Sorry but painted oak always looks bad and not IMO character only a quick fix . I do not even like any wood painted for cabinets they always show expansion joints with differennt humidity levels . One more coat might look a bit better but you should have seen a sample before doing this .

Unfortunately that is the issue with painted oak. Most times when even existing oak cabinets are painted they need to fill the grain before painting as the very strong pronounced oak graining will show thru. The sample you saw and signed off on "should" have shown this but many times samples are small and select

what are the floors counters etc. the look will be different and less focus on this once everything else gets placed. .Granite w some movement and maybe a hardwood floor with something going on will make the cabinets take a back seat to a degree. think a little country cottage / leaning rustic.... and it will be fine. Do you have some inspiration pics?

The center panel, being cross grained would bother me, more than the paint job. I really dislike the cross grain panel. I have some oak cabinets in one area here. They have lengthwise grain in center panel, and they are painted, and yes can see the grain, but, its all been primed and painted with 2 coats of cabinet paint, and looks good.

I think it looks cool. And I agree with Herbflavor....don't hyper focus on what you thought it would be. This will be a really cool looking kitchen! Get it installed....soapstone or some black countertops with black hardware and a white subway backsplash and it'll be gorgeous.

What is the cabinet code of the unit you posted above? Can you send a pic of the label on the box? Is it turned sideways? Agree, the grain should be vertical unless what you have there is installed horizontal...for instance a wall unit horizontal lift up garage or an entryway drawer? If it's a standard wall cabinet, then the grain is wrong direction and needs a remake.

Ps. My business partner did painted white oak many moons ago and that's exactly what it looked like. That kitchen was beautiful. He also did a white painted beadboard ceiling. I wish I had pics to post.....but it was done before the time of cellphone cameras!

Also one more thing! You might be ahead of trend on this. KraftMaid came out with a finish very similar to this...except not on oak.....but has paint strokes on it to LOOK like what you have and is a VERY expensive upgrade! The finish is called Picket Fence, I think. I'll post a pic of it soon.

I am surprised that you didn't order a sample in order to see exactly what you'd be receiving.

I have also seen painted oak cabinets where the grain shows through - and I think that it can look nice in certain situations. However, the ones I've seen have been fully painted - not like what you've posted (and I understand that most people prefer to have the grain filled in completely if they have oak cabinets refinished - but that does not appear what the OP wanted for this renovation).

Here is a closeup of Kraftmaid's finish called Picket Fence. It has a hefty premium charge. I think it's a 25% premium.

How did you end up liking your Shiloh Painted Oak Cabinetry? I have a client painting existing oak and are trying to match it close. Can you post an updated photo of your cabinets installed now? Thanks Kelly