yes, it needs a lot of help lol

any suggestions as wall color?

would calcutta gold be a good choice for a countertop and backsplash?

Match the wall to the backsplash. I like your counters with the wood you have now.

I have painted cabinets - factory finished - 10 years old - they are showing wear in many places so now I wish I had stained. Before you rip out countertops, I would look at changing the back splash and painting the walls. I think a different window treatment would help also.

We just redid our kitchen in 2022…..the colors were similar to yours, so I can understand your wanting to make some changes. That being said, I like your cabinets and think by changing up your countertops and backsplash (and the blinds) you could have a “brand new” kitchen. What might be bothering you is that you have too much of the same tone (or too similar): orangey (at least on my screen) cabinets, floors, brown blinds, brownish countertops with orangey flecks; lighter (no beigey tones) countertops with a complementary backsplash would make a nice change. After 20 years you are certainly “allowed” a refresh, whether you paint your cabinets, or not. No matter how many people tell you you’re absolutely nuts for wanting to paint your cabinets (or get new ones) or how beautiful they are, if YOU are tired of them, then it is your prerogative to do whatever you wish. If you’re not sure which way to go I suggest you search for kitchen photos on Houzz….find out what speaks to you and go from there. You could try searching for “med to dark toned wood kitchens with light counters”, or similar….if you see some there that you really like then you know you can keep your cabs and simply replace counters and backsplash etc. If you find that every single kitchen you are drawn to has painted cabs, then that will point you towards your new look. I looked at tons and tons of kitchen photos, saved the ones I really liked, and while it wasn’t easy to come to my final decision I realized that I was always drawn to a certain look, so I went in that direction. Good luck!

Your cabinets are beautiful. Pic, in this order new counters, backsplash, paint color, window treatments, light fixture.

If you want carrera marble, I think it would look beautiful in here.

The problem with re-doing a kitchen.. is when you change one part… the rest usually looks worse.. I would assess the cost of a full re-do before starting in case you find yourself in that spot…and I will also point out.. not all countertops are as forgiving as the ones you have.. so don’t skimp on quality on that feature..we have had lots of experience as we spend winters away ..we have seen what the cheaper products look like after very little wear..adding that the white ones are the worst.. and a nice patterned stone requires loots less wipes a day🤷🏻‍♀️

"I‘d love a white cabinet & a carrara top." So if you've gotten 20 years from your kitchen, I say you should have what you want!

Your cabinets look as if they were really good quality and have been well taken care of.

I suggest you join this group:

CABINET PAINTING & REFINISHING | Facebook

You can search for pros in your area, and/or study the best cabinet paints or the DIY process.

I would also think about refinishing your wood floors and upgrading the cabinet hardware.

As long as you are happy with your current layout, you can't go wrong either keeping the cabinets wood tone or having them painted!

Also wish to point out.. painted cabinets need super professional spray painters who will remove the doors for painting and they will wear better if a pro sprays them.. with very thin coats of high quality paint..

I would paint the walls a soft white and get LED lights in 2700 to 3200 K. I would not waste money on new counter tops, back splash or cabinets. What you have is fine.

Your cabinets and flooring are both really nice and I wouldn't change those. But changing the counter and the light and painting walls will really bring a new life to the kitchen.

Ask 1000 people. Get 500 who say go for it! and 500 who stone you to death for paint sins.

What do YOU want?

Do you need a permission slip? Five hundred people will give you that.

Do you want assurance that they look fantastic as is! and just change this, this, this, and this or this.

Are you happy with features and layout? What about the microwave. Do you want a real hood instead? Paint is an opportunity for that.

You said.........

(i‘d love a white cabinet & a carrara top.)

There are a thousand whites, and when you say "marble" do you mean white/GRAY or quartz, or white and gold in either. Have you been out to stone shops to LOOK at possibilities ?

Painting cabinets means a PRO . It means a spray booth, and the proper prep and finish. Could you get a chip? I suppose... but a pro job limits the hand wring. You can wring a hand on any aspect of a transformed kitchen, right down to paint color hardware size.

This is the part where Beth will insert a 100 images of transformations : ) I'm skipping that effort, you can do it yourself on a Google.

In the end? It comes to this:

What do YOU want, because only you know the answer and only you will be left wanting........all the contributors will move to another thread. Another hand wring.

You said....

"Over the years I've wished for painted cabinets and a different top.....

(i‘d love a white cabinet & a carrara top.)

See how circular this conversation becomes: )?

Jan is right…..and maybe Beth will show you some great transformations, both with wood cabs and painted. But, if she can’t, search on Houzz; it may take you a while to settle on the perfect look, but it helps. It’s really only your opinion that matters!

I guess if you really want white cabinets, there is no way without painting. I wonder IF you're going to paint , maybe only paint the uppers?

My initial reaction when seeing your post was to just change the countertop and wall color.

White walls and a black or gray countertop. But find some kitchens you love, and decide whether or not your emotions warrant the cost of spraying the cabs. How much longer will you be in the house? Put that same amount of money into your 401k and how much will it be worth in 10-20 years?

Those cabinets are lovely ... a nice, midtone wood, and they look to be in good condition. They're lovely, they're to the ceiling. No, I wouldn't paint them.

I'd consider replacing the countertop. Maybe a simple white? You can paint countertops, you know. I doubt the effect is long-lasting, but if you're sure you want to replace them, you could paint the countertops "as a test".

I personally would not go with black countertops. They'd suck the light out of your kitchen.

I'd consider replacing the light fixtures.

I do not care for the picture above with the red stove (though I love red stoves in other kitchens!). Seems wrong for your space.

As I said.......... and you don't need a 100 pictures.

You need one

That's a lot of wood tone in one place but it seems to work rather well. It was smart of you to pick a backsplash that mirrors the midtone color of your countertop. As far as painting and updating your kitchen that is really up to you. We can all tire of our interiors after years of inhabiting them. I you feel the need to update your kitchen interior and it would make you happier then I say go for it! Good luck!

My initial reaction is that those cabinets are still beautiful, but all the details around them are lackluster. Any chance you could do some replacement windows along with counters and backsplash? The sink & faucet need an upgrade.

Beautiful cabinets! Change counter top to black honed granite and replace cabinet hardware to black to coordinate with counter.

Two years ago we were faced with the same decision. Our original intent was just to do the counter and backsplash and paint only the island. Our contractor told us he could fix all the nicks and scratches that had occurred in 19 years if he had everything painted.

Before:

And after:

Agree that cabs are very pretty. can understand wanting something fresh.

I’d try starting with paint only, maybe something like the lower value aloe green that Bev frequently suggests, if that’s not enough then yes new counter and possibly backsplash also.

If you haven’t already looked into the cost of painting the cabinets professionally, that’s the first step. If too costly and you really want to change them/be willing to take on a huge job (trust me, but even after 4 years I’m so happy I did, as it transformed the kitchen. It does entail a couple of touch up’s around the well used handles a few times a year, which takes minutes). Another consideration with painting is the backsplash/counter may not work with white and suggest using a beige or cream.

I think you can lighten the kitchen overall with a new counter/backsplash/wall color/lighting. Just in case it’s not enough, you can always paint down the road, so when updating the components mentioned above, be sure to keep in mind your eventual cabinetry color.

Can you post a picture of the other end of the kitchen (taken with your back against the range)? What's on the other side of the counter also needs to be considered before you dive in.

Have you learned how to use the feature on Houzz that lets .you search photos and filter for cabinet color, counter color, kitchen size? I'd start to look at pics that match your cabinets and size but have different counters and backsplash just to get a feel for what your space could look like if you didn't paint.

clt3 - How are you cabinets holding up?

@Kendrah They are holding up just fine. I've had to touch up a couple of very small spots with paint they left. They were done by a professional cabinet painting company, not just a painter.

Beautiful cabinets! I would not paint them. I would change the countertops to a less busy one that matches your backsplash. Then I would paint the walls a cooler color and get rid of the valances. It will look beautiful!

I like the cabinets and they appear to be in good shape.

Of course they can be painted - any colour you want including white - but as others above have advised - you need a professional to do it properly and it will be expensive.

I don't think you've mentioned a budget in your posts.

If you are happy with your layout and functionality then that is certainly a reason to think about painting instead of replacing.

But I think that some other changes could make a really significant difference to your space.

Take one of your cupboard doors and go visit a stone yard. Preferably one that carries both natural stone and Quartz options.

I like to start by just a walk around and taking note of the options that really appeal to you.

When you've chosen a few options, then test your cupboard door against them. Are the tones and colours good together? Too cool, too warm etc.

Would you want to run the same stone up the wall as backsplash? Consider that option but beware that if you choose one with a lot of veining it is highly unlikely that the veining going up the wall will match what is on the flat in all areas.

It is doubtful that you could save your current backsplash if you remove the counters, so plan to change both out.

Someone above mentioned a new sink and faucet - yes, absolutely.

Change out your lighting to get more brightness in the room and this would include removing the blinds on the windows that are dark currently and are cutting out some of the natural light that might otherwise be coming in.

Maybe update the lighting fixtures over the peninsula and check the bulbs in your recessed lighting. Look for something in the 3500-4000K range - which lean much more white, instead of yellow.

Here are some ideas for counters. You mentioned Carrara tops. You'll need to see it, but often Carrara is quite grey. You may need something with some warmer tones in the veining if the wood tones are staying.

All of these are from Silestone. Some from the Dekton line.

Versailles Ivory

Ethereal Glow

Dekton Rem

The backsplash, if you aren't going to use the same stone as the counters, is one of the last choices you make. Some of the pros here will be able to offer you options once you've made a decision on counters.

Then, when all of those choices are made, paint the walls. I think a creamy white would be lovely with the wood tones. But it will need to work well with the counter colours so don't rush that choice.

**Edited with links to the counter options as my pictures didn't load.**

Your cabinets are beautiful and not dated in the least! Taj Mahal quartzite or honed black granite. Two very diff looks for sure but bothat would be timeless and sooooo pretty

Which of these statements are truest?

"Over the years I've wished for painted cabinets and a different top.....

(i‘d love a white cabinet & a carrara top.)

Clarify...?

"our preference would be to make the current cabinet work…just want a more classic, timeless look. my design style at age 50 has changed from when i was 30 that is for sure"

There are a lot of colors besides white. : ) Just sayin.

You need to get online.Find a kitchen, any kitchen that makes your heart sing. Come back here, and post those images.

Anything else is "what shall I have for lunch, pray tell"

btw? While you are at it, show us the other areas of your home. Show your style at this 50 mark, versus that 30 something time frame.

You can be at "make the stain it work."........or it's the other thing you said

If you have dogs with a tendency to checkout what’s on the countertop you might want to rethink a light colored paint on the lower cabinets….

You can train dogs!!! They learn NO pretty quick and it doesn’t take much to deter this type of behavior.

Amen, Shady! Our daughter’s dog knows darn well not to mess around the kitchen or lie under the table when we are eating, no problem at all!

From a person who’s living with a kitchen built (by another) in 1993 and is finally getting to renovate , I look at your space and think, “It’s tasteful enough as is.” You’ve got beautiful, inset cabinets that look high-quality, and go to the ceiling. Stained wood cabinetry hides imperfections and wears better. I would NOT risk having them painted. I’m not even reading the other comments, since I’m sure many are advising otherwise. Cabinets are typically finished in a special way, and no on-site paint job will look as good or last as long as what you have now. Your backsplash—thankfully—is simple enough, so you planned well there. The counters are a tad busy, but that was a common product choice with earthier colors during that period. I have no idea how easy it is to remove upper cabinetry to change out the counters, but I suppose it’s possible. Keep in mind, you have a warm-colored backsplash—it’s not going to go with a white/gray marble, unless you plan to change that, too, and paint the cabinetry.

Perhaps a fresh, new light fixture and faucet would help along with some fresh accessories?

Honestly, we are empty-nesters facing a very expensive first-floor remodel (e.g. old, white 4x4 tile counters, chipped melamine cabinets, and “biscuit” appliances) at the same time that our kids want to have weddings. I’m beside myself! If I were you, do some simple changes, and save your money for your kids’ college, weddings, or take some nice vacations for yourself! No sooner do you put the painted cabinetry and marble counters in, and your "new" look will be the one the designers deem "on-the-way-out!" If you do decide to change out elements, just keep the fixed ones as classic and neutral as possible. I think most aspects of your kitchen looks very nice, already! I can understand wanted changes, though. That being said, someone earlier, it might be easier to fully start over. Too many renovators leave dated floors in place, and they look obviously dated in a sea of upgrades. We have to replace our fireplace off of our kitchen for this very reason. Hate to spend the money, but an early 90's Majestic fireplace will look awful if we don't. Good luck with your decision, regardless.

I think it’s the wall color that’s dating the kitchen the most. Have the walls painted a soft white, maybe change the lighting and reassess. Your cabinets, countertops and backsplash work very well together and appear to be good quality; I wouldn’t change them.

I would also consider upgrading the sink and the faucet.

Crazy how it’s harder to train kids to budget than keep dogs off the countertops. No judgment here if a parent gave a kid a wedding or college tuition budget and went ahead with a new kitchen. The kitchen is probably well earned.🙂

And deserved!!

The cabinet style and color is beautiful. Paint the walls and change the countertops. New lighting and take off the window treatment for plantation shutters. Taj Mahal quartzite countertops always work by the way. They give that light color that resembles marble and the tones include gray, white and tan so nothing surrounding clashes. It is the more expensive quartzite (natural stone) but well worth it.

Lol…speaking of weddings and new kitchens: we had to do both in 2022! We had already pulled the trigger on the kitchen, ordered windows, cabinets (Dec 2021), when Baby Girl got engaged (Jan 2022) and just HAD to get married in November!! (Luckily she was finished with grad school and had a job…) I tried to convince them to wait until fall 2023, but no dice…..oh, well😩😱😂

I love this countertop--dramatic and echoes the cabinets.

Forest Retreat Kitchen · More Info

Forest Retreat Kitchen · More Info

Get more dramatic, modern lighting--a pair depending on size.

Chandelier 4-Light, Auburn Stained · More Info

Everyone is painting cabinets, but I find that paint doesn’t hold up well, even when it’s properly applied. I would change the countertop, wall color, cabinet hardware and remove the blinds unless you need them for function.

I had Roman blinds in the kitchen and was surprised at how fresh the kitchen looked without them. Lots more light too.

The OP has not come back, or at least has not commented.

When it comes to painting cabinets (or better - having them painted by a pro), the new 1K or 2K coatings are far superior to anything off the shelf. Nothing from the big box stores will hold up in a kitchen. Some will argue that SW or BM have products that will. But given the amount of time, labor and cost, spending $100 - $200 more on the actual coating is a no brainer!

Look at brands like ICRO, Centurion, Renner, ILVA.

The only real "need" here is for better lighting. Make that happen. Then reassess.

My initial reaction is that those cabinets are still beautiful, but all the details around them are lackluster.

Let's focus on this statement. I think it goes to the heart of this reno.

Thank you all for this discussion! i think we are going to stick with thr current cabinet and go with Dekton rem top (or something very similar.) now…any suggestions for backsplash? do the same as countertop? wall color? Would BM white dove work?

sorry for the additional questions. should i start a new thread?

Don't start a new thread, pick a counter top, and know that a backsplash is best chosen after the tops are installed: )

This ^^^^.

Take a cabinet door to different countertop places and stone yards and see if you fall in love. Changing the countertop is the best way to make a dramatic change. I agree with the other less expensive, time consuming ideas (paint, window treatments) but a new stone countertop will be a real ”wow”. Several stunning examples have been posted.

Go shopping. See what you think about what is out there.