The cabinets are fine as is. Painting them will lead to eventual chipping and bleed-through, and in any case, that room is crying for some warmth, so leave the wood as is. You paint them light, that room will look like a hospital storage closet. Paint them dark, and it will look like a creepy cave.

Is this a basement? You don't appear to have much light. I don't mind the warmth of the wood as it is. You can change the handles to a more straight style in black. Other wise, I'd paint them light like your trim.

While the wood cabinets are "warm", if there seems to be something "off and you are considering painting the cabinets anyway , consider painting them the same color as the wall. In a small space with light colored walls, a large darker cabinet can seem even to have an even larger presence, thus visually shrinking the space. However, so the room will not be a boring monochromatic color scheme, also consider painting the inside of the upper part of the left cabinet a favorite bold color that you plan to add to the room in another way as well -- a dark bold cobalt blue from art or a red from a favorite sport team color or a green or gray or brown from your chair or your favorite beach color ... any color from your home business logo ... preferably something that has some meaning to you personally.

I agree with tye issues of painted wood cabinets that are not factory painted; what about doing a gelstain on them? whitewash might be the best compromise to consider.

Appreciate all comments so far. It’s a difficult room to set up but it is my only office space. I scaled down from a commercial office to this. I need to make it happen. I want separation from living areas. I’m looking into special lighting. I have some natural light but minimal from the interior staircase.

Do you need the doors, or would taking them off for open shelving with some baskets or wood/reed/fabric bins if needed fit non book items work for your storage needs? That might give you the color pop or change you are looking for, too.

That’s a good suggestion to explore. 🤔

You could even just remove some doors, for some variety. I love built-ins- but sometimes they need tweaked!

Thank you. Another great observation. We’re not in a position to remove them because my husband is undergoing chemo. I need to continue to work but want it to be the best space as possible.

I am sorry that your husband is undergoing chemo. Then I would definitely not paint or stain the cabinets, because the fumes and mess are the last thing you need right now. As mentioned above, perhaps remove doors for variety and to reduce their bulk, but don't paint them or stain them.

Sympathy extended for the health issues in your family.

You want to keep the doors or you'll see all the items in the cabinet and, although essential to your office, they'll still be visual "clutter" .

If paint fumes are an issue, consider putting a fan in the window blowing the fumes outward and remove the doors long enough to paint the doors of the cabinets outside. Every little bit helps.

If there is any space for a plant -- perhaps a basket hung from a bracket over the window, that could be worth considering.

If you're changing the overhead lighting, a small modern ceiling fan light could give you some air flow for a fresh air vibe.

If you are right handed, putting light on you left side will help you not be working in your own shadow. Rather than a traditional desk top lamp, consider a floor lamp to keep more desk top space clear. The kind with a light that can be aimed where you want it will be the most useful. The local big box store will have these (likely for a third less):

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Designs-Home-LF2000-BLK-Mother-Daughter/dp/B01MFC2O83/ref=asc_df_B01MFC2O83/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=168428131872&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14881506363521475286&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011044&hvtargid=pla-275292415568&psc=1

Yes, I plan on hiring a professional to do the job. I like the suggestion of the same color trim or wall. I was on that path. I plan on trashing the majority of the items on the shelves and will likely remove some shelves.

Thank you everyone for the suggestions and well wishes. Life continues and I appreciate the comments on getting my home office up and running. Suezbell I agree with keeping doors to avoid clutter. It is a busy office and I am removing as much clutter as possible. This is a challenging design project but is heading in the right direction.

Next, researching lighting with our electrician. New LED lighting and another layering lighting to help with the room.

Here are a few office designs we have completed for our clients. Take note of the wall colors, cabinet colors, and all other decor.

Rollingwood New Build · More Info

Chloes Bloom New Build · More Info

Westminster Glen · More Info

Family Retreat · More Info

These are beautiful examples. Unfortunately I’m lacking natural light the photos inspire me with the built inside and how they were used. Thank you.

Hired professional cabinet painter. Today he removed doors and shelves. I hope you continue following me on this challenging home office project.

It happens and not pleased to say we’re repainting walls. Original Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist too much grey purple tone. Switching to Benjamin Moore Simply white.

First, let me say sending prayers for complete healing for your hubby. No fun for sure. I have some thoughts for you regarding paint. If you haven’t started Re-painting, I would add 3500k LED lighting first and see if your walls are ok. It’s usually the quality of light that impacts paint colors. With your grays/black and beige flooring I would consider a deep blue for cabinets. Blue would unite all your colors. Consider extending arm lights for over cabinets. Or this fixture for over table. The first one below would be ideal if you have junction box in ceiling. Best to you in Heath and office space. Hard to concentrate when major health issues are wearing on you. Take care-
Warm regards,
Flo

Thank You for lighting suggestions. I spoke to our electrician and working on getting the lighting correct. So important and a lot I’ve learned.

Slow process contractors issue. The cabinets have been prep for painting Benjamin simply white.