"Dated"? Who says?

The kitchen is still quality, clean, and efficient.

Sonya, by now, you have the price to paint the cabinets. If the contractor is a master in his profession, the quote must be high (and well deserved). Don't do it; because you will still have your quality, clean and efficient kitchen...just in a different color. It is the color of the island which I would change (keeping the counter).

The Aberdeen · More Info

I like the chandelier...touch of France.

Please don't, it's the only thing I like in the kitchen so paint the floors.

@darbuka I'm not in the market for a rehab of my kitchen, which has cabinets painted white, but if I could wave a wand and swap my white cabs for those lovely cherry ones, I'd do it in a heartbeat (assuming the wand would make those cabs fit my space, which is different from the OP's). My kitchen's style (chosen by some former owner) is probably a decade younger than the OP's. I estimate that white kitchens are going to be "so dated" in 5 years or so.

Frankly, I think if you have something that is well-made and high-quality, keep it, rather than spending tens of thousands on the latest thing, which, depending on your budget, might be inferior, albeit trendier.

The example from elcieg is worth considering. The black island would coordinate better with your appliances and the perimeter countertop. Currently your creamy island seems to float, and it doesn't work well with the color of the tile or the cooler tone of the island countertop. Black would anchor it back into the room, while creating some drama.

@Nova We had a decorative cherry hood over the microwave that was removed to install the black microwave.

@elcieg I love the idea of painting the island black. I never considered that. Where did you find the stools?

@3katz4me Thanks for t he confidence in the return of wood. I am hoping counters are in the range of what i budgetted for paint.

@Sonya Daley - it's a big decision. I guess you also have to think about what is pleasing to your eye and try not to be biased by what may or may not be popular right now. In my opinion you can't beat high quality cabinets that are in good condition - on trend or not - as long as you like them. I recently bought a 20 year old house with beautifully stained maple cabinets in perfect condition. I've updated the appliances and added some cabinet pullouts and a corner lazy susan and I love this kitchen. Not so much the master bath that originally had the same beautiful cabinetry that somebody got the brilliant idea of painting a shade of ivory. It makes me sick to see the paint chipping off knowing it would have been in perfect condition but for the paint job. I'm tempted to have them stripped and refinished but it would probably be less expensive to just get new cabinets.

I’m curious about where a microwave was before. Seems like the wood hood may have looked nice. Is the cooktop beneath the microwave?

Oh. Maybe there was a combo micro and oven before? Your appliances look like nice ones. Mind my asking what they are? What is the finish on the handles? It looks like copper. Could you repeat that finish in other areas? Will keep the same cabinet hardware?

I "love" the predictions that white kitchens will fall from favor : ) Lets compare a white kitchen to the white toilet and the colors in potties that have come and gone. Bisque, turquoise, baby blue, green, AVOCADO, chocolate, black, pink, that weird awful taupe , lavender, and what has endured? White.

Kitchens have seen similar in wood species: Honey oak, MAPLE, from spice to the yellow, to that awful pink tone via a "washed" treatment, light cherry, dark cherry, teak, walnut, cheap espresso,, LIGHT white oak of this moment....and of course all the painted colors, similar to toilets. There was the rage over Ben Moore Hale Navy islands and every Sherwin Williams gray one can name. Now? The blue obsession morphs to warm mossy greens, some wood stain in white oak from deep to light.....and in the end? The "color" that will remain standing when all others can be assigned a date and moment? White.

Check every decade, go back to the the stately brick Georgian of the 1920's and you'd find yourself standing in a white kitchen in a lot more than one of them.

Plan for white kitchens to "die" when the white toilets and tubs croak: )

Regionally that is accurate but the proliferation of white kitchens was manufactured by the HGTV set. White kitchens will no doubt be a standard barer in specific pockets--the same pockets that aren't going to embrace wood--but they are already waning in popularity where they were never the standard until the last decade or so. They are the classic to be sure. To compare white kitchens to bathroom fixtures seems a stretch. I would offer discerning buyers decided the toilet wasn't an area that called for elevating or featuring with color.

It's because white is classic and goes with almost every style of decor. White is also associated with cleanliness, and a white kitchen looks airy and open. But the color of your cabinets is but one aspect of the kitchen. Quality materials and workmanship, layout, hardware, lighting, flooring, backsplash, appliances, all contribute to the look and make a kitchen look current or outdated. A style that works with the style of the home also helps make a kitchen classic.

And the resurgence of the white kitchen was actually started with the 2003 movie "Something's Gotta Give," with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. That Nancy Meyers' movie set, in East Hampton, NY, was adored and imitated, and still is to this day. The kitchen, with its white cabinets and black counter top (which was painted wood), was coveted and was the subject of many a Houzz discussion.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/query/something's-gotta-give-kitchen/nqrwns

There are parts of the country that still have plenty of vertical blinds and a mauve sofa : )

Plenty of honey oak kitchen with arch doors abound.

Same with pickled pink and the cherry above in it's high low upper arrangement- NOT a "classic" anything.

You can talk about waning popularity all day, but as to enduring, which was the point of the potty reference? White will endure, HGTV or no HGTV.

I'll do nearly anything, everything for a client!!. My own kitchen will always be white, and my toilet will be a match, despite not sharing the damn space.

Actually, my bath will be white as well. : )

Speaking of.......THE movie:

That kitchen was created by the director, to mimic Nancy Meyers own kitchen at home.

there is white,.......and then there is WHITE with charm

Her very own below:

If you absolutely had to put the exact date on it? You couldn't.

Painting the cabinets is just a red herring to the actual issues with the kitchen. Painted, wood, it doesn't matter as long as there is so much black, and so little light.

Out of curiosity I brought up "New Construction" on Zillow in my area and toured 50+ homes from $600k to $55 million to just see how white things are. I was shocked and felt like I had snow blindness from all the WHITE!

All without exception had white ceilings, walls, and light brown floors in every room. 95% had white trim and I'd say 90% had white cabinets with the rest a light brown nearly the same as the floor. I couldn't differentiate between the builders on the inside and the lack of color gave me horrible emotional feelings like anxiety, coldness and isolation which I feel like I wanted to escape from.

I didn't see one that had any color or warmth that felt like a home and not an institution. If this is the trend I'm out, and if I had one of these I'd need to spend $100's of thousands making it a home. Looks like a lot of job security for for designers IMO.

Flyover country has at least moved on from gray gray gray gray everything. But now they are stuck in the white white white white phase. Meanwhile, the trendsetters have moved on to a lot of wood invading that white, and a lot of colors of nature. Blues, greens, purples, roses. And Modern with a capital M. Slab doors, skinny shaker, and glossy acrylics. People are tired of dusting shaker doors ledges. You laugh, but it's the #1 thing on any of the FB groups about kitchen design. "I'm tired of maintaining my white shaker kitchen with those dust ledges. I want something I don't have to dust." People are putting slab doors in everything from a 60's suitable MCM to an 30's cottage, to a 2000's Nouveau Riche McBuilder Kitchen Sink Too designed blobs .

I'm not necessarily always in the "wood is better/coming back in style, don't paint the cabinets" camp - but by the same token, it has to make sense to paint the cabinets too.

I just don't think it's a good use of time or money in this kitchen, particularly if you paint the cabinets the same shade as the island. As already noted, at least on my monitor they don't play well together already - adding more of the mismatch is going to really make it stand out.

I'm going to echo what has already been said - nothing by itself in this room is bad, it's just a wild mish-mash of stuff that needs some thoughtful changes so it all plays well together.

I don't dislike the floor, per se, but man that's going to be tough to get to play well with a totally white kitchen. Soif you're not changing the floor - then I like the idea of painting the island a different color that coordinates better, getting lighter counters and unifying the backsplash. There are already a lot of good suggestions here so I'm not going to repeat them all but yes to a lot of them. :) Also, the counter on your island is beautiful!!

“Flyover country has at least moved on from gray gray gray gray everything. But now they are stuck in the white white white white phase. Meanwhile, the trendsetters have moved on to a lot of wood invading that white, and a lot of colors of nature. Blues, greens, purples, roses. And Modern with a capital M. Slab doors, skinny shaker, and glossy acrylics. ”

Nice trenchant summary!

Feels like well over half of the visitors to this forum are stuck in white white white white, with a not-small minority still in grayland.

White is a great backdrop for any style or any colors. When we built our vacay home, it was semi-custom. Our choices were limited to a few that the builder offered. To keep costs down we chose white bathroom fixtures and tiles, painted the entire home (walls and trim) white, white cabinets in the kitchen, butcher block counter tops, and a site finished oak floor, sealed but not stained. The only items we purchased were a black and white octagon and dot floor for a powder room and kitchen backsplash tiles--white with small diamonds in blue and red. Not a bad way to start, and allows you to do really anything with the spaces. We added color, texture and pattern with furniture, curtains, lamps, rugs and other accessories. So just because the builder homes are all white, doesn't mean that you can't change that when you move in. It's literally a blank canvas, which is where all art begins :)

Diana Bier, that makes sense but most of the surfaces of a kitchen are expensive to change out or change the color of - cabinets, counters, backsplash, floors. The only thing easy is to paint the walls, and the typical kitchen has rather little exposed wall. Thus when people come here asking "how can I warm up this sterile white kitchen", which is daily it seems like, the recommendations go pretty quickly to the more costly changes.

Important to note that the top trending kitchens on Houzz in 2025 have wood cabinets or significant amounts of unpainted wood. And the number one kitchen has arches. Not on the cabs, but highlighted with the stools. White is on the way out and natural wood is coming back in.

The 10 Most Popular New Kitchens So Far in 2025

But John, I did not say that you should change the expensive parts of a kitchen. If you read my post, you'd see that I warmed the home up with inexpensive items that aren't permanent fixtures. It's doable with a little imagination and creativity.

@sunfeather They are GE cafe with copper handles. I have a love for rose gold and copper so we chose those. I love the appliances.

Sonya, google French Bistro stools and you will have many choices. The price point varies, so take a good look at options and reviews. Wayfair, Birch Lane, Amazon, Serena and Lily, Walmart...on and on. Thought: low back or no back may fit the island better.

Wayfair:

Birch Lane has this stool, on sale, 5*, with 30 color combos.

Glad you like my suggestion for a black island.

I would definitely keep the cherry cabinets! I actually like your black and copper ge cafe appliances with them.

I played on my iPad app and redecorated your kitchen. Hope you don’t mind. 😊

I gave you new solid white countertops on the perimeter and same on the island to brighten things up.

A gave you a fun new backsplash as the ”star”. It has variegated greens, but also has some of the copper color to tie back with the copper fridge handles, the wood, and the floor. I did lighten up the floor a tad in the mock up on the right so it matched the left better like in the other photos.

I painted the island a light green that I picked from the backsplash.

I painted the walls and ceiling a much brighter white, matching to the countertops. If possible a skylight would be wonderful to brighten the room.

I also erased one bar stool. I do think new ones would fit better. As mentioned ones with the lower back would be nice. Maybe wood seats like your cabinets with black metel legs to match the black appliances?

Here is the before

Well, I have no clue if this is your style or not, but I sure had fun mocking it up for you!

@rebunky wow, your update looks very nice! Kind of makes that chandelier look out of place. I added a different one here from Lamps Plus.

www.lampsplus.com/products/valserrano-31-inch-wide-black-kitchen-island-light-chandelier__75c83.html

Keep in mind that using green on the island is going to make the floors look pinker than they might already look . Complementary colors (opposites on the color wheel) cause what's called simultaneous contrast, which means that having them next to each other intensifies them. Because green and red/pink are opposite on the color wheel, having them next to each other intensifies their colors, which will cause the green to look greener and the pink look pinker. Think about whether you want that effect.

Wow..to mockups! and the talent to DO THEM!

You know what I see in the really valiant effort?

Room darkening and heavy cherry cabinets, a "risky" toned floor, Hi / LOW cabinet jumble, ARCHES! aplenty and all the numerous lower cabinetry that could be drawers! One of which could have been a below the counter drawer micro.

Then there is.........

"They are GE cafe with copper handles. I have a love for rose gold and copper so we chose those. I love the appliances."

I hope so!! God forbid GE would discontinue an of the moment finish and its parts, and you need a replacement for something that dies: )

There are as many white and gorgeous kitchens as there are the bland, sterile, quartz top darlings of modern farm suburbia ala a builder spec.........no matter east coast, west coast, or gulf and southern ocean coast.

Yes there are also a billion of these cherry.......most in Mc Mansionland any suburb, any where and you know the dates.

Difficult to REMOVE date.......

@rebunky Thanks for the mockup. Thats pretty cool. Im not a fan of green but that is fun.

I like your island granite and think your floor looks nice. Maybe the island color and backsplash colors could be warmer. As in the mockup, even though you're not a fan of green, making those areas similar pulls things together. What are you thinking?

green island w the issue w "pinking up" that floor is a factor. I'd go into a blue ..isnt that your theme in the next room over ?. Traditional and attractive.....if you will only be doing a few things ...at the island will give some results.

blue paint on island.... many shades and intensities to pick....a nice change....

Cherry & Blue · More Info

@sunfeather @herbflavor I didnt think of blue. That is the accent color in our FR. Great idea and alot easier to maintain if painted.

I’m thinking lighter counters and blue island. Smaller stools…but still need 4. And some sort of accent rug/kitchen mat

The original post says the appliances are new, her choice of color and handles.

So im reading everyones design ideas and you can definitely lighten up your kitchen keeping the cherry color but change the counter tops to a lighter option but I do believe the cherry is out dated but I found 2 different ideas one cherry and one walnut the color you wanted to change it to. Ihave dark espresso cabinets I feel they are now dated and wish for a modern two tone color. Here are sone ideas if you decide to keep cherry or venture out.

You poor thing...I am reading everyone's comments, and NO ONE IS ANSWERING your simple question. After examining the Island color closely, it appears to be "antiqued." If you're going with the same look as the body of the island, not just the top, but the entire body, then yes, you made the 100% correct decision 👍🏼😉. Go with your gut, and it won't disappoint!

Not sure why you think "NO ONE IS ANSWERING your simple question." She asked if she should paint the cabinets to lighten up the kitchen. Some have said yes, and some said no. And she has gotten lots of advice on how to lighten up the kitchen. She seems to have made a decision--above she says, "I’m thinking lighter counters and blue island. Smaller stools…but still need 4. And some sort of accent rug/kitchen mat"

And telling someone to "go with your gut," when they are undecided doesn't answer the question at all.

Some are trying politely tell the OP NO NO NO one does not paint high end cherry cabinetry-that is not not responding to the question. I think it's admirable when the answer is HE!! no to give suggestions as to how to then lighten up the room. Go with your gut I think is permission to paint. The OP came wanting a white kitchen. Following the alternative suggestions as to how to lighten will do that but in the end won't satisfy the OPs desire for an all white kitchen.

Here's an example of a kitchen with a light tile floor like yours, black appliances, white counter tops and taupe cabinets. The taupe color lightens up the room, while not being stark white, and it works well with the color of the flooring. Is this a look you might like?

My opinion is do NOT paint the high end cherry cabinets whatever you do. However, it is your house not mine. White or dark it is whatever you like and what you can afford. IMO, all white anywhere (be it kitchen or bath or LR) is too stark. Gray is too gloomy for me also. Your kitchen looks very "regal" so you need to make sure that everything fits into the style you are going for and matches with the rest of the house as well.

I think Darlene's first photo with the light counters looks beautiful. I think the last one would as well if the lights had been on for the photo. A stunning look that isn't what everyone else has.

Great idea, Sue!

Diana Bier Interiors photo with the 'mushroom' cabinets is perfect...I have those cabinets with white walls and they look fabulous...very light but not overpowering white.

I am a lover of wood cabinets and wood for kitchen cabinetry is a classic that is very much back en vogue. ALL types of wood are trending. Arches are back, too.

Cherry wood is the most luxe of any wood. It's all that you see on the super yachts... both then and now. Cherry and similar tones in mahogany.

Your cabinets are beautiful. Classic. Not dated.

But you want a white kitchen, and this is not that.

So if you have a good furniture refinisher, just go ahead with your original plan and paint them white. I would suggest you keep the black countertops because they will complement the appliances, and also provide contrast against all the white. You can match the white of your island... or even a bit warmer white.

Courtesy of AI (and me ;)

Not your exact cabinets, obviously, but just to show the general combo. I used a glass tile backsplash here; I was trying to pick up some of the floor tones. Your existing backsplash might be fine with the white cabinets and existing floor. If not, you could always pick up on more of the floor tones with a new backsplash, to tie it together.

Don't paint the cabinets. And here's my kitchen in a house we just bought, beginning a refresh. I love the old cabinets: they are staying. If it makes you feel any better, two of our neighbors asked if I was keeping "those beautiful old cabinets." So at least some other people are thinking outside the white Shaker box.

I have a butler pantry with a polished black galaxy granite counter. I plan to paint the walls a crisp white & put in a white backsplash. The knobs are a fussy polished brass with backplates, but they'll stay too. I really like the combo of cherry, black granite, whites, polished brass, and my olive green braided rug on the floor. A touch of beige could be worked in too, if I want a lighter rug. The kitchen colors & materials will mimic the butler pantry, but stainless appliances.

For your kitchen I'd paint the walls a fresh white; retile the backsplash to a simple clean white from counter to cabinet; eliminate the ledge over the sink; brass knobs, pulls, faucet; brass lighting over the island; paint the island olive or sage. No gewgaws on the counters or backsplash.

In my experience in the dim US northeast, contrast & strong color help to give an illusion of light & shadow & color in rooms without good natural light. Pale colors just go blah. Hence, white, black, cherry, brass, your beige floor, & maybe olive/sage.

I'm not good at photoshopping, but at least this gives you a better idea of the colors & materials I wrote about. Not suggesting anything specific, this is just for the general idea.

I like the black accents and the cherry cabinets.
I tend toward mid century, but really like your combo of island and backsplash w the cabinets.

I do think the floor is too brown compared w your creamy island. I would focus on the floor if that’s possible financially. I’m not sure if painting tile is advised.

@awm03 thanks for the recommendations. i like the ideas.

@jeannie_sang I‘m leaning towards painting the island bc it does not match the floor well. Thinking navy but we shall see.

I know eventually all the floors will need to be replaced. For now, anyone have area rug recommendations?