Thank You for getting back to me FeatherBee. Its good to know it worked for you. Our cabinets are the honey colored oak. Not too dark but hoping light will be better in a different color. Thank you again.

I would do white cabs with grey walls, the cabs will reflect light and grey walls will add some color/interest.

Disclaimer: I did it and worked well.

I have honey oak and am about to paint them white (if I can ever choose a countertop).

While I love the new greys I think kitchen cabinetry needs to go with the rest of the house. White is a nice neutral and could really help a dark kitchen.

I would do white cabinets because white will outlast the gray trend. As mdln suggested, paint the walls gray instead. This way if you tire of the gray in a few years, you can change it. White is timeless. Styles of cabinets change, but there are always white cabinets.

Agree to paint cabinets white because cabs are much more permanent. This way you can change the look of your kitchen by repainting the walls in the future.

Agree on the white. I would add: preview several shades of white in your kitchen before you commit. You won't be able to tell what is the "right" white until you see some biggish samples in place.

Thank you to all who shared their input. You have no idea how much it's appreciated. : )

I just found this place again after being away awhile. I personally am not a fan of white. What are the predominate colors in your home right now? Are they cool colors, are they warmer choices? There are a million shades of white (lots of eggshell tints) as well as soft creams. You can have a light color or even a medium light color for your room. Lighting makes a difference in a small space too. Give a minute's thought about that.

April there are lots of whites that do what the OP wants but still give a hint of color. For example, I chose a color for my cabinets that will have just a hint of green in them, even though most of us would call it white.

You may not be a fan of white, but white is timeless. Gray is not.

I am not saying white can't be an option, but if the OP has warmer rooms in the other parts of the house, a warmer color could be considered. Gray has it's uses, so does white. I'm all for broader diversity than the standard norms.

Oh I agree with you on broadening the diversity in terms of colors, but in this case the OP has no light in her kitchen which is why white was suggested. I would use the opportunity to paint the walls a fun color.

I had honey oak too. I painted mine about 6 years ago. I still love them and I have yet to ever miss the old orange cabinets. Long term goals include getting new cabinets or moving homes but for now I still love my light gray painted cabinets.

Here's a recent article to help with color shades . . . Benjamin Moore Advance or Cabinet Coat which they now own are paints you can use

I would also look closely at your lighting. Many kitchens lack enough foot candles on work surfaces(450). . . And more general lighting can help you get beyond a 'need' to use a majority of light colors. After all, if you had enough natural light from windows would you still want to go this design route? . . . . .For an easy bump up in general lighting I've switched to soft white 14.5w dimmable led A19(regular shape/size) medium base 100w equivalent 1500 lumen led bulbs from Costco. HD also has Philips versions. They go right in any recessed cans. Get the lighting right and see where you are.

I agree about the lighting and did mention it. I think that could make a huge difference in a small room, or any room really.

• I'm back.....Thank you for the additional comments and suggestions. I am not very savvy about warm and cool tones, no matter how much I try. I will have to get someone in paint dept. to help ha-ha. My home changes from white L.R. slipcovers in spring/summer with blue and turquoise accents to red slipcovers with accents of biege, brown and whatever else comes up in fall and winter. I'm nuts but enjoy the change (red slipcovers=husbands choice). My husband has now made an opening in one wall and more sunlight is streaming in, so that will help. I'll buy a few paint samples and see where this goes. Thank you again, you are all very helpful. : )