Please delete this post. You already have a post on which you have several answers. Double posts just confuse.

This is different from my original post, as I’m asking opinions on a specific idea now.

what is the goal? price out the paint work with whatever pro cabinet painter you have there. then I'd price out beautiful light counters and a whitish or light tile backsplash...I think the latter would do quite a bit [maybe even get a one level area instead of the step up counter] and perhaps be more economical. the space looks large enough to handle the medium wood cabinets [i like them] ......and the lighter surfaces at eye level would appeal to me. Not a sin ....but the point is there are various ways to achieve goals for adjustments of aesthetics .

your cabinets are similar to a "little black dress" ..timeless.....but adjacent components always need some scrutiny as time passes.....thats just normal ....but it should be known if the cabinets are too worn or problematic in some way. [hint-thats why people say WAIT]

French-Country Kitchen Remodel- Right Side View · More Info