I did tons of research on both before my remodel last winter. Painted seems to be trending much more than stained these days. I went with painted in the end because I too looked at the stains where the cabinetry was natural wood tone with a stain overlay for that rustic look which I do love, but was then in a major conundrum about trim and ceiling color. I wanted a white kitchen and was worried that if my cabinets were cream stained, and my window trim and ceiling were white then it would just make my cabinetry look old and yellow-y which I did NOT want. But it's really a personal preference. It's almost a year later and I"m really happy with my decision. I went with Dove White painted cabinets.

I have TWO kitchens ;-) One is a medium-stained rustic alder, and one is painted linen white.

I love them both.

That being said, the stained cabinets are a little easier to touch up when you get a ding or a nick. Haven't tried to touch up the white cabinets yet.

One the other hand, it is more difficult (I think) to make changes or additions to the cabinetry when you have stained cabinets, Paint (in my opinion) is a little more consistent in color if you go with a standard color, so it's easier to match.

It is also easier to switch up the color on a painted cabinet, if you want to redo your kitchen.

I could be completely wrong on all of this, but this is my opinion. ;-)

I love them both, too. I have creamy white now and I marvel at how soft and smooth they look and how well they've held up. I've touched up a couple of places on the tops of lower cabinet doors where my cat's claws have made tiny pin holes when he opens the doors.

I think a lot depends on your lifestyle and the amount of light you get in your kitchen. I see a lot of stained wood that I long for. I think if there is a next time, I will consider stained again.

Painted is at least 20% more than most stained cabinetry. Start adding in all of the upgrades like integral doors on sides, glass, tall cabinets, molding, etc., and that 15K cabinet order soon gets to be 25K without even breaking a sweat.

Keep in mind that the " cream/off white look" you like, may not be paint.

Many talk about "paint" when in reality it is an opaque lacquer or something similiar.

Also, "stain" is not a finish. A finish goes over the stain.

Personally, I prefer to see the wood grain, instead of hiding it behind paint. That is the beauty of a natural material, so it is a shame to hide it. For our reno, we went with stained cabinets and granite counters. We love having the natural materials in our kitchen, in all their glory.

Keep in mind also that trends come and go. Unless you are looking to sell near term, go with what you like because you like it, not because it might be the latest trend. If you browse kitchens on Houzz, what draws your interest more?

I have always loved white cabinets but I also have always loved maple stained cherry or natural cherry cabinets. I have always loved the shaker look. Due to no window over my sink in the kitchen and not a lot of light, I want my kitchen to be bright and cheery so I finally decided to go with white cabinets. So far I am learning towards Shiloh's Polar White as I find it the perfect white as it is not too white but not too creamy.

I had a golden oak bedroom set but in 2007 when the platform bed fell apart, I bought Durham Solid Maple Bedroom furniture with a Wesley Allan Headboard. I love the Sand White washed out finish. I love how bright and happy my small bedroom is. Well it is small for a Master Bedroom but still a decent size for me.

I hate the thought of painting wood cabinets. It,s easier than staining, but I still think the extra time spent sanding and staining is worth it. I stained my cabinets from a dark mohagony to a red cherry.

I hate the thought of painting wood cabinets. It,s easier than staining, but I still think the extra time spent sanding and staining is worth it. I stained my cabinets from a dark mohagony to a red cherry.