Do you have additional "cabinetry" or built-ins in the house that are the same wood as the kitchen cabinets? Your white baseboards, window trim and chair rail should be considered when looking at white choices for your cabinets.

Your kitchen looks totally put together. I don't think white cabinets would work as well. Why not add a backsplash and find a really interesting runner with lots of color?

Yes, I'd change the color, paint the cabinets white. Get a pro, don't try to do it yourself and I'd also change the countertops out. And replace the dining room chandelier, it's dated.

Your cabinets look pretty nice, I wouldn't paint them. Painting is a lot of work and a lot of money. Swap out the countertop for something newer, like quartz or quartzite and put in a backsplash. That would help a lot.

I think your kitchen is beautiful the way it is. White cabinets will always be in style, but I'm betting you'll start seeing more natural wood, as trends change (always). I know people who have changed everything to gray, and I love it. Gray is a nice neutral, but it's been popular for quite a while now, and I have to wonder if, within the next few years, it will look "dated". Remember Harvest Gold and Avocado Green? That trend was BIG, and immediately dated homes that used it. Anyway, gray looking dated in a few years, would be my worry.

I just feel like they are so dark. In the other part of the house, the built ins are white. If we paint them, we would get a pro. Also, they are in great shape...they are real wood, maple. If I were to change out the counter, what would you suggest? Does anyone know how much that would cost?

Thanks!

Ijoma, I agree with your comment about trends, but I think gray isn't in the same category as harvest gold and avacado green. Gray doesn't stand out and make a (hideous) statement like HG and AG. I think it will be a color with some staying power, kind of like brushed nickel. It started as a trend but I don't think it's going away either.

If this is a house you are keeping for several years, then do what you want. Definitely a pro to paint them...but the kitchen is YOUR kitchen and YOU are living with it. If you want a lighter look go ahead....Just make sure you show us pictures!

Or what about painting them a grey color?

What about fixing the actual problem? Get in an electrician to add better lighting. Too much overhead glare and not enough under cabinet or gimbals.

Match the white of your other built ins for your cabinets and change the hardware to a updated version. The style of your cabinets is classic and timeless, so paint will definitely be a fresh update. I can't specify without being in your space, but I think a less patterned countertop would be an good update as well. Pretty house! Search through Houzz photos for "shaker cabinets" and see the variations of countertops and hardware. https://www.houzz.com/photos/taj-mahal-transitional-kitchen-new-york-phvw-vp~92649193

Your cabinets are totally fine. I'm surprised no one is recommended painting the walls a different color. The right wall color would bring out the warmth and glow of the wood floors or cabinets at all. Here's a go-to article about what paints go best with wood.

[https://www.houzz.com/magazine/11-terrific-paint-color-matches-for-wood-details-stsetivw-vs~9025200[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/11-terrific-paint-color-matches-for-wood-details-stsetivw-vs~9025200)

Pinterest has lots of images: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/409053578646103268/

Also do a Google and Houzz search for "best whites that go with wood cabinets." Get under cabinet lighting and consider switching out one or two cabinet doors for glass ones with beautiful dishes inside.

Please do not paint them gray. Consider opening up the arch between the kitchen and dining room - the top part looks a bit low.

I might consider leaving the kitchen and getting rid of the arch which seems to have no reference. I also agree with Sophie that the bulbs in the downlight need to be addressed to get rid of the glare.

The arches are on the other two door ways, so I think we wuold want to keep them. However, I like that picture you did! I'm going to try painting first and see how that goes! Also, we have lights underneath the cabinets already :) I just don't have them on in the picture. I like the idea of swapping out a few doors with glass

mary, please live in the house for a bit before you do anything. While you are living in the house, come up with an end game.

What do you want the kitchen to look like when you are done? Wood is very much in right now. And your cabinets look great with your floor.

oh please,,,no battleship gray! The floor tone is very nice. I'd change the counters before I painted the cabinets (although they would look nice in white but I'd still change the counter).

absolutely paint the walls a different color. how do you feel about a green/gray tone? This color if you are keeping the countertops.

I have arches to the two 2 entrances to my kitchen but they are higher and the edges are nice and crisp - giving a nice arch look. If you are going to have them, then make them look nice. Like this picture.