change the backsplash. leave the cabinets. consider new counters to work with a new backsplash if you do that. [ see what you would like and get pricing]

I’m try to save money and work with the granite. The finish on the cabinets is wearing around the handles, can that be fixed too?

What do you mean by dingy? As in they need a super-deep cleaning, or the finish is getting worn, maybe both? Just tired of it and it's feeling drab?

I too would change that backsplash first. And what's your lighting situation?

They clean but there are spots of wear around handles.

And yes drab. I have under counter lights and recessed light

spots of wear? not showing up. homeowner can do things...but a refinisher can take a look. there's HOWARDS refinisher for light woods....maybe topcoat issue only...knobs lead to this.....think about knobs that protrude more if must use same holes ........have someone look.....better than painting your whole kitchen for certain.

Next question, what color backsplash?

What about painting the existing backsplash the same colour as the kitchen wall? You'd still have textural interest and your counters would then become the hero in the room. Also, re all your lighting - is it 4000k (close to daylight)? That little change can make a huge difference. Also, try removing everything from your counters and rearrange and/or put stuff you don't use everyday away.
Have fun with the process and do post your "after" pics!

Please show a close up photo of the worn areas and anything that looks dingy. Changing your lighting, as suggested above by Andrea Morrell, can help enormously in changing the overall look and feel.

Painting the tile would not look good IMO. Just change it out.

I would choose a tile in the lightest color in your countertops. Keep it simple, no contrasting grout, since the granite is busy. And I’d remove as many items as possible from the countertop and ledge.

A classic subway tile in a color close to the cabinets would be my choice. Think about removing some of the chicken decor. That look is over. Declutter your countertop to show off the new backsplash.

Exactly what flopsycat posted. Find the lightest color in the granite for a backsplash that also blends with the cabinets. The granite has a lot of pattern, so you need a simple, solid colored backsplash.

If you decide to paint the cabinets, do that first, then choose the backsplash. Remember to let the granite pull the focus. A busy backsplash just fights with it.

If this were my kitchen I would start by updating the lighting. Then I would start painting the cabinets. The cabinets around the fridge would be darker than the others because I like a “collected over time” feeling. (Maybe a dark charcoal) All of the other cabinets would be painted a cream that is as close to white as the countertops would allow. I would continue the light cream color in the backsplash. Perhaps a ceramic tile that mimics bead board.

And everyone thinks 4000k for the lighting?

I personally can't vouch for 4000k. I still got old lights, lol.

But a good way to test is to replace your current bulbs with 4000k versions and see if that is good for you. If so, then consider expanding lighting if needed.

close up of the wear on the cabinet around the knob

Looks a bit like water damage in the seams. That’s some heavy handling to wear not only the poly but also the stain. Maybe the finish wasn’t all that great to begin with.

This is the handle by the garbage, the most used. There has been a lot of

cleaning In the area

Got it, harsh cleansers broke it down. Just be careful not to overly sand the damaged areas, if you end up painting the yourself.

@User

Just wondering if you are speaking from experience? Have you painted your cupboards and it took weeks? I assume you also had terrible results and paint did not wear well, given your advice.

A pro’s fee of 7-9 thousand may not always be the case based on many factors and good results can happen if done correctly by homeowner or a house painter, So more helpful advice would be to say to look into the three options carefully and weight the options.

My experience it seems is definitely different than yours, or perhaps people you know. The most important things are researching the entire process and using quality materials. It took me about 24 hours, working off and on for a week. (It would depend on size of kitchen of course vs assumptions about timelines.) Our cupboards turned out really well and I know they don‘t have the quality of a pro’s sprayed finish, but thousand of dollars vs a couple of hundred, I’m very happy with the results. In regards to the WORK, I‘m over 60, so it‘s not a hard job, you just need patience. FYI: After over 15 months, I have touched up with a q-tip a few scratches a few times near two handles.

All this to say, your advice may unfortunately sway people from even looking into/having a desire to research all options, therefore missing out on a nice update.

I have to agree with June. I’ve painted multiple kitchens myself and it takes a good amount of time to do it correctly. Most people do not have the bandwidth to research the correct methods, let alone take the time to do it themselves. That said, most will hire a handyman or house painter because they are affordable and wonder why it doesn’t last or look good.

I’ve never timed myself, but it takes more than a week to complete. More like 2-3 weeks, because of the steps involved and cure time.

I removed all hardware, sanded, base coated, three coats on top cabinets and four on bottom and drawers (all cured in between) and no chipping after over a year - took 24 hrs over the week but my kitchen is on the smaller side. Wouldn’t take a painter as long. That’s why I like to suggest not necessarily giving up on the idea if budget doesn’t allow.

To ferrara52, sorry to get your post off track. Hope you are still considering painting by any source: pro, home painter or yourselves given time and patience to spare. Good luck.