Your cabinets look fine, and soffits are not enemies. I would not do anything to them.

From my monitor your floors look beautiful and are a classic color. However, the backsplash would have to go. That is where I would spend my money, and possibly replacing the countertops with something lighter. I think your kitchen would then look grand!

What did you do to "adjust" the lighting? Did you switch to LEDs with a 4K rating? That should be done first. LEDs under the upper cabs would be my next step after that, along with replacement of the dark and busy backsplash. What's inside the soffit? Your wall color looks warm and your floors are too. Changing the wall color can change the cabinet color drastically. I think these are better solutions to try before you ruin the cabinets with paint.

If you Paint your uppers the same as your soffit, it will visually disappear. But it’s not necessary. I think a new backsplash would make a huge difference.

Of all the things to do in your kitchen, I'd switch out the backsplash. I would wait on all of this until you determine your flooring. Just save save save.

I am so glad to see so many comments about the backsplash. I've wanted to replace it since we moved in, but my husband was very hesitant. Maybe these comments will help convince him :) I forgot to add that while the flooring in this particular room is still in good shape, we had some damage to flooring in an adjoining room. For continuity sake, this kitchen flooring will likely have to go. As for lighting, we did upgrade to LED lights both in the light fixture and the canned lights throughout.

We have decided to update the backsplash with a simple and classic white subway tile. I’m thinking a contrasting grout color. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to better square off this corner? As you can tell from the photo, there are 3 different stop points-the cabinets, the soffit, and then the counter. How do you think it would look to extend the tile to the end of the counter, square it off in height to what is under the cabinet, and then install some open shelves that would meet the squared off tile? Other suggestions?

I would square it straight down from the cabinet.

I agree with aligning the backsplash to the cabinet. I would not do contrasting grout on the backsplash. It adds a visual "busy-ness" that most kitchens don't need and in your kitchen's case, might compete with the cabinet door pattern. If you're going with white subway tiles, I recommend a warm white to harmonize with the wood cabinets. A blue-white backsplash would probably be too stark. Agree with optimizing the lighting (adding under cabinet lighting is a fantastic idea) before choosing the tile. The type and quantity of lighting in a room affects the colours we see. Make sure you like whatever you choose in both natural and artificial light.

Very much yes to painting your cabinets. Would also suggest replacing the backsplash if you can. This type of backsplash was one all the rage but now it looks very dated. I agree with one of the other posters - paint the soffit the same color as the walls. I would also suggest replacing at least a couple of the upper cabinet doors with doors with glass in them. Nothing adds depth to a flat front of cabinets like adding some glass. Good luck!

Another vote for backsplash change... but be careful as mentioned above if you go too cool it will look off. I’ve seen people on here run out and think “white subway tile” and then they post their after and it’s not good. Seek out Beth here on the forum... she’s the backsplash expert and will give you ideas of simple but just not repetitive white subway. She also can link you to sites to correctly paint if you so choose.

Thank you for the suggestions on the backsplash!

Here are a few options I am considering:

https://tilebar.com/lancaster-3x12-vanilla-ceramic-tile.html

https://tilebar.com/santa-monica-ivory-4x12-tile.html

https://www.flooranddecor.com/tile-decoratives/artisan-oyster-porcelain-tile-100185784.html

I'd love to see other options, too!

For those suggesting painting the cabinets, do you have a favorite or recommended color?

@Maureen Love the idea of adding moldings on the soffit... never would have thought of that, but it makes a huge visual impact.

I love the ivory and the oyster tiles you chosen!

I would also add the suggestion to add undermount lights under the upper cabinets to brighten up the counters.

If anything, give your cabinets a good cleaning, but don't paint them! I recommend cleaning them with Dawn Dish Soap, water and a green scrubbing pad. Wipe down with wet rag with water to remove residue.

I also recommend painting your walls Alabaster instead of Twilight Gray to brighten up the room.

No, don't paint the cabinets - they look great. But I agree with the others about the backsplash. It's too "heavy".

I have a wood kitchens idea book with both new and older, refreshed kitchens.

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

I look upon painting previously finished cabinets as a good way to give life to worn cabinets while one saves for new - even if it is 5 to 7 years away. The paint on a previously finished cabinet is not as durable as a factory painted cabinet and be prepared for touch ups. If that is not a problem for you, then go ahead:) I don't favor painting cabinets to be part of the current trend as trends change quickly.

jhmarie, thank you for sharing your idea book. There are some beautiful wood kitchens in there!