This is a nice looking kitchen. I've just come on board so don't know the history of your decision to paint. I do see that there is a lot of brown in your home, which is warm but light-sucking. I think the roman shade above the sink adds so much. Maybe you should take your cue from that and inject more color in your home in the form of counter accessories: bright runners on the kitchen floor, counter accessories in pops of color, cabinet hardware in something brighter. You could lean a small painting on the backsplash. You could change the shades on your island pendant to a color or pattern. Think color and shine.

This sort of color would look beautiful with your benches & probably make the kitchen look bigger

But then everything would probably need to change with it..

Oh, I do love that. I see it as a putty color. Would others agree? I know I would like granite/Corian countertops and perhaps subway tile backsplash. Other than that, I am totally open to new ideas.

I definitely agree on the light grey colour suggestions from zerinaa. That way you would probably not have to change your countertops either. I would then update the lighting to something more modern looking and fresh. I don't know what you mean by 'bulkhead' not having English as my native language, but if it is the cupboards above the table top you better keep them, as they store more than you think. If you can do without, you can take away and replace by thick shelves instead, in same colour as your cupboards. Or for a lighter look replace all top cupboard doors with same in paneled glass- put halogen downlights in where you can, underneath the top cupboards and also inside top cupboards if you go for glass panels (or built in underneath the shelves). Most kitchen cupboards come in standard sizes so should not be difficult to just replace some of the fronts (doors) if you want.

Great idea Zerinaa!

If you would like any help throughout this process we would love to. Call us today!

Since you are painting talk to some local pros in your area about the proper way to paint oak cabinets, it is not a paint grade material because of the deep grain in it. You also have to do a magnificent job stripping the finish off the current doors or the paint will crack faster than normal, just some things to consider. Painting cabs and doors is a lot of work to be done right!

Thanks for the heads up! Now, I'm nervous!!

holly -- look into Benjamin Moore "Advanced" paint for cabinetry and furniture. I used it on cheap HomeDepot pickled oak cabinets from the 1990's in my lower level home bar area. It's the bomb. Will never paint a piece of furniture with anything else again in my life. ever.

Brenda, thank you so much! I really appreciate the suggestion and will go with BM Advanced on your recommendation! Happy Holidays!!