I don’t consider a reverse raised panel at all positive for painted. Not unless all of the pieces are painted before being assembled. You will get the halo effect of unpainted wood otherwise. Painted, all MDF is the better choice. Even though the masses are under incorrect delusions that it’s inferior. Halo effect on a stained cabinet from wood shrinkage in winter.

Aw man, thanks for the comments guys! After being in this house with small kids for eight years, the cabinets are showing wear and there is quite a bit of water damage on many of them and some are broken (didn’t show you that photo!). So...that was where my head was at with going ahead and painting the cabinets. They are already priming today so this is a done deal! In my area, painting cabs is still a big thing (we might steer behind the times a little) and a big thing people look for in resale (we could be moving in a couple years). Honestly, it might not be trendy but I still love my granite! It hides stuff so well and never looks dirty. And I never even notice my backsplash and I just don’t care that much about it. It’s hard for me to warrant changing something just for cosmetic reasons (counter and backsplash) versus need (cabs). We got an amazing deal on the painting so I feel good about it. I’m going full steam with Antique White. After looking at it forever and being in complete decision making paralysis, that’s what I’m going with! I’m going with brass/gold knobs to add a little bit of funky and I have lots of Anthropologie-esque and plants to add character. I have a very open floor plan with my living room right there in all it’s colorful glory, so I’m thinking the lighter will look nice. I’ll be happy to post a pic when I’m done. Thanks for listening!!

Honestly you can't go wrong with white. Especially if you are looking at resale, it is timeless. People ask if it's going out of style and I just laugh. If resale is not anything you are looking at be bold and maybe find a pastel or grey tint of a favorite color. Light or even medium grey would also work well. Don't worry about it being to white, it will make all the other colors and details of the tile and appliances stand out. Just an attempt at my best answer with limited information of your home, family , location ,etc. I like to go with my gut and be bold with colors occasionally but it all depends on if you view your home as someplace you will hopefully never leave or an investment. It can be a very hard struggle making design decisions when, how you view your home can be in limbo between the home or investment.

your contractor should give you a pair of samples showing a range of stains on each material, so that you can pick ones that harmonize undertones and give you the desired amount of contrast.