Based on the small view of space you show I would not. I would however make other changes. Wall color, I think a rug somewhere in kitchen ( need to see the rest to know) to break up the flooring / cabinetry too close in colors. Really need to see the whole thing to know that though & the lack of contrast may be a trick of the lighting?? I also might think of a full up BS while removing the short one that’s there. Again, hard to say without seeing the entire space.

I don't find the cabinet finish objectionable.

The SS hood is mounted too low and it's been used a million times before. There are better styles to choose from out there.

A new backsplash would likely help the appearance.

The countertops maybe more interesting than they appear in the photo. They look black.

No. The cabinets are the best thing about the kitchen. Painted cabs are fashionable because they can be made with plywood or MDF and so are cheaper.

Definitely not.

Oh no, no way! Those cabinets are gorgeous.

If you can afford it, what would make a big difference is re-finishing the floor in a color that is not so close to the cabinet color. See the dark spots in the lower cabinet next to the stove? Stain the floor that color -- the contrast will make the cabinets shine.

refinish the floor..when that is done get a backsplash and extend it up into the hood space and plan on a new hood. these are not small projects so you can space out the activities but you'll get a new life for the kitchen.

No way. Those cabinets are very pretty.

If you do decide to paint them here's a video relating BM Advance cabinet paint. DIY is a lot of prep work. Finding a painter with experience using cabinet specific paint will also be a challenge.

Other vids are available for more info.

Heck no. Do not paint them.

Wood is all the rage. That isn't the typical wood look. The raised panels might not be the latest but paint won't change that. IDK what they look like in person but in pictures the wood makes the raised panels less obvious. So no I would not. If you are bored, letting the winter doldrums tempt you the counter is where I would start.

The cabs are custom built oak. The countertops are black (uba tuba) I don’t hate any of it, just not sure which direction to go in with design/update. I’m not opposed to leaving them as is, my biggest objection being all the ”golden” oak in the space. Unfortunately, cost prohibitive to replace countertops or flooring at this time. All your suggestions confirm what I’ve been thinking all along, so that’s reassuring. Thank you guys, for the kind, thoughtful responses!

"Unfortunately, cost prohibitive to replace countertops or flooring at this time."

Then rugs are your friend here. Put down some appropriately-sized large rugs to break up the sea of wood and provide contrast between the cabs and the floor. No light-colored rugs-- you need medium to dark here.

I agree. My planned updates are: new wall color, updated pendant lighting (not shown, but outdated), backsplash (off white subway, maybe?), glass front at least one of the cabinets, and newer/modern, matte black hardware.

The kitchen opens to my dining and living. Traditional colors and decor. Oh yes, and possibly new vent hood, and under cabinet lighting

Love the rug idea. I think I’ve definitely been underutilizing that option.

Sorry, and a framed art piece on an adjacent wall.

A new back splash will be a big change. Please think about removing the granite 4” BS you have -that is, don’t add to it with tile but remove & tile to counter. I’m not sure about off white tile BS with your color scheme either. Bring lots of samples home to see what works & if you’re adding under cab lighting - really great! - I’d strongly recommend doing that first before anything. It will change the look of everything & you might choose different wall color & BS tile than you would without that lighting. Also on lighting, think about undercab lighting with a dimmer switch. We added the dimmer when we changed out our undercab lighting, counter & BS. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to be able to turn on those under cab lights & be able to dim them way down. Makes early mornings & late night forays into the kitchen so much nicer!

Yes, 4 inch BS coming down 😊 I agree, lots of samples, because I have no decorating sense, and it will help to see them in my space. Dimmable under cabinet lighting- glad to know. I’ll be looking for that, thanks!!

I wouldn't say you have no decorating sense. You have a pretty clear vision so far and your choices seem to make a lot of sense.

^^ what Kendra said!

Thank you! That’s because I’ve been agonizing over what to do for about three years now and have finally gleaned enough to pull the trigger 😊 My biggest doubt was whether I should paint/not paint the cabs. Instinctively, I felt like I would regret painting them. This thread has convinced me to leave them as is and work with what I have 😊

pg7439 - I think you've made a good decision re: not painting your cabinets. Adding under cabinet lighting + ordering many sample backsplash tiles is a good plan!

I have to say that I really don't think that you have oak cabinets - oak (both red and white) have a distinctive grain pattern (whether they are plain sawn/rift sawn/quarter sawn). Your cabinets do not looks like any of the three listed types of red/white oak wood.

In any event - they look like they are in good shape + if they are custom built = good quality. Using area rugs + adding a new backsplash + under cabinet lighting will provide a nice update!!

Here's two parts of a refinishing class for diy using Advance. Not as much prep.

MASTERCLASS-POTTERY BARN finish (pt 2) Link.

Who can tell from one picture? : ) I see nothing wrong with the hood, and it has been "Used a million times" because it's a hood in a classic , go with everything style.

the whole room looks very yellow to me, but it could be monitor differences. Agree the blinding white of wall color isn't helping. Show the rest........?

TBH, I’m not really sure of the wood species. My FIL built the house in 2011, and when he passed away unexpectedly, my husband and I inherited it. He was a no fuss, traditional type who didn’t believe in trendy or edgy. So they are basic, but very good quality. You are not being deceived by your monitor, there is a LOT of yellow/gold tone in the space. I like the warmth, but the sea of gold is cringe.

Another idea I would like to fly is, IF I were to have a custom wood range hood built (my brother is a carpenter), and painted it an accent color, say, BM Oil Cloth, I could then paint the island in the same color and break up the gold. Any thoughts/recommendations on that? TIA!

Grainy, but you get the gist.

I know colors on the opposite side of the color wheel will enhance the color of floors and cabinets, but the green in the Oil Cloth makes my heart happy 😊 At one point, I had considered painting the entire kitchen in that color, but I felt like the green would overwhelm the space, and I would get tired of it.

The photo looks overexposed, so I'm not sure we're getting a good feel for the colors. I'm not wild about the wood cabinets, and I LOVE BM Oil Cloth, so I would probably paint the cabinets. But without seeing the rest of the space it's hard to make a recommendation.

Diana, this is in more natural lighting. Sorry, I don’t have a more representative photo (well, one that doesn’t have a bunch of people standing around eating at holidays).

You can see here where it sits and how it flows into my dining space. The current wall color isn’t helping one bit 😕

Something in this style, sans the wood accent on the bottom, if I end up going the painted hood/island route.

I hate painted hoods they get greasey and if you cook a lot they discolor over time from oil and steam and what you have IMO is far superior to the one you want . IMO if it ain't broke don't "fix" it As for painting the cabinets why ? Start by changing all the bulbs to LED 4000K then see what that space is like the lighting inhances the yellow cast if you do not go 4000K That first pic is not your kitchen so what exactly is your kitche like post thta pic here then we can help.I will say there are some things better to spen money on in your kitchen just from what I cab see . We need pics of your space .

The first picture is my kitchen. Overexposed, as Diana said, but it is my actual kitchen. There are definitely things that I can update in the space without making changes to the cabinets. Good to know about the painted hoods. I actually was wondering about the ease of keeping it clean and grease-free.

@pg7439 the two additional pics you posted show much more pleasing color tones. They reinforce my opinion to not paint the cabinets.

Thank you, KW PNW Z8!

Don’t paint the cabinets. Paint the walls!

I agree that an interesting backsplash could be the answer to breaking up the “orange” feel. Darker hardware will do it as well and you can get dark knobs and pulls this week and try them.

Then start browsing rugs. You will be surprised at how much an interesting runner changes the space.

Getting rid of the wall color is also going to make a HUGE difference. Hopefully the pros will have some warm white suggestions for you.

Here are some quick ideas for runners. These are from Etsy.

Very nice! Yes, the wall color is definitely high on the list of changes. My wall color choices are BM Ballet White, BM Natural Cream and BM Soft Chamois.

I would....I love white cabinets have had them in every home…all 6 of them..I just feel happy with white..so many colors you can add to the space no limits! it works with every design style…over the years I have gotten over the guilt of painting wood.

I’m actually not opposed to painting them. I just feel they are in their natural, near perfect state, and what if I paint them and they are too white, or too green. I know I can just repaint if I’m not satisfied, but I suppose I’m erring on the cautious, conservative side to see if the changes I make will be the ticket 😊

You have a lot of black in your home like mine…..my adjoining rooms have black accents……painting your cabinets the trim color would be beautiful..you could have a dark grey island or leave it the warm wood…I think your floors would just pop and provide the warmth you need with the black accents…you have a lot of that wood with cabinets and floors so similar in color.

You should NEVER ask here, should you "paint wood"

What you do, is get online and find the dream kitchen.......something that makes you swoon.

You don't do this below in total inaccuracy.........I mean seriously?!!!The right side photo is a "banana ala hideous!"

Show ALLL of the kitchen, show some adjacent spaces in their entirety. Do the inspo pics of what you love. It will spare all who love a painted kitchen. the shaming from those who find a paint job to BE a shame.

All you will get here is opinion, and YOU make the decision. We don't live there.

Painting an island a different color is passe. Wood is timeless.

Very true, all. Ultimately, my question was answered, I believe, and I have a plan I can live with. Thank you all for the advice. It helped!

"Painting an island a different color is passe"

Not true--it's a valid choice if that's what you want. Not sure what design gods you are quoting.

So much inspiration..do what will make you happy..please come back and let us see what you decided on!…we love before and afters🤗

It looks like you had a fun filled holiday! I would paint the walls and change lighting. Yes post pics with updates.

I absolutely will 😊