carpet, but the kitchen is definitely on our list in the near future. I will make sure the painters prep correctly before painting.

and don't forget to do something w/that lighting Natalie. it looks dark in there because it is dark! you don't have any adequate lighting. spend what ever it takes to get that rectified.

and you could always knock down that upper bank of cabs into the dining area. removing that will really open things up

Alabaster is a beautiful color. The only thing I would urge you to do is try a sample in your space with your lighting. Speaking of lighting if you change nothing else address the light in your space.

I do agree that taking out the upper bank of cabinets over the peninsula would greatly open up the space. It would be a lot of storage space to lose but have a big impact. That said I wouldnt take them out unless you are willing and able to remove the bulk head above them to get a clean run of ceiling.

I personally think Alabaster will be too stark of a white for those counters. The paint sample of Alabaster is deceiving and looks much creamier than it actually is. I have it on my walls and it reads much closer to what Design Interior Southposted. Not to mention, it will add a stark contrast against your black appliances.

I don't think I would pay to have the cabinets painted at all. Instead, I would remove the bank of top cabinets and bulk head over the peninsula, replace the backsplash and update the lighting and add under cabinet lighting. I know you said it's not in the budget for a new backsplash, but doing renovations on a new home is a marathon, not a sprint. Wait, save and then create a game plan you love long term. So, in the meantime, address the lighting first and foremost.

Hope this helps and congrats on the new home!

" I am new to this site and didn't realize everyone would know what every paint color is so I was explaining it."

HAHA, welcome to Houzz and you will be amazed at what the folks know.