What color were you thinking of painting the cabinets? This may not be the same counter top that you have, however it give you an idea of the cabinets.

try a lighter color like charcoal gray

I agree with Rockin'. Your cabinet design (cathedral doors and face frame cabinets) doesn't lend itself to the contemporary look of edgey black. I would try a softer color, charcoal to mocha tones instead. Possibly even driftwood or taupe.

I appreciate the feedback and I can't disagree with the comments. I really like the look of black but it's definably not the intended style of the kitchen. With that said I don’t think it will look bad but I don’t know if it will look its best.

About 5 years ago I moved into this house and I had to quickly do a budget remodel due to some water damage and some very poor design choices (by the prior owners). At that time I had the granite installed and I added additional cabinets in addition to several other things. The cabinets I installed became darker over time and their present look is awful - it's about the only thing I regret. That is why I want to paint them. They are quality, solid maple, and I think a good coat(s) of paint in the right color will make them last for years.

Looking at some photos, I do think a gray may also look really nice. I may want to change the wall color at that point but that is an easier decision as walls are easy to paint. I like taupe/cream color cabinets but I do not think they will go well with my flooring.



I have attached a potential color?

I painted my cabinets and my advice is to use an oil based paint vs latex. I used a sprayer and a compressor but what a pain. In the end a roller brush worked just as well. Good luck!

The gray-blue above are beautiful.
Here is a taupe to ponder. I believe they may have a cream or white glaze.

What if you take two or three colors from the granite counter that you like and buy the paint, then paint a good size board and place them around the kitchen at different times of the day, to see how you like the look. Your kitchen is big and you have a lot of natural light coming in, so I think your kitchen can handle a dark or light dark color. Here's one more color to think of. Good Luck :)

I just painted my oak cabinets sherwin williams black fox. It's a dark gray, they look beautiful. You need to sand them, put on primer, then you can use a mohair roller.

No black please! I really think that they should be white it will look nice with your appliances and the backsplash you have and best of all it will really give good contrast against that beautiful gray paint you have on the walls. Nice kitchen! It will also brighten up your kitchen also. Your kitchen is a little on the dark side so please no dark colors.

I think grey island would look great! Here's a project we did last year: http://www.houzz.com/projects/327747/Sammamish-2013

Love the idea of black, or near black. Your floor and current wall color would take it well. Sure the arched cabinet doors aren't the best design for such a deep color, but they can always be replaced. Good choice!

Don't do the cabinets in black. It will define the space and your stove will look like a small trinket. How about using a black painted glass for your backsplash and paint the cabinets an soft white to blend with grey walls and granite. Then you can paint the bar stool/ chairs in a black lacquer. The granite will POP
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I think off white / taupe / grey tone will look very classy . You can live with this ,color for a long time. Black eventually you will get tired of it . Moreover your appliance will look better with cream
Use Melmine paint for kitchen.

Very nice!

How about some black leather bar stools? Ikea has a nice one.

we just painted our cabinets and had the same dilemma, oil based or latex. Our trusted handyman suggested latex with a polyurethane final coat--it's perfect. We painted the inside of the cabinets cream, to open up the feel of them when you open the doors, and to contrast with the sea blue-green of the door. The poly coat means the dishes don't stick! We are very happy with the finish--he just used a roller and they look great.

You did a super job. Looks great!