Wood rather than white cabinets are trending back in. And, oak is notoriously difficult to paint because of the problems with filling in the grain to get a smooth look.

I would leave the cabinets as is but get some interesting handles. I would remove both the granite and the backsplash. You can save the money you didn't use to paint the cabinets to pay for a new countertop. Put in a backsplash that goes all the way to the counter rather than having that 4" stone backsplash.

Thoughts:

- I agree with the above poster that you should keep the cabinets wood-tone. Not because wood (or whatever else) is trendy -- in fact, I'd say avoid trends; they're so temporary. Chasing trends in building is always a mistake.

- No, I'd keep the wood-tone because you have an all-white floor, and if you go with cream colored cabinets, you're going to have a room that's nothing but white/cream. Pair that with stainless steel appliances, and everything'll be so pale -- that'll make the granite countertops stand out badly.

- Agree that oak isn't the easiest to paint. Perhaps you'd rather refinish with a lighter /natural wood tone?

- If you're thinking of changing the floors, then I withdraw the above comments.

- If you don't want to keep the wood tone, you could paint the cabinets a color. Blue? Red? What color is in your closet?

- Stainless steel appliances will be easiest because they're the majority of what the stores carry. Don't forget the range hood.

- Note that your cabinets have no hardware -- makes 'em look a little naked. Since your sink/faucet are silver, I'd go with something small, simple and silver in tone.

- What's that thing above the sink? I'm thinking it's a paper towel holder, and it needs to go far, far away.

- You say your white tile backsplash is worn. With a busy granite and a white floor, I think you're tied into a plain white background. Doesn't have to be squares, but solid white. Can the 4" granite riser go away with the current tile backsplash? This is a small space, and it will look better with a solid wall of tile /this little 4" breaks up the space.

- You need color. Need it badly. In this small space, pick ONE color that you like -- and it needs to be COLOR, not white, cream or beige -- and bring it in with a throw rug, dish towels, and some artwork.

- Do you have just one overhead light in the middle of this room? I can't see a light over the sink, so I'm thinking your shadow will fall over the sink as you work. I'd add a light over the sink and also under-cabinet lighting if possible.

- What about that soffit? If it comes to replacing the cabinets, I'd try to remove this -- may or may not be possible -- and go with taller cabinets /better storage.

Hi

The counter top brown to strong and too much going on.

Can you please advise me on a modern pleasant combination of floor tile, cabinets color, counter tops, etc… for the kitchen.
I would keep this in my mind when redoing the kitchen.

Thanks.

regarding the description of "very old backsplash" is there actually a problem with it? I'd get your appliances in first of all. Stainless with the wood cabinets will change the look. then add hardware and you'll see how the cabinets wont need paint. The one thing to give yourself an actual upgrade would be a hardwood floor. Not a big area so the cost will be manageable and worth it. This is not a big space so saving more and in a few years replacing everything can give you more chances ...like base drawers maybe some glass doors a better hood....etc.

I would replace the cabinets.

Why?

Because you are going to hate them because of the wide divider stiles in the double cabinets. The cabinet under the sink, over the sink, over the stove and over the refrigerator.

That shallow cabinet over the refrigerator is almost useless because you need a step stool to access anything stored in it.

Lastly, you may be able to remove the soffit over the cabinets and use taller cabinets for more storage.

The only thing that I would do for now is install some inexpensive (eBay, etc.) pulls and live with it for a year. Don't replace any appliances if these are functional. Give it a year and then make plans.

New stainless appliances will be a great start…..and will go with the sink….but…consider just new cabinet doors…as a shortcut to a new look…also post new pictures showing a view from further back…to see what changes will look best with the backsplash and flooring….this appears to be a small studio apartment so perhaps an island with seating would eliminate the need for a dining table…as well as separating the kitchen a little …visually

The island can be long and narrow….with a little shallow shelving on the kitchen side for handy accessible open storage …then add a few stools on the other side with enough overhang to push the stools under when not in use….

One thing to consider …if you paint the cabinets is to use a decorative color… rather than a “kitchen” color…to make it flow better with the living space

If you switch to black appliances …the cabinets could be black…as another option/look

Thanks everyone for great suggestions.
Here is a couple of more pictures showing the over all area.
This is a northwest facing condo so later I was going to paint the walls a more cream color and replace the carpet with a light color laminate like natural oak.
I’m open to suggestions on the flooring and wall color as well.