This is kitchen without any lights on.

I’d go with a blue paint.

Consider replacing the counters and backsplash instead of painting the cabinets. You might find the cost to be the same (if you're contracting out the painting) and unless a really good job is done on the painting it will not wear well. If you're doing the painting DIY be sure to follow all recommended steps.

The other option is to reface your cabinets. The house I bought two years ago has refaced cabinets and it took us a while to notice. The only way we knew for sure was because there is an extra sheet of veneer hanging in the basement. :-) They look surprisingly good to me.

If you to decide to paint the cabinets I definitely wouldn't vote for black, and not a fan of blue either unless it's going to tie into the rest of your decor. I would vote for white. That kitchen looks pretty dark.

Agree with @kandrewspa. I would keep the cabinets as is ( if it would be possible I would just remove the thing over window). You have 2 " backsplashes". I would remove/change the tiles and remove little granite piece or remove tile backsplash and keep little granite backsplash and paint the wall.

@kandrewspa -- Thanks for your input. My original thought was a white as well -- maybe just matching the trim which is slightly off-white. Our walls in the kitchen and throughout the house are Simply White.

How do you think the backsplash would do with white cabinets? It has a lot of different colors/tones, but really doesn't have white in it. That's a concern I have. And, of course, the floor... *sigh*.

Thanks again for your input.

J Sk -- Not sure how to reply directly to you, but thanks for the input. Would love your opinion on color for an updated backsplash or painted wall/backsplash.

The floors look like a travertine look alike. If you decide to paint the cabinets Simply White might be too white, but since you have it elsewhere in your house you could try it. It is a warm white. If that doesn't work, try Acadia White. It's creamier. This also applies if you decide not to paint the cabinets, but remove the backsplash and paint the area instead.

If you replace the counters you won't want to choose a backsplash until the new counters are in and you can look at tile samples on site. If you decide to replace the counters take a cabinet door or drawer with you to the slab yard and be sure to look at the slabs in natural lighting. Some retailers have their slabs in warehouses which is great because you can look at them in any weather, but then when they come to install you find it looks terrible with your cabinets. One option for a backsplash is to have it done in the same material as the counters. A lot of granite and quartz retailers also sell tile so you can match something there.

If you keep the cabinets and floors the same just remember you need warm colors for the parts you replace. Cool grays or cool whites will not work.

Here are a few pictures with short backsplash piece and painted walls. Tomorrow I will try to look for some tile backsplash ideas.

Fantastic job on your black painted bar. It looks great with the wood floors. I don't think black cabinets are going to look as good though in your kitchen. I agree 100% with changing out the counters and backsplash if you can afford it. Keep the cabinets are they are.

I would not add hardware to your cabinets. You have a lot of cabinets in a small space with rectangular detailng on them. It will be overload. Try putting up pieces of tape on all of your cabinets to mimick hardware and see the results. I'm redoing a smaller kitchen with lots of cabinets packed in. We got brass knobs that I love but it is so much look that we are going with solid counters, flooring, and no backsplash to reduce the overwhelm.

Since you'll need new hardware anyway, why not purchase the same as you have on the bar and install it on the kitchen cabs as they are right now? I think a new backsplash and maybe painting the island black is all I would do.

The backsplash isn’t something I’d work around. You don’t have a lot of it. So it shouldn’t be very expensive to change.

I’d also find out if you can get the countertops leathered.

Also, as I showed above, I like blue with the black countertops. And do think I’d paint them. The wood looks like veneer. Correct me if I’m wrong obviously... but I think it would look really nice painted...

In terms of hardware I’d deal with that at the end. I do think you need some of it in some places for sure.
But maybe those modern bar pulls (see photo below)

Thanks you J Sk! I so appreciate the pictures and look forward to seeing any pics w/backsplash ideas that you come across. I've looked so much, but don't seem to find anything that grabs me - these things are so hard for me to visualize.

@HU-187528210 Thanks for your input! The cabinets are solid wood - '90s white washed oak. We had the exact same type/style cabinets painted in our living room wetbar and they took the paint much better than I had anticipated. Having said that, it will be $$$$$ to have them professionally done in our kitchen as there are tons of them. If I can update the look w/minimal expense, I'm definitely all for that!

I'm curious about having the countertops "leathered". I've never heard of that. What exactly is it? Our countertops are granite, I think.

We like the sleek look of our cabinets not having pulls, but it really makes upkeep difficult as fingernails tend to chip any finish. Because of that, I'm definitely considering pulls of some sort and do want them to be modern.

@decoenthusiaste Thanks so much for your ideas. I do like the pulls on the wetbar and we've thought about putting similar ones, but brushed chrome instead of brass so that it pulls in some of the color from the backsplash unless we change the backsplash... this thread is giving me a lot to think about!

@Kendrah Great idea to use tape to emulate the cabinet hardware! What color/type backsplash do you think would work with this kitchen? Thanks so much for your input!

Leathered granite is a matte finish (see photos below)

I would leave the cabinets the color they are now. I would paint the island black, and I would add hardware to the cabinets. I would also paint the walls, and if you remove the 4 inch backsplash, and add a new backsplash, that would look very nice. If you decide to leave the 4 inch backsplash you already have, then just paint above it on the wall, to match the rest of your walls. Either way will look nice. Leathering your countertops, can be very expensive. I would leave them, as they are, or replace them completely.

Have you priced out painting those cabinets? at least 5K. the last thing you want is a bargain painter for those for 2K.

If you want to try it yourself, it's an insane amount of work, but you could try it.

You barely have any backsplash. why are you working 'around it' ?? That's the easiest thing to change, the cheapest, and will have a huge impact.

just rip it off. and take off the 4" granite piece up the back too.

Demo it yourself (it's easy) and save yourself a grand.

Paint your cabinets, and get a new tile spalsh to go w/the black countertop (which is fine).

basically will look like this if you get a simple white tile.

I would not do a dark/black cab w/those blackcountertops. too dark. imagine this w/black counters

similar backsplash, diff granite, black island (notice the simple wood trim work on it. it's easy to do and makes a huge diff) white cabinets.

Or, I do like your black cabinets. if you go that route, I'd get a new countertop. If you do a pre-fab white quartz, it will prob cost you 2K. Installed

Or, wrap your island in a shiplap panel like this, paint it black. white quartz, do the others in black lowers/white uppers. it will be fine w/the travertine floors if you go for a more taupe-white.

Two tone options

just look at cabs. black and white. the backsplash is a travertine so it gives you an idea of how it looks w/white. I hate the wall and countertop color

you really need some hardware. replace a few of the uppers w/glass and have some glass doors. cost for one is about 50 bucks. you can do it yourself.

redo the tile splash yourself.

Island modifications. get some simple MDF or plywood. this is easy to do.

simple shiplap.

putty the nail holes, trim out the edges, prime it and paint.

save more money and get a left over piece of a walnut butcher block and use it for the island (looks great w/black) white quartz elsewhere.

those cabs will look great painted and w/hardware. I'd do it in a minute.

I'd also demo all the other things I mentioned.

Look into pre-fab quartz or granite. a 9' piece can be had for $550.

Trim out your island.

Remove the scallop thing over your window.

bring in a diff blind for your window,

get a runner.

if you're savvy, know how to shop, and can DIY, you could do all of this for under 7K. If you paint yourself, save 4-5K off that price.

Hi, I am not sure what kind of backsplash You were considering, more calm or to make a statement but definitely whatever You choose you need to be considering fpr the backsplash to go with your floor tile. I am attaching a few pictures for inspiration:

I would chose a light color from the back splash to paint the cabinets but i would paint the island black to tie in with the wet bar.

I agree with the comments to change the backsplash and countertops to a light color. Leave the cabinets in their natural finish and add hardware. If you do that, you could paint the island cabinets black to tie in with the wet bar.

I think your cabinets are the nicest thing about your kitchen! Add hardware and consider changing out the backsplash. If you can remove the piece over the window, that would be great, and, as your appliances die, switch for stainless, or white (I'm a white fan, but am in a minority.)

I would not do black as it will make the kitchen too dark imo. I'm not a fan of white though either. Do you have an up close pic of the backsplash? My immediate thought was maybe a maroon/mahogany or blue. What colors are in your house decor besides white/black?

IRIDE - Modern - Kitchen - San Diego - by BKT LOFT Italian Kitchen Cabinets in San Diego | Houzz

I am a big fan of black cabinets! Your bar looks awesome. Put in a mirrored back splash like your bar. Probably can be glued right over existing back splash. Mirrors with also in crease light in your kitchen. Good Luck! Post pictures after you decide.

Paint your island, remove valence over sink window. Install hardware on all your cabinets. Least expensive remodel fix until you are prepared for the dreaded gut job! Merry Christmas!

I would paint the cabinets a very pale gray - picks up one of the colors in your tiled backsplash.

Even though grey has been overused in recent years, so has white. But, I think light grey cabinets are appropriate. Grey would tie in the backsplash and it looks like there are some grey tones in the tan flooring. Also, grey would not contrast jarringly with the black countertops and appliances. The black cabinets in the dining room are very nice but it would be too much in the kitchen. Maybe leave the island in the light wood finish to brighten the area. Grey, Black and Tan can look great together. However, I like the present kitchen as it is; just add hardware in a brushed silver finish and eliminate the cost and aggregation of maintaining painted cabinets which show wear easily.

I also agree that painting the cabinets isn’t the best choice. First, black soaks up a LOT of light. Second, it’s not as durable a finish as well maintained wood, unless they’re poor quality cabinets to start with.
Our kitchen is similarly sized and has only a single window over the sink and another on the opposite wall over the dining table. We painted the cabinets white, which really brightened it up but three years later they’re looking less than fresh.
I would consider demoing the backsplash as others have mentioned, and replacing the countertops with something lighter. Even just the island or just the perimeter counters, including the counter on the wall opposite the window. Think about reflecting natural light off surfaces. A lighter color island surface will reflect light onto every surface including the ceiling, which will makes your whole kitchen seem larger and brighter. Those black countertops do the opposite, despite the high-shine finish.

The answers you get here are going to be all over the map depending on people's individual likes, preferences and styles. I'd go look up some pictures of kitchens you like. What style are you going for in your remodel? Find some with the black granite and travetine like tile if that's what you want to keep. Or pictures of different options if you decide to work with your cabinet color. Figure out your budget.

There is a desinger blogger in my area named Carla Aston (that you can google) who does a lot of ktichen redos working around travetertine tile giving them an updated look. I'd highly recommend visitng her blog and looking at the things she points out to take note of and of what to be aware. She offers lots of tips.

I am looking out your window at all the shades of green. I would select a shade of green because it would be lighter than black and still complement the natural tone of the floor.

Painted cabinets will not hold up to daily unless they are done professionally with cabinet recoating products, and that will cost several thousand. You could update by changing the backsplash much cheaper. When you do, remove that 4” piece as well. You could still add some modern hardware to the cabinets. That would be the best bang for your buck

Black cabinets and black counters over a space as large as a kitchen would be so dreary.

I’ve read most of the comments and found almost all to offer good solutions, but I ask— solutions for what—what is your objective? Are you simply looking for something different? Why are you looking at painting your cabinets vs replacing backsplash? i did notice your positive interest in a more modern style, and that you seemed to like the blue suggestion with a black island for a cohesiveness with the current black cabinets. I agree that your current backsplash is awkward being in to parts with the 4” granite and the other material to the bottom of your uppers.. Typically it’s one or the other. I’ve painted my cabinets in two different kitchens and it’s not worth doing yourself and expensive to pay to have it done properly. Please don’t attempt to paint that many cabinets, regardless of color, yourself. It is an enormous amount of work, requires meticulous prep, a lot of space, and if it’s going to last, high end paint and a sprayer, and even then its a less than desirable option with that many cabinets.

So here’s what I suggest you think about:

First, define your objective…why do you want to paint your cabinets?

One suggestion was to wait until you are ready for a full gut job as your appliances atart needing replacement and other materials begin to wear. This is an excellent suggestion if you plan on being in your house for another 10 years at least.

Second, are you ready for this, what can your budget support and your household support? I ask because you are asking. Meaning, you are looking at undertaking a big project with your cabinets, but it seems like you do not yet have a clear idea of what you want and that you would actually prefer a different style altogether (modern pulls, cabinet doors, maybe blue color).

Third, why cabinets? Is it because you perceive the cost as less? Another excellent suggustion was to compare costs and replace your tops and backsplash, leave the cabinets as is, introduce stainless appliances as the need arises and use color infused carpet runners to enliven the space.

So, define what you really, really really, want. With that large a kitchen, continual changes over time never meld well together. If you want a more modern kitchen I recommend waiting and undertake a full remodel later.

Personally, my recommendations are much the same as the input you already received;

If it’s just the cabinets you desire to change then reface rather than paint. If you want blue, don’t worry about it not matching your floor, you can put LVP floating flooring right over that tile and rid yourself of that travertine/orange-ish look quite easily, on the other hand, orange and blue are complementary to each other, so it might not look bad. No matter what you do, changing the backsplash is a must. The transition from the 4” granite is awkward and I recommend a continuous splash from the counter to the uppers in a pattern/material that is softer to the eye. The tape suggestion for the cabinet hardware is excellent advice as is waiting to pick the style until all else is done. Cabinet hardware is somewhat expensive, and the style and finish you choose can have a hugh impact on the personality of your kitchen. I’d advise caution because as someone else mentioned it looks like you have a five piece raised panel door style which is already quite busy, and yes please, remove the valance panel over the sink, with the large soffet around the kitchen it becomes redundant.

So that’s it. Define your objective, consider all of the excellent advice you’ve received and either wait, or take a leap. My method is sort of like the who, what what, where where, when when, why.

- objective, never lose sight of your objective

- product/processes/time, know what you want, your style and needs, how you are goong to get it, and how much time before you need/want it.

- budget compairison to cost analysi

- consideration of future needs/impact/longevity to cost value,

- decide,

-and finally do.

Good luck. Happy holidays, happy project!

PS. Written from an iPhone, please excuse any possible strange spellcheck statements.

Just wanted to drop a quick note and say THANK YOU for all of the ideas, suggestions, opinions. It's been a busy week with kids home for the holidays (yay!), so I haven't been as responsive to your posts as I would normally be, but I am reading them and so appreciative of the response!

https://carlaaston.com/designed/kitchen-update-keeping-travertine-floors That is a link to an example of a kitchen with black granite and travetine floors but there are many on her site.

Whatever the cost - get rid of the UGLY black counter tops! Do that if you do nothing else. Then the cabinets the color they are would look better. Or paint them white AFTER you put a white color counter top even if you have to use formica which is VERY affordable. Get rid of the black counter tops ASAP! I would have done it BEFORE I even moved into the house as I could not have stood to cook one meal in there.

Black/grey CLASHES with brown - Horrible! It is like wearing a black outfit with brown shoes and purse, or visa-versa. Outfits and rooms need to be ALL in the brown tones OR black/grey tones if they are in one of those two at all and NOT mixed together. Mine is very white with pink accents and natural maple 100 yr old floors. With brown tone natural wood floors the only choices for all other items in kitchen are colors other than grey/black unless you stain the floors and ugly grey. Black and silver/stainless appliances will someday be looked at the way way we now look at avocado green and harvest gold from the 60's/70's - hint: ugly.

Absolutely you can paint your cabinets black if you want to, just have it professionally done.

Please google photos of black kitchens.

I would not do mirrored backsplash, you will be wiping them clean several times a day and life is too short for that time-consuming maintenance!

If you do black cabinets and island base, I would have gorgeous light fixtures and hardware that will serve to be the jewelry of your kitchen, really knockout things.

Not tawdry of course, but show stoppers.

@terrib962 this is just uncalled for nastiness. there are people who would be grateful for a kitchen as nice as the OP’s

I for one, don't mind black granite countertops and don't find them unnatractive at all. As a matter of fact, I considered getting them for my new build (but ending up going for white quartz as I wanted a light kitchen due to a few factors). I did think about leathered but decided against it when I learned they are more apt to show water spots. Since I researched a lot recently before building I learned that most designers like black granite and will use it regularly, especially in instances where budget constraints are neccesary. It's the busy granites they tend to shy from as most people are currently not liking them. However, since trends come and go and some people love their busy granite I say embrace what YOU love unless you think you'll be selling your house before long. It all comes down to the space you want to live in. Discount other's loves/despises because some people chase trends and they don't have to live in your space. You do.

what if you did black handles and black backsplash?

In general you have been given great advice. I, too, am a big fan of looking at photos you like and going with that. I would not go black cabinets with the black counters and backsplash. Switching it up with black cabinets and white counters/black splash would be good. If you want to paint the cabinets after the advice you've been given and keeping your kitchen as is, I would paint them white. Here are a couple of black & white kitchen articles on Houzz that might help you decide. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/white-cabinets-and-black-countertops-make-a-winning-combination-stsetivw-vs~88264927 https://www.houzz.com/magazine/kitchen-of-the-week-texas-chic-in-black-white-and-wood-stsetivw-vs~132223761 https://www.houzz.com/magazine/new-this-week-4-kitchens-with-dramatic-black-cabinets-stsetivw-vs~141200933

There are many ways you can go. And wood for cabinetry, etc., is a classic - a classic that is also very much en vogue right now.

Your current granite is also nice, and works well with the cabinets and appliances.

I think simply changing the backsplash, alone, could give your kitchen a whole new look. And there are many ways you can go with that.

Here, as just another idea for you, I brought in a jade/sage sort of color on backsplash -

and with that, I also like the idea of painting the ceiling a similar color, with a white paint on rest of walls.

@RL Relocation LLC’s idea for black backsplash is great.👌🏼

@freedomplace1 looks intentional I think like this rather than "making it work"!? Thank you.

I haven't been on earlier, but seems kitchen is transitional [if flat fronts then contemporary]. I wouldn't favor chrome's shiny finish, but the most subtle knobs. I like this traditional edge with your style cabinets... adds something.

Square Cabinet Knob Style 81091, Satin Nickel · More Info

You did well choosing blue-grey chairs nearby, as seems to tie in well. The kitchen is basically separate, so I wouldn't worry about anything.

We can't fully see backsplash colors.. seems a bit of beige/tan like the floor. This squared on might work:

Berenson Knob Modern Bronze · More Info

Weathered is the word..

https://www.expresshardwaredirect.com/products/amerock-kane-1-3-16-diameter-knob?variant=14781740023906

The first thing I'd want to remove is the backsplash. All of those similarly busy backsplashes give me a headache. Have you priced changing it out? I think you'd be surprised at the cost of that (lower) vs. doing anything substantial to the cabinets--even painting. I might say the same for the floor--especially since it seems it's only the small area of the kitchen that you have that tile. Tile isn't that expensive and other flooring to replace it isn't either. If you plan a major re-do in upcoming years, you could probably get some fairly inexpensive peel & stick linoleum that's a pretty, mottled solid that would get you out of that brown mode for a dollar or two per square foot and if you do a major remodel and put hardwood throughout the entire downstairs later, you haven't lost much.

Countertops are a little more but fixing that would be long term and make a huge change. A white manmade quartz would be a big change.

I don't think you need to paint the cabinets, but even if you don't change the countertops, I would take out the old-fashioned short black granite backsplash plus the busy tile and install a nice serene modern tile. Depending if you change the floor or not, you could choose white or a color that goes well with the new/old floor. A muted blue or green in a lighter color would be nice with the wood & white countertop & okay with your current floor or a new one and not bad with appliances. You could also paint the island that color if you wanted to DIY. See how you like the rest first for a couple of weeks. Same about adding hardware--because things are already a little busy and you want to see if you really need/want it once the rest is settled before you drill holes and spend money on that much hardware (even cheapest is about $5 ea. and better ones are typically $10-$20 and even higher for designer... it adds up for a large kitchen).

The other things I would def. do are to remove the wooden valence over the sink--it's dated and not needed. If it's hiding a light fixture base, install a nice light fixture. Maybe one of those with an open geometric (like small cube for that area) framework. And I would install some coordinating larger ones over the island. This would only be a couple of hundred dollars and make a big update. In addition, consider swapping out the panels on the doors left and right of the window for glass front doors. It wouldn't cost much at all. You could easily install tiny lights (or have it done for little money) and if you like the look even try out mirrors in the back (I'm not a big fan of the mirrors). Put your best dishes and bowls in there for extra color but it will add brightness and reflection to the kitchen.

I think this boils down to you maybe having a backward idea of what costs more to do? Paint is easy, fast, inexpensive on walls but to do it well on that many cabinets is a hassle to get a good result. The tiling and floor are actually easier and countertop could be done down the road. You can always buy a rug or two to add color and cover most of the floor, too. Good luck.