You'll probably get a lot of responses along the lines of 'don't paint that nice wood' etc, but I say if YOU want lighter and brighter, go for it.

Your kitchen is a pretty large dark monolith visually in your overall space so white will make a huge difference. And your cabinet profile looks shaker style, so if you go white your cabinets will instantly look brand new and in style.

If you'd like to stay really up to date you may consider leaving the island dark, since the two tone look is very popular right now.

Thanks and agree on leaving the island black- I’m leaning towards sw tricorn black.

Medium wood accompanied by earth tones is indeed a bit dated. However, medium wood with white tones and black/dark accents is not only "in" now but will be beautiful for a long time. The contrast between medium wood and white is really beautiful. So, another option: Get your kitchen much brighter by 1) switching all of the backsplash tiles and perhaps kitchen paint to a bright white. 2) The large piece of all-wood cabinetry over the stove is very heavy visually. If that can be removed and replaced with a hood only, surrounded by light more bright backsplash tile, like seen in this photo, that will improve things a lot. 3) Make sure there is enough lighting (under cabinet perhaps). Also, replacing the hanging light fixtures will something more open and modern will make a big change. Bonus: Change up the stools and other accents for something more modern and visually light (instead of bulky and darker). This will have a much better feel than an all white kitchen, IMHO. I just went through this same type of decision this week myself and feel really happy I found a way to have bright without all-white : ) Whichever way you go, best wishes!

Great advice thanks!

I would paint them! Wood floors and wood cabinets are a heavy look in my eyes. Your kitchen will feel so fresh with a break from floors to cabinets. Good luck!

Sorry. I love them. They are durable now. Before you do it research images of wood cabinets and see if there are any kitchens test you like. Once you paint them there is no going back

It has never been my preference to pair hardwood floors with wood cabinets.

Having the cabinets painted white would certainly brighten the area.