We too wanted painted cabinets and many places suggested paint grade maple rails & stiles with an MDF centre. That allows for some expansion/contraction with less visible cracking as could happen with all wood. We went with a modified shaker style with a mini-V-groove which we were told would give an bit of additional insurance. They were installed in June and we live in a climate with very dry, cold, snowy winters and so far, so good. Interestingly, some of the most expensive painted cabinets we looked at were all MDF which surprised us. We had a bit of a concern about the MDF chipping at the edges.

PS I like warmer colors and so not really thrilled with lots of gray, especially in backsplash. I'm also considering Caesarstone Cashmere Carrara.

I wonder what she ended up using. I have Simply White kitchen cabinets and I love the white. I’m getting ready to paint the walls in the front of the house (open concept) which is Revere Pewter right now. I love the color but it’s time for a glow up 😀to brighten the space. I’m wondering if going with Simply White on the walls as well as my cabinets will be a mistake. After the Revere Pewter tone for several years I just need some brightness.

@Lisa I do have a question for you! The thing that concerns me about Cambria is the heat comments. I would never put a hot pan on any countertop. BUT what about things like an All Clad Slow Cooker? Moccamaster or Nespresso Coffee maker? Instant Pot? What things like this needs something under them to use? Air Fryer.. I would think Vitamix would be fine? I think it would look awful to always have something under the coffee make or Vitamix. The other things are not kept on the counter. I have never had to use something under them with the granite countertops. I don't Have to go with quartz. If I do go with quartz it will definitely be Cambria. I thought about going with marble but I am a messy cook! I still want to see your blue when I go back to the beach. (My husband seems to be set on Cambria white! But that might be more due to him being tired of ldiscussions about the countertop.)