those cabinets are gorgeous as is, and timeless. it's the countertops that are super outdated. you have a decent layout and decent floors. literally all you need to do to make an amazing impact is replace the countertops. depending on what you choose, it might actually cost less than having the cabinets painted. or if not, it would still be worth it.

then, have some fun with other details: new wall color (this room is way too warm overall), new hardware, maybe even a new faucet.

Agree with others. Cabinets look great. I’d replace the countertops and paint the window trim the color of whatever you choose for the walls. Done.

Thank you for the advice. I priced replacing the countertop which would cost about $3000 for new quartz countertop. It is partly because the depth of my countertop is not standard 24”. It is more than I am willing to pay. Regarding the painting, my husband is very handy and spray-painted other doors before. So we can do painting ourselves under $500. Is there any way that I can update the kitchen with the existing countertop?

if you do the painting yourself, are you prepared to thoroughly clean, sand, clean again, prime, and sand between each coat of paint? if you don't do that, they can chip and peel.

my apologies for the unsolicited advice-- you did ask about cabinet colors after all. but the thing is, no cabinet color is going to redeem those countertops. and like I said, the wood cabinet color is so beautiful. sorry for the harsh opinion!

if money is tight, maybe start by painting your walls white and see if that helps transform things enough to tide you over?

The problem is neither your beautiful cabinets nor your granite counter. The problem is that you have a visually very busy looking composition. This is because

• that white trim contrasts too starkly with the wall colour. I'd suggest painting both the wall and the trim the same warm white colour except different sheens. This will brighten your kitchen at the same time as calming it down
• your counter is somewhat cluttered. If you can find homes for more of those things, your kitchen will feel better

If you want to spend a bit of money, consider some new cabinet pulls, maybe in brushed nickel. And if you want to spend more money, when it's time to replace your appliances, consider stainless steel instead of black.

White walls would brighten the space up. I agree with others that the cabinets are the best thing you have going in your kitchen. I think you should reconsider.

also, just checking: did you look into manmade quartz or other materials? did you get more than one estimate? what style are you going for? maybe we can help you find a more affordable product.

not a pro... but sometimes I wonder if the pandemic lockdown is causing home improvement prices to be inflated due to supply and demand for materials and labor. just an idea and I know it's not the most fun, but you might want to hold off and get estimates again next year.

Thank you again for the advice. I got two estimates which were the same - about $3000. I was told that the new tariff made the (man-made) quartz counter-top more expensive. If I replace it with butcher-block, it can be considerably cheaper because we can install the butcher-block countertop ourselves. I am, however, hesitant to replace the almost maintenance-free granite counter-top with butcher block...just because of the look. I am looking for a bit more modern style and I am not sure if a butcher-block countertop can be of modern style, either.

We have spray-painted the pantry cabinet doors - cleaning, sanding, priming, etc. We have a machine shop in our garage and are fairly handy. I am positive that we can paint the cabinet doors well enough - almost to the level of professional quality.

No way that painting the cabinets (and walls and trims) can update this kitchen?

Thank you again for the feedback!

I agree with others that your cabinets are the nicest part of your kitchen.

Changing your window trim would make the biggest improvement. The width of the trim is out of proportion to the window and to the cabinet style. The bright white colour clashes with the other kitchen colours. And the style across the top of the trim does not look good with the shaker. This will look unattractive no matter what you do with your cabinets.

To my eye your kitchen is not out of date and does not need updating. But it sounds like you are tired of how it looks and want a change, any change. Of course it will look different if you paint it, but to my eye it won't look better.

IMO mismatched upper and lower cabinets were really new and "in" some years ago, and are already now "out". Not to say that you shouldn't do it if it you like the look. But if you want something that's "up to date" that isn't the look.

it depends on what you mean by "update." if you don't like the current look and want something different, then surely painted cabinets will make a large change. if you are specifically interested in up-to-date trends, then your current cabinets are lovely and would not bother anybody -- probably the paint would be considered a downgrade. honestly, I'd pay a carpenter to rip off the 18th century window frame in favor of something minimalist and 21st century, and replace the faucet with a higher arc. if what bothers you is overall darkness, then lighter wall paint and better lighting will make the biggest change, followed by a lighter counter (maybe Corian for the budget fix). a stainless dishwasher in exchange for the current black hole would also help there.

hope this helps!

First step: address the overly large and, for the space, ornate window trim, as suggested above. Then reassess. Huge bang for the buck!

Our kitchens rarely live up to the professionally styled "dream rooms" we see on Pinterest and Houzz. Your kitchen has some lovely features. I agree with the prior comments that your cabinets are lovely. I'm also fine with your countertops. I agree with prior comments that the problem with your kitchen is the window and countertop clutter.

Before embarking on an expensive, messy, and time consuming project, you might try the following:

1. Paint walls and window frame the same color. I would not recommend a bright white. Pick a tinted white or light shade that matches the undertones of your countertops and cabinets.

2. Clear off your countertops and style them attractively. This will make the biggest difference to your kitchen. Review Houzz pictures for their countertop styling.

Once you've done the above, then see if you still want to paint. Keep in mind that paint is less forgiving than wood and will require more cleaning.

The cabinets are nice, the floor is nice (but a bit matte, maybe put a shine on them), the counters ARE nice (better than that leopard speckled kind), but that window trim needs to be "trimmed" - see what I did? LOL. That's the first thing you see. I agree: take the wide trim off and replace it with narrower more modern trim.

Definitely deal with the window trim issue first. Should make quite a difference.

I agree with everyon else, you have nice cabinets, and if you like the granite then just paint a warm white for the walls and trim (or find a simple warm white backsplach and paint the trim) . Update the sink maybe and the hardware. I think black would look really nice. Also, decluttering really helps the space as well.

No way that painting the cabinets (and walls and trims) can update this kitchen?

I think cabinets that are ugly or damaged benefit from painting. but yours are so beautiful. that's why pretty much everybody here is pushing back. your kitchen is really great (better than mine)! since the first thing you DID do was look into countertops, this tells me you want new countertops. don't let cabinet painting be the bandaid.

as for painting the walls? yes, great idea. that and the window trim could make a big difference. start there and then re-evaluate what you want to do.

and then... not fun but maybe hold off just a little longer. who knows, maybe the tarriffs will change next year. or you might get an idea for an other material that you like. have you considered Ikea? or porcelain, acrylic solid surface,recycled paper, poured concrete?

I would paint uppers a creamy white, walls a lighter color, stainless appliances. Then maybe new backsplash.

take another look at granite, lots to chose from, actually easier to 'maintain' than almost anything other than soapstone or Corian. Quartz has 'issues' the maker's don't tell you about (lots of stories here on Houzz). Please whatever you do change the huge out of proportion trim around the window.

I wouldn’t touch those cabinets with a paint brush under any circumstance. They are gorgeous and classic. The countertop is fine. The windows and faucet are dated. I think stainless appliances would really update the space. Congrats! You don’t have much to do to end up with a breathtaking space.

Lots of opinions here but going back to your original question, you asked "Is there any way that I can update the kitchen with the existing countertop?"

The biggest budgetwise change would be to paint the cabinets since you are confident you can do it yourself. Smaller changes such as painting the walls and changing the window trim and cabinet hardware aren't nearly as big a change as painting the cabinets. It sounds to me like you'll only be happy with a big change. But reconsider painting the uppers and lowers differently. That ship has sailed.

People are suggesting replacing the window trim, but could you replace those two windows with one larger one? That, with more minimalistic trim would give you a more updated look. Also you could remove the four inch backsplash and tile up to the cabinets with subway tiles in a rich cream to match a background color in the countertop. Subway tiles may go out of style too ( though I think it is the white ones people will rebel against) but the combination of subway tiles with those cabinets is a classic look. Joining the rest of the cast to say don’t paint the cabinets if you don’t have to - and yes to stainless steel appliances.

I'm going to be contrarian and say: paint the uppers (a soft, creamy) white and leave the lowers as-is and see how you like it first; change the hardware and trim around the windows, as others have suggested; paint the walls something contemporary and fresh, like SW Watery - please don't go with taupe for the walls. As it stands, the kitchen looks very drab, if not depressing - I don't think taupe will cheer it up any. :(

I actually love your cabinets and countertop! I would make the window trim skinnier and paint the walls a different color. Maybe update the hardware on the cabinets if that isn’t enough change for you.

I agree from picture u have classic good cabinets and outdated countertop. You are budget updating. If u do paint then choose traditional keep classic stay away from trends. A Pictures of white shake cabinets and gold granite. With some update handle. Idea for u. If u want long term financial returns in kitchen don’t paint and save up for quartz and new appliances. But if u just got to change it now cause u just hate it then keep simple not trendy.

The cabinets are beautiful!! Almost everyone here says to keep them and I definitely agree! All the other changes would be better. We had our originally white cabinets professionally repainted white because they looked tired and not as white, but this is still not wearing as well as the factory finish. Keep the wood!

The cabinet factory finish will always be nicer than a painted finish. The cabinets look very nice now. Paint the walls to match the counter color better and paint all the white-white window trim to match the wall color so it doesn’t jump out visually. When/if you replace appliances, stainless steel is a better choice...less harsh than black.

I think your cabinets are perfect. The other cost-effective ideas already stated (window trim, wall color, de-cluttering, new faucet and rug) sound sooo much better. Then reassess. To just paint because you can is not a good idea. Start saving for stainless appliances and/or a new countertop. As was said, painting good wood cabinets isn’t an upgrade since paint can chip.

I agree with all, cabinets are beautiful! I have sprayed my hardware a textured pewter that looks beautiful with stainless. Definitely tone down the window. Paint walls, have fun with a rug in front of sink. Baby steps, I think you’ll get the comfort your looking for. It’s a nice kitchen!

I say paint if you want I painted mine 12 years ago and not a chip to be found. Your hubby knows what he is doing. But I do agree they look great now. Try painting the walls and window trim first and perhaps add some accents in tones that are similar to the granite to pull it all together. Then if you are still unhappy, try painting only the uppers in a warm off white color. They are a lot less work to clean than lowers.

For crying out loud don’t paint those cabinets. They are gorgeous! Your granite is nice too. You need a bright modern backsplash, beautiful faucet, brighter paint, stainless appliances if you can afford them and a pretty rug. AND declutter. Go and buy yourself some pretty decorative baskets and trays to hold your kitchen items that need to stay on your counter. I like the “ At Home” store for things like this, if you have one near you. Get a metal dish rack to put inside the left side of your sink so you don’t have a dish drainer sitting out. Let us know what you decide.

Phase 1: start with painting the walls and the trim. For a pop of color, how about a rug? I like your cabinets and your countertop - they are just classic and can go with everything. Phase 2: stainless steel appliances will brighten up the space. I know that is more expensive and you may not even need to do that if you get the right paint colors. Visit a paint store that has a designer on staff (Sherwin Williams/Benjamin Moore) and get their advice on paint colors.

one final idea and then I'll stop being so pushy, I promise! have you considered a DIY veneer for the existing counters? only just as a holdover until you can get new countertops. I only suggest it since your husband is handy, it's not for the novice DIYer. one thing I looked into for my own counters was a concrete veneer. this would be beautiful with your cabinets. you could pull off a rustic/modern look with it, or I've even seen it work with transitional kitchens if styled right.

it's a temporary solution, and I'm not 100% sure if it can be done over granite (maybe yes if you can rough it up enough). but just throwing the idea out there. here's one blog post explaining: https://abeautifulmess.com/concrete-countertop-diy/

or if your husband is really handy, he can frame it out and do concrete the right way.

also some people do enamel kits -- I'm not personally a fan, but if you know somebody who's really good at painting faux veins, it can be an OK holdover.

Keep your cabinets, they are beautiful. I suggest replacing your countertops using Blue Roma quartzite. The veining is similar in color to your cabinets.
As others have suggested, change the trim on your windows.
If your budget allows, either now or at a later date, replace your appliances with stainless steel. It will brighten your space.

I have almost the exact same cabinets, which I wanted to paint but my husband talked me out of (after reading these comments I'm glad he did!). I replaced the outdated hardware and it made quite a difference in their overall look.