I still (hanging my head, shame faced) don't know how to upload photos. But I will get someone to help me and post a few. Would be best to take them in daylight. fori, having taken part in DD's reno I do know how labor intenstive it is to paint cabinets properly. DD & SIL painted them in his Dad's home and later in their own. They have a large garage space (w/ heat) & a good sprayer. I helped with the priming, sanding, & poly stages with the ones for their home. Lots of steps & drying time between but the results were so worth it. I know I'll go bananas during the process, having everything out of order. But I could get through that. I just have to decide if a change is in order. I'm so used to seeing it as it is, I can't be objective. That's why I'd like opinions from the folks here.

How about a soft spa-like green? That would be a good contrast to the warmth of the golden oak cabinets. It also looks great with white. Add some fluffy white towels and it'll look great! Ben Moore Saybrook Sage is really pretty with oak. Oh! But you said Sherwin. Ok, Sherwin Williams Svelte Sage. Look at this Garden Web thread of green paint - notice how many have warm colored wood with it. Looks great, huh? Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Web Green paint thread

eam44, she did in her first post, which is eerily similar to the image nosoccermom just posted! Keep in mind that anything wax really needs to be sealed, no matter what these blogs claim. Wax come off with Windex (anything ammonia) and even vinegar, for those who think that's the way to go. It's NOT good in bathrooms or kitchens. Or outside, for that matter. There's a whole "revolution" of heresy among bloggers who regret selling their stuff with such non-durable finishes. Looks great, but lasting? Particularly for families with children? HAHAHAHHAHHAHA I find the efforts addicted2decorating when through totally unnecessary. Notice she took it down to no finish. I simply used gray stain, whereas she worked her @ss off. Citristrip doesn't require sanding, nor does wiping stain off. Go figure. (I like her blog, though.)

First of all, that is a *gorgeous* space, I am envious! And thank all that's holy that you rescued it from the dreadful taste of the previous owners--all those different woods and floor, four or five different shades of red, ugh! I love the new flooring, it's beautiful. I think were I in your shoes, I'd first try adding a lot of cool tones to the room(s), to see if I could tone down the warmth of the wood that way--and yes, do you like the countertops & hardware? That would be the first to go for me, if I could possibly swing it; I'm not a fan of granite/quartz anyway, but I especially don't think those tops work for the cool beachy casual sort of look you want. Maybe a white or light gray granite/quartz at least, if you like those materials? Perhaps soapstone or concrete? Or a pale (or bright! That could be fun) solid-color laminate, even; I know a lot of people dislike laminate but I'm fine with it, personally. And some silver or nickel hardware? Of course, you could try re-staining the cabinets rather than painting them. Do you want to DIY this or hire someone? A pro would be able to tell you the best way to tone down the warmth of the wood. None of which means I think it's wrong to paint them. I'm not a big fan of wood cabinets, personally, so if you want to paint I'd be all for it. A cool white or very light gray, maybe? The island in a different color, a darker gray or blue, or even something like a barely-lilac lilac (as in, gray with a hint of lilac; I don't like lilac as a rule but I think in this space it could be interesting, and different from the other grays that are everywhere [including my house, lol, because I have always loved gray] if you're looking for that. Something about that island bothers me, though. I feel like the outside of it is really...unfinished looking. Like it needs some pilasters, or beadboard or planks or tile, even, just...something. Maybe some vertical trim pieces every six inches or so, to mimic the Mission-style doors on the cabinets? It just looks to me like the carpenter was meant to come back to finish it but didn't. And honestly, I'd probably rip out the stair railing(s) and banisters and replace them with square ones, like @Horner Millwork suggested. The contrast between the Mission kitchen with all the right angles and those little round banisters & spindles looks odd to me. Then you can get new ones in whatever paint or finish you want, and I think it will look a lot more modern and sophisticated than those grandma-looking ones on there now (no offense to grandmas!). Maybe even a metal? I don't know what the rest of your furniture looks like, though, so I'm just spitballing that, basically. I hope that helps! Can't wait to see what you decide!