if its just the uppers......you could replace [get new] as the cost will be contained w a limited scope.....sometimes there is a tweak like glass doors or a bigger double door cabinet w no center stile. or a new hood ...etc. Otherwise Id get a quote to reface ......might be easier for the situation...just depends ..... A REFRESH is good to review w Houzzers w pictures . Avoid regrets.

You can DIY paint over a factory finish, with the right amount of cleaning, sanding, and priming. This isn't a quick fix, and it isn't a cheap fix for a professional refinisher to do.

If you want stained cabinets, you need to replace them.

We had planned to simply replace the doors on the uppers, staying white. They really don’t need much work.
However, we are leaning towards changing the lowers to a different color or perhaps wood. Not going to replace the lower boxes because that would require way too much (granite counter top).
It looks like we may be staying with white…

For valuable advice you need to post pictures of the entire kitchen (all walls) also showing flooring and countertop.

Sharing pictures would be most helpful! But if you boxes are white melamine, you are likely stuck with white unless you hire out refacing. If the kitchen is nearing 20yrs old, Id be careful on putting too much money in.

I know someone who refaced their cabinet boxes to a white oak using veneer + ordered new white oak doors. If you speak to someone at a veneer place, they would be able to tell you whether self adhesive veneer would work over melamine or if you'd have to use some type of adhesive.

There are also different types of backing that can be used with veneer. Obtaining advice from an expert who sells veneers is where you shouId start. Unless - your cabinet boxes are crappy - which I assume that you wouldn't be asking about this if the boxes weren't in good shape.

FYI - there are veneer places that put together kits for diy refacing of cabinet boxes (help you order the right product + the correct amout based upo size of kitchen (# of cabinets). My nephew refaced his kitchen - and he had zero experience in working with wood veneer.

Also - just because a kitchen may be nearing 20 years old does not necessarily make refacing not an option. My custom cabinets are SOILD - and the boxes are constructed better than most lines that people are buying today. It really is dependent upon the quality and condition of your particular cabinets..

You can change your cabinet box color by painting (use a bonding primer for melamine), applying adhesive vinyl wraps, using peel-and-stick laminate panels, or adding matching edge banding. Painting is budget-friendly, while vinyl and laminate provide a polished, durable finish. Choose the method that best fits your style and budget! You can contact a professional .