Well, I know it has been a while, but I realized I forgot to post an update! We finished everything in Dec '11, and have really enjoyed it. The house went on the market this weekend, so we got a little over a year in our 'new' kitchen. We got a full price offer today, and our home is priced higher than anything in our neighborhood (the house 2 doors down in 500 sf larger, and priced $5k cheaper). I think it was worth it - total cost was right around $7K. Granite: NVG light Gel Stain: Java (General) - 3 coats Tile: Home Depot Backsplash: Home Depot Here is a link that might be useful: More Kitchen Remodel Pics This post was edited by leightx on Tue, Apr 23, 13 at 12:40

Thanks so much, catmom, arcy, purrus, nini, and lisa! They did the real estate photos yesterday and after some light staging I think the house looked amazing. We just edited out a few more things from the counter and added some decor items. We brought in a bistro table and stools to take the place of the sideboard that was moved to the great room. I also used the floating shelf I just had made for over the tub and used it for the blank space over the sofa instead. I convinced DH to hang it as part of a compromise in which he did not have to move and rehang the heavy wall clock :) These are just a few cell phone pics but I can't wait to see the professional photos!

Thanks for the comments everyone. I need to stop over and get better pics. Were moving into the house but aren't going to do anything to the cabinets so I'm really looking for accessory suggestions on how to distract and have a more updated feel. We are changing the counter tops but they not in. Were going with a lighter cream or white granite with darker veins. The floor is a very light tan. Basically I'm imagining my kitchen will look like a traditional kitchen ppl usually do in a flip home. I don't want that but can't really change anything aside from accessories and other furniture that might give the room a more updated feel. As mentioned the walls are Parisian taupe. I feel like it's going to just be too yellow/tan feeling in the end. What kind of light fixtures, kitchen tables, colors, rugs, etc would help update honey oak cathedral cabinets with a lighter granite counter top and light tiled floor with Parisian taupe walls for example I found these ideas on Pinterest.

Benjamin Moore Advance or Cabinet Coat are 2 cabinet specific hard curing long lasting paints. Check YT for informational videos. This is something you could do yourself if you do the research and practice enough to become familiar with the product. Plus you'd save thousands and you have no time constraints.