I think what bugs me is they are not the same, more than the color.

Hi Claire, I would have to agree with painting the cabinets a creamy white, but I am kind of drawn to the black corner pieces! Plus, I like how you used the tile to pick up the black in the space. The rest of your kitchen is very pretty!!! If the molding bothers you, it can be replaced as well...depending on which molding...some are very typical.
http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/772515/772515840197.jpg

If it were my kitchen, I would paint the all the cabinets a light sage as in the rug, remove the crown moulding on the black cabinets and replace with the same moulding as on the other cabinets. I love your counter tops, backsplash and rug. White trim, yellow walls and window covering would still work. My first thought was also creamy white, but I didn't know if it would work with your stainless.

Thanks. I think painting them one color is the way to go. I'd also like to have the same moulding on top. I'm going to add one more photo of the top of the black cabinets. I think the ornament trim might be glued on, but if removed, could be covered with the new moulding? Then the height would come down a few inches too.

You could try painting the molding on top of the cabinets black to tie in with the corner units (which I kind of like also). Change the valance to something patterned with black in it also. Get a new rug with black in it.

I love this black cabinets and their details. You can keep them .Your kitchen will be more beautiful with this two focus point .My suggestion is, painting other cabinets in pure white and using stain less steel knobs ad bar pulls. An other thing that helps to match the black cabinets and others is changing counter tops to black granite one.But try the new counter tops first because the black color will be extended to counter tops and vertical edges are connecting to horizontal edges visually.

I have been thinking about the advice you all gave (Thanks!) and looking at pictures, and I do agree a creamy white would be a nice change, would look lovely and not be so dated. I'd like to have all the cabinets painted white including the black ones. I keep thinking that our kitchen is quite small and that the black cabinets are too big. That's one reason why I think all of the cabinets should be white; I think they will seem less massive.

I would still like a more uniform look in style maybe by removing the decorative trim on the black cabinets or even adding trim if possible to the others (will have to zoom for decorative details). I could also make the mouldings of the brown hickory cabinets taller. I'd be hiring pros so would need to decide before painting. With the painting decision made, any ideas about how to do the trim?

http://houzz.com/photos/6389799

Oops, added example photo of kitchen w/white cabinets & trim and referenced them in my post. That is the photo I asked you to zoom in on. Thanks too in advance.

Defiantly paint the cabinets white ! Black on white looks really nice . You can antique the white with a black glaze that would look great

The crown is probably nailed on, and yes, it can be removed and replaced with other crown.

HI -- One easy thing you could do is to paint the base cabinets to match the dark upper corner unites . That would help balance out the top heavy look. I used to do kitchens and this style is dated with the varied cabinet heights . Do you want to keep these corner cabinets or change the whole look to maybe something lighter and a little more modern or stay with the traditional style . These cabinets are just applied boxes ,so they can be removed . Maybe remove the black corner cabinets and that would give you more counter space with the corner garage gone. Fill in by moving the other small cabinets into the spaces and then add some open shelves on each side of the window . Painting everything all one color would work too. The wall color is also not helping the look . The yellow on the walls is making the wood look more orange . A wall color closer to the tile color may look better . You also don't need the valance on the window when you have a blind .

Black granite counter tops, glass-tile backsplash, under cabinet lighting, new pendant shades in colorful art glass. Your cabinets do not need to be replaced or painted.

Lefty, I only choose to paint because it's less $ than totally replacing. I started out with the idea of refacing, but then I read on many posts that the results are often not very good. I do feel the cabinets are dated. That idea of removing the corner cabinets is interesting, something to think about. I don't really understand how I would fill the space to the corner though. I like the shelves idea. Although $ wise, I think painting would get me the most bang for the buck - since I'm not willing to replace all of the cabinetry. What's your opinion of refacing?

Mrs Doubtfire, thanks but I've only had these counter tops for about three to four years so wouldn't consider getting new granite.

I like your kitchen. I'd only change out the valance with something with a large pattern with some black in it and change out the pendants to something with a black or oil rubbed bronze finish.

Thanks Rachel. I have thought about changing the valance. It's not the same fabric but it really is of a piece with my drapes in the dinette and family room and it's really pretty fabric so I hesitated. I too have thought I should change it. I bought a rug w/black in it to replace the green one but it ended up somewhere else.

So, Lefty, I went & measured as best I could and you are saying the cabinets next to the black ones would move to their spot, and regarding the shelves I'd have to leave space to open cabinet doors. Interesting idea. I'll photo research it. Also, all of the decor in my house is traditional. If I'm honest, all of my furniture (curtain too) is from one place, Ethan Allen.

I really like this kitchen. Agree with adding some black to the window treatment. The other things I might suggest are open shelving by the windows instead of the closed cabinetry, and more prominent hardware.

HI -- I can tell you like quality saying you have Ethan Allen and so with that you will not like re -facing the cabinets , which is only a quick fix with only a five year life span at best . The valance fabric is beautiful and it's not a deal breaker if it stays and it's your style . So I think what is best for you cost wise , is to do a paint up date and that should work . But what to paint is the question . Painting the base cabinets to go with the corner units , which might be too dark for you . Or paint everything an antique white or a warm cream . I would leave the crown trims as is . Too much damage taking the crowns off . When you paint the walls or the cabinets also paint the window trim as it is a little too white . If the backsplash tiles and counter continue behind the corner garage ,perhaps that unit could be re-moved to make the uppers and the counter look more open .

inspiration...



You could just trim out a valance in black too...
http://www.thibautdesign.com/collection/roomset.php?patternID=254&productID=1930

Those are quite lovely Rachel! It does help a lot to see photos, and I agree that the valance would make a real difference. Thanks for finding them.

Greatly appreciate everyone's advice.

In fact Rachel, I must give you credit; I really do like the first photo and as set as I was about changing the cabinet color from the beginning, I am alternatively considering a new valance, a new rug and adding black to the moulding. I guess I needed to see it. So thanks again!

Paint too.

Painting all of your kitchen cabinets, except for the two black accent ones, in creamy white would make the counter top, the floor and walls look great together. You kitchen would seem a bit larger as well.

No problem! Love finding just the right inspiration on Houzz. It's also a transitional change you can live with for a bit while deciding if you want to take the bigger step and expense of painting. I had my cabinets painted and while they look great from a distance, the painter did a a sh*t job and it's chipped and cracked already, not even a year later. I'm going to have to have them redone.

Love the darker cabinets! Paint the rest a white/cream-French technique and stain the floors dark as well??

You may want to consider having the rest of the cabinets darker as well, or lightening the dark ones to match. Attached are some photos for inspiration:
https://www.houzz.com/photos/2013-collection-traditional-kitchen-new-york-phvw-vp~3870459
https://www.houzz.com/photos/2013-collection-traditional-kitchen-new-york-phvw-vp~3872124


Best of luck!

Paint all cabs a white with a chocolate glaze. All should match.