Your countertop and backsplash look like they are in good shape. They also look like a good fit with your floor tile and cabinet color. What about trying a warm white paint like BM white dove. Or SW alabaster before changing countertops?

@sy
Thank you. They are in good shape, but we just think they’re so blah.

your kitchen finishes remind me of this lovely one.

instead of changing the counters and splash I would change the hardware, wall paint and add copper accents. A seagrass runner brings warmth to the floors. If money is available and you have hardwood floors in the rest of the house I would extend matching wood floors into the kitchen before spending on counters.

It all works well together, I don't see the need to change either the counter tops or the backsplash. The cabinets have a lot of pattern in the wood grain, and the arches and hardware add interest as well. I don't think any pattern on the counter tops is going to work well with the cabinets. The color you have is what I would do anyway--a plain, solid warm white/ivory OR a dark color for contrast. But you said your husband doesn't want dark, so that's out.

If you're "leaning into the cabinets for now" then wait until you decide to change them to make any substantial changes. Save your $$ until you decide to redo the kitchen.

Paint the walls white, and then add some more artwork above the kitchen table.

@roarah thank you!!!!!

@diana we don’t plan on ever redoing the kitchen. Where I live, houses like mine are just torn down. We don’t think we would get the money back. So we’re just trying to make it nice and livable. thank you for the amazing tips about the countertops. Maybe for now we should just change the sink out (it’s rotting underneath anyway ), and change hardware on cabinets. Thoughts on that ?

My kitchen has Formica counters that I hope to replace with something else because they are stark white next to warmer finishes, plus have a drop-in sink and I desperately want an undermount sink for easier counter cleaning.

So, the lip on your sink would bother me if I thought I had budget to re- do to undermount, but maybe the pros could weigh in on what that requires re: counters.

That may not be a big deal to you though.

Otherwise I would Damone a LOT of wall paint colors ( several “whites “ of course) using Samplize), and after any major changes ( paint like anything else), would really review my countertop use & accessories— even my “ habits” fir anything that bugged me, as to how the kitchen “ looks” when it’s cleaned up after a meal, say. Putting away stuff.

And then think if I want Ryan “ accessory upgrade” to somewhat minimal but joy- producing. A color or a metallic I loved. Whether more “ modern” or my fave vintage or what. No random stuff I “ used to like” but don’t anymore.

"Damone"? "Ryan"?

“ … an accessory upgrade”. Not Ryan !

I would not paint the cabinets white. There is so much grain in your wood cabinets, not so sure that is what you want to see after they have been painted by your husband. They would chip so easily. You have a very nice kitchen. Love what @roarah posted. Use those pictures for inspiration.

Agree with njmomma -- I wouldn't paint those cabinets because of the heavy grain, the end result may not be good. Plus, I like the cabinets you have, change the backsplash and counter to a bright warm white and viola! instant refresh, just like roarah's inspo pics.

So he’s painting the walls not the cabinets! But thank you for supporting my cabinets! Everyone tells me to paint them white.

@marmi I want to change the sink definitely

"So he’s painting the walls not the cabinets!"

Oh, that's good!

Painting oak cabinets may or may not be a good idea, but not doing so because you see the grain wouldn't be a reason for me. I happen to like painted oak, and seeing the grain gives a nice texture. Uniform, glossy paint on wood almost always looks like plastic to me.

If this is older laminate in good condition, consider keeping it. We have laminate that is less than 10 years old, and the color next to the sink has begun to wear off. (It is Soapstone Sequoia, Formica brand, iirc, beautiful, but discontinued.)The newer laminates just don’t hold up like the older ones, sadly. The formulations have been changed, from what I understand.

If you plan on replacing your countertop with white and painting your cabinets, Taupe would be a nice choice instead of white. A subtle marble veining laminate, a white subway tile (no 4inch backsplash - down to the countertop), black or silver hardware.

I agree with @roarah It all looks great together. I would just add accessories and runners. Hopefully, the sink can come out without damaging the counter.

Oak cabinets painted are never what one wants when one thinks of beautiful smooth white. Your door design can't be fixed with paint. The age of the kitchen will show through those cathedral door insets. Learn to embrace the wood--it is coming back as it turns out. Go with the suggestions and it will be a hit.